Digital Assets

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.

DeFi & Web3

$290m Crypto Hack Reveals DeFi Governance and Contagion Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 27/04/2026

An exploit attributed to North Korea triggered market contagion and a governance intervention, offering lessons for regulators on systemic risk.

Cryptocurrency

China Targets 'Finfluencers' and AI in Online Ad Crackdown

By Mark Johnston | 27/04/2026

New rules for financial product marketing are part of a broader push by regulators to govern the entire internet advertising ecosystem, from AI to livestreaming.

Tokenisation

NAB Explores Tokenised Deposits in RBA-Backed Digital Asset Trial

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/04/2026

NAB has detailed its role in Project Acacia, a pilot exploring the use of stablecoins and tokenised assets in wholesale markets.

Cryptocurrency

Thailand SEC to Ease Licensing Rules for Crypto Derivatives

By Nithya Subramanian | 26/04/2026

The SEC is consulting on rules allowing digital asset firms to offer derivatives without creating new legal entities, while strengthening oversight and conflict-of-interest controls.

Emerging Prudential Risks

BIS Paper Calls for Bank-Like Prudential Rules for Crypto Intermediaries

By Manesh Samtani | 24/04/2026

New paper highlights systemic risks from crypto firms acting as financial intermediaries and recommends comprehensive prudential oversight and cross-border cooperation.

Cryptocurrency

Philippines SEC Flags Seven Unlicensed Crypto Platforms

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/04/2026

The SEC has warned the public against seven unlicensed online trading platforms, threatening promoters with fines and lengthy prison sentences.