Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency

Korea to Impose Bank-Grade Controls on Crypto Exchanges After Bithumb Error

By Mark Johnston | 17/02/2026

A USD 40 billion Bitcoin misallocation at Bithumb has triggered a regulatory overhaul, with authorities now demanding compliance on par with traditional banks.

Anti-Money Laundering

FATF Sets Sights on Global Fraud and Crypto Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 14/02/2026

The FATF added Papua New Guinea and Kuwait to its grey list, adopted Singapore's mutual evaluation, and approved new reports on cyber-enabled fraud and virtual assets.

Anti-Money Laundering

J5 Warns on OTC Crypto, Payment Processor Risks

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/02/2026

Global tax authorities warn that OTC crypto desks and payment processors face rising misuse risks, calling for stronger oversight and coordination to curb illicit financial flows.

Stablecoins

Stablecoins Threaten to Entrench Dollar, Sidelining APAC Currencies

By Manesh Samtani | 13/02/2026

New IMF paper argues that while stablecoins improve payments, they risk concentrating power and undermining smaller economies and currencies like the yen.

Structural Regulation

Vietnam Launches International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/02/2026

The financial centre will focus on capital markets, fintech, digital banking and new financial products to strengthen global capital connectivity and support sustainable economic growth.

Capital Adequacy

Hong Kong Proposes Capital Rule Overhaul for Insurers, Targeting Infrastructure and Crypto

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

The IA is consulting on changes to its risk-based capital regime, including preferential treatment for infrastructure and new charges for crypto-assets.

Cryptocurrency

Thailand Approves Digital Asset and Carbon Credit Derivatives

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

Thailand greenlights derivatives for digital assets and carbon credits, aiming to modernise markets, boost risk management, and support climate goals.

Cryptocurrency

UK FCA Files Lawsuit Against Asia-Linked Crypto Major HTX

By Manesh Samtani | 12/02/2026

HTX, formerly known as Huobi, which has deep roots in Asia, is accused of breaching financial promotion rules that came into effect in October 2023.

Cryptocurrency

SFC Unveils Rules for Crypto Margin Trading, Perps, and Market Making

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

The new measures, part of the ASPIRe roadmap, were announced at the Consensus 2026 conference and aim to boost liquidity for licensed crypto firms.