Sanctions

Market Infrastructure

Geopolitical Rifts Create Asymmetric Risks for Cross-border Banking: BIS

By Manesh Samtani | 23/03/2026

New BIS paper says negative geopolitical events disproportionately hit cross-border credit, while positive events fail to provide a similar boost.

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Urges Firms to Enhance Sanctions Screening Systems, Adopt AI

By Manesh Samtani | 17/03/2026

Thematic review found systems generally meet expectations. HKMA has highlighted good practices in governance, testing, and technology.

Sanctions

US Eases Russian Oil Sanctions for 30 Days to Calm Markets

By Nithya Subramanian | 16/03/2026

OFAC issues a temporary general licence to release Russian oil stranded at sea, a move aimed at market stability that has been criticised by Ukraine and European partners.

Sanctions

US Sanctions North Korea IT Worker Network in Vietnam and Laos

By Manesh Samtani | 13/03/2026

The action targets facilitators using cryptocurrency to launder funds, heightening secondary sanctions and due diligence risks for financial institutions in Southeast Asia.

AML / KYC

US Treasury Recognises Legitimate Use of Crypto Mixers, Seeks New Powers

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

A key report signals a nuanced US stance on privacy tools while proposing a "hold law" to freeze suspicious digital assets.

Sanctions

New FATF Report Calls for Crackdown on Offshore Crypto Providers

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

New report outlines risks from offshore crypto firms and calls for coordinated global action from regulators and financial institutions.

Sanctions

US Fed Lifts Enforcement Actions Against ICBC and StanChart

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

The Fed has terminated long-standing orders related to sanctions compliance, internal controls, and unauthorised data disclosure at the two major banks.

AML / KYC

UK Unveils Global Fraud Crackdown With Focus on Asian Scam Hubs

By Manesh Samtani | 11/03/2026

New strategy includes a GBP 250 million investment, partnerships with Vietnam and India, and new crypto and payment regulations.

Sanctions

US Treasury Reports Flag Evolving Threats Emanating from APAC

By Manesh Samtani | 11/03/2026

New assessments detail sophisticated North Korean schemes, the dominance of Chinese money laundering networks, and industrial-scale fraud syndicates in Southeast Asia.