Enforcement

AML / KYC

Bangladesh Banks Directed to Engage Global Firms for Asset Recovery

By Mark Johnston | 08/10/2025

Lenders in Bangladesh must partner with international experts to repatriate funds allegedly laundered by high-profile individuals and business groups.

Enforcement

ASIC Flags Widespread Auditor Independence Failures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 08/10/2025

A targeted ASIC review found almost a third of auditors examined were in likely breach of rules, with many adopting a 'tick-box' approach and failing to self-report.

AML / KYC

India’s ED Finds OctaFX Netted INR 8bn from Illegal Trades

By Nithya Subramanian | 08/10/2025

The ED is investigating the forex and crypto trading platform for money laundering, after uncovering a sophisticated, transcontinental fraud and money laundering operation.

Enforcement

IAG New Zealand Hit with $11.4M Penalty for Systemic Failures

By Mark Johnston | 07/10/2025

The FMA has secured a record penalty against the country's top insurer for misleading customers on a massive scale.

Enforcement

New Zealand Jails Adviser Over Theft from Elderly Clients

By Mark Johnston | 07/10/2025

The Financial Markets Authority has secured a prison sentence and a lifetime ban for a former adviser in a “gross breach of trust”.

Enforcement

Tokyo Court Jails Ex-MUFG Manager for Safety Deposit Box Theft

By Nithya Subramanian | 07/10/2025

The manager was sentenced to nine years in prison for stealing gold and cash from customer safety deposit boxes, prompting Japan’s FSA to ban cash storage and tighten bank oversight.

Enforcement

HKMA Working to Expand its Disciplinary Toolkit - Report

By Manesh Samtani | 07/10/2025

The proposal would grant the HKMA powers to fine and publicly reprimand banks, better aligning its authority with international standards.

Enforcement

Korea Moves to Toughen Penalties in Market Manipulation Cases

By Mark Johnston | 07/10/2025

Policymakers are seeking to use existing laws to confiscate principal funds, not just illegal profits, to create a stronger deterrent.

Fintech / Regtech

Rising Financial Fraud in Japan and Countermeasures to Tackle It

By Gavin Blair | 07/10/2025

Record fraud losses in Japan, driven by police impersonation scams, are prompting new countermeasures as criminals move online and overseas.