Fintech / Regtech

AML / KYC

Myanmar’s Scam Factories: A Descent Into the Heart of Financial Darkness

By Nathan Lynch | 25/04/2025

Industrial-scale scam operations run by criminal syndicates in Myanmar present a daunting challenge to banks and law enforcement, writes Nathan Lynch.

Sanctions

China, Russia Are Using a New Payments Netting System to Trade Freely

By Manesh Samtani | 25/04/2025

The netting system, set up by sanctioned banks, has become the cheapest way for settling trade between Russia with China

ESG / Sustainability

China Issues Work Plan for Opening Up Services Industry

By Manesh Samtani | 24/04/2025

The plan includes several measures specific to the financial industry, including attracting overseas funds to invest in green projects

Crypto / Digital Assets

BIS Publishes Findings from Project to Tokenise MDB Promissory Notes

By Manesh Samtani | 24/04/2025

Project Promissa developed a DLT platform for tokenised promissory notes, enabling more efficient management of the notes throughout their lifecycle.

Market Infrastructure

FSB to ‘Intensify Engagement’ on Cross-border Payments

By Manesh Samtani | 24/04/2025

Klaas Knot’s final letter to the G20 ministers says progress to enhance cross-border payments hasn’t yet led to “material improvements” for end-users.

Securities / Derivatives

JSDA Revises OTC Rules to Accommodate Security Tokens

By Thisanka Siripala | 24/04/2025

The rule revisions add trust beneficiary securities to the J-Ships programme and clarify procedures for issuing security tokens.

Crypto / Digital Assets

BOK to Expand CBDC Pilot to Include P2P Transfers

By Mark Johnston | 24/04/2025

BOK is set to widen its digital currency trial by adding person-to-person transfers and a digital welfare voucher system.

ESG / Sustainability

Taiwan FSC Proposes to Update Internal Control Rules for Banks, FHCs

By Nithya Subramanian | 23/04/2025

The amendments aim to strengthen risk management, audit independence, cybersecurity, and sustainability practices across banks and financial holding companies.

AML / KYC

Southeast Asian Crime Syndicates Are Now Operating Globally – UNODC

By Manesh Samtani | 23/04/2025

UNODC says East and Southeast Asian organised crime groups are spreading “like a cancer”, driven by new technologies and mounting law enforcement pressure.