Digital Assets

Market Data & Technology

ICMA Expands Bond Data Taxonomy to Support DLT and Complex Issuance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/04/2026

Version 2.0 of the BDT adds over 200 data fields to enhance automation and interoperability for both traditional and digital bonds.

PEPs & Sanctions

EU Targets Crypto and Third-Country Evasion in Russia Sanctions Package

By Manesh Samtani | 28/04/2026

The package imposes a total sectoral ban on providing crypto-asset services to or transacting with any Russian-established crypto provider.

Stablecoins

Regulated Australian Stablecoin AUDM Lists on Global Exchange OKX

By Editors | 28/04/2026

The listing aims to create a new local currency liquidity layer, challenging the dominance of USD-based stablecoins in Australia.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Asian Regulators Pivot to ‘Co-Creation’ to Govern AI and Digital Finance

By Manesh Samtani | 27/04/2026

At Money20/20 Asia, regional policymakers outlined a new collaborative approach to regulation as experts warned that AI-powered financial scams now surpass the global drug trade.

Stablecoins

KuCoin Launches Mastercard-Linked Crypto Card Under AFSL Regime

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/04/2026

The launch, enabled by a partnership with principal Mastercard member Immersve, follows Kucoin's 2025 AUSTRAC registration and operates within the AFSL framework.

Custody & Infrastructure

Vietnam's NDAChain Used in Cross-Border On-Chain PoC

By Editors | 27/04/2026

A proof-of-concept between Vietnam and Indonesia has tested a model for compliant, cross-border digital transactions using verified credentials.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Sanctions Chinese Refiner, Targets Iran’s Crypto Reserves

By Manesh Samtani | 27/04/2026

OFAC designated a major Chinese refinery and dozens of shipping firms for facilitating Iranian oil sales, while also freezing USD 344 million in crypto assets.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Singapore Police, Crypto Exchanges Prevent S$2.86m in Scam Losses

By Editors | 27/04/2026

A joint operation using advanced blockchain analysis has been hailed as a significant advancement in Singapore’s fight against financial crime involving digital assets.

Emerging Prudential Risks

BOJ Warns on Hedge Fund and Geopolitical Risks to Financial System

By Manesh Samtani | 27/04/2026

BOJ flags growing threats from overseas non-banks and Middle East conflict, despite finding the system is currently stable.