AI, Technology & Data

Cybersecurity

China Curbs OpenClaw AI Use Amid Security Fears and Adoption Frenzy

By Mark Johnston | 12/03/2026

Beijing is restricting the viral AI agent in state-run firms over security risks, even as local governments offer subsidies to fuel adoption.

Anti-Money Laundering

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.

Tokenisation

New Zealand FMA Calls for Digital Asset Law, Expands Fintech Sandbox

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

The FMA has flagged the need for primary legislation for virtual assets, citing industry concerns over regulatory fragmentation.

Structural Regulation

Indonesia Confirms New OJK Leadership to Push Market Reforms

By Mark Johnston | 12/03/2026

Indonesia has confirmed new OJK appointments tasked with implementing urgent governance reforms and restoring global confidence in the domestic market.

Stablecoins

Japan FSA Prioritises Real-World Use Cases to Guide Digital Asset Rule-Making

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

A senior official outlined Japan's focus on fostering real-world applications for stablecoins and tokenised assets while seeking global consensus on DeFi.

Operational Risk

BOJ Sets Bank Examination Priorities for Fiscal 2026

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

BOJ to scrutinise financial institutions' business models, governance, and management of credit, market and operational risks.

Credit Risk

Data Centre Boom is Reshaping APAC Loan Markets: APLMA

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

New whitepaper details the rapid growth, innovative financing, and significant regulatory and credit risks facing Asia's data centre sector.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Singapore Court Jails Former UOB Employee for Leaking Customer Data

By Nithya Subramanian | 12/03/2026

Cao Wenqing was found disclosing personal details of more than 1,000 bank customers to scammers who posed as Chinese police.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Meta, Global Police Disrupt Asian Scam Networks; New AI Tools Rolled Out

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

As new AI-powered anti-scam features are deployed, a joint operation has led to 21 arrests in Thailand and the removal of over 150,000 accounts from Meta's platforms.