Cryptocurrency

Anti-Money Laundering

Digital Currency Exchanges on Notice Amid AUSTRAC Compliance Blitz

By Nathan Lynch | 20/02/2025

Crackdown from AUSTRAC could be just the tip of the iceberg for crypto exchanges, as some could also face follow-up enforcement action.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Australian Police Publishes “Scam Script” Used to Lure Victims

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/02/2025

The AFP published the scam script to promote an understanding of how romance scams are operated and greater vigilance by the public.

Stablecoins

Standard Chartered Forms JV to Issue HKD-Backed Stablecoin

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/02/2025

Standard Chartered, Animoca Brands and HKT will apply for HKMA licence to issue the first Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin.

Tokenisation

Thai Government Plans Launch of First Tokenised Bonds

By Mark Johnston | 18/02/2025

The pilot issuance will allow retail investors to participate in trading tokenised government bonds through securities firms.

Cryptocurrency

MAS Grants In-principle Digital Assets Licence to Straits Millennium

By Nithya Subramanian | 18/02/2025

Some 30 firms in Singapore have been granted an Major Payment Institution license by MAS for DPT services.

Cryptocurrency

Coinbase Discussing Market Re-entry With Indian Regulators

By Nithya Subramanian | 17/02/2025

Coinbase initially entered the Indian market in 2022 but was later forced to suspend operations.

Cryptocurrency

OJK Considers Allowing Crypto ETF Listings in Indonesia

By Nithya Subramanian | 17/02/2025

OJK is conducting a review to determine whether crypto ETFS will be permitted and which crypto assets would qualify for inclusion in an ETF.

Sustainable Finance

ACMF Starts Work on New Action Plan for ASEAN Capital Markets

By Nithya Subramanian | 17/02/2025

The action plan, to be released by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum in October 2025, will serve as a five-year roadmap to advance ASEAN capital markets.

Cryptocurrency

SFC Mulls Rule Changes to Boost Virtual Asset Sector

By Manesh Samtani | 17/02/2025

The SFC is considering relaxing certain rules to improve liquidity in Hong Kong’s virtual asset market and enhance the city’s position as a digital asset hub.