AML / KYC

AML / KYC

Malaysia Recovers 1MDB-Linked Artworks Amid Gaps in Fugitive Pursuit

By Nithya Subramanian | 17/04/2026

Four artworks valued at nearly USD 200,000 have been returned as part of ongoing recovery efforts, but alleged mastermind Jho Low remains absent from Interpol’s public list.

Sanctions

US Warns APAC Banks of Sanctions Risk Over Iran Transactions

By Manesh Samtani | 17/04/2026

US Treasury warns banks in China, Hong Kong and the UAE they risk secondary sanctions for handling illicit Iranian funds.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Puts Wealth Sector on Notice for ‘Unacceptable Blind Spot’

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/04/2026

AUSTRAC has warned wealth managers over failures to report suspicious transactions, creating significant financial crime risks.

AML / KYC

Philippines Appoints New AMLC Chief Amid Major Corruption Probe

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/04/2026

Ronel Buenaventura inherits a significant flood control corruption investigation and the challenge of keeping the country off the FATF greylist.

Enforcement

EU Report Highlights Divergent AML Paths in Japan and Singapore

By Manesh Samtani | 16/04/2026

New European Parliament briefing contrasts the centralised, risk–based AML model in Singapore with Japan’s more compliance–oriented approach.

Enforcement

Hong Kong Jails Two Former HSBC Staff over Bribery-for-Accounts Scheme

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/04/2026

The sentences highlight significant AML failures, with 70 accounts opened through the scheme later flagged for potential illicit activity.

Crypto / Digital Assets

KoFIU Announces Decision to Penalise Crypto Exchange Coinone for AML Failures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/04/2026

KoFIU has sanctioned crypto exchange Coinone for extensive AML/CFT breaches, as a separate review reveals deep-seated internal control deficiencies.

AML / KYC

Australian Banks Exit 1,000+ Customers in Illicit Tobacco Crackdown

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/04/2026

AUSTRAC reports significant results from a targeted crackdown on illicit tobacco financing, with banks filing hundreds of suspicious matter reports.

AML / KYC

Indonesia Revamps National AML Committee, Adds New Agencies

By Nithya Subramanian | 14/04/2026

Indonesia’s national AML committee has expanded its working groups to include 28 government bodies, aiming to shift towards a more proactive prevention strategy.