Cryptocurrency

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Singapore Court Jails Chinese National over $6.9m Crypto Theft

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/03/2026

Chinese national Zhang Xinghua jailed two years for role in multi-million-dollar SafeX cryptocurrency theft involving insider access and laundering attempts.

Stablecoins

HSBC, StanChart Tipped to Win Hong Kong Stablecoin Licences

By Manesh Samtani | 13/03/2026

Standard Chartered has participated in the HKMA sandbox for stablecoin issuers, but HSBC's inclusion is seen as noteworthy as it did not.

PEPs & 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.

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.

Anti-Money Laundering

Thailand Freezes 10,000 Crypto Accounts in AML Crackdown

By Editors | 12/03/2026

The action follows the rollout of a new ‘Speed Bump’ protocol and stricter KYC checks designed to disrupt illicit fund flows.

Cryptocurrency

Korean Regulator Concludes Probe into Bithumb 'Ghost Coin' Incident

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

The FSS has concluded its probe into the exchange's internal control failures, which allowed a payout far exceeding its holdings.

Custody & Infrastructure

ASIC Outlines 'Substance Over Form' Approach to Digital Asset Regulation

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

A senior Australian regulator argues for integrating digital assets into existing financial laws, rejecting the need for entirely bespoke frameworks.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Thailand Seeks Interpol Red Notice in Major Crypto Fraud Case

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

Authorities are pursuing a fugitive businessman accused of a cryptocurrency scheme with initial losses estimated at over THB 76 million.

Anti-Money Laundering

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.