Digital Assets

Cryptocurrency

Pakistan Establishes Permanent Legal Basis for Crypto Regulator

By Mark Johnston | 10/03/2026

The new law formalises PVARA's powers, sets strict licensing mandates, and introduces severe penalties for non-compliance, fulfilling a key IMF condition.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

FSS Korea Announces 2026 Work Plan to Combat Financial Crime

By Manesh Samtani | 10/03/2026

FSS details its plan to combat fraud, including potential no-fault liability for financial institutions and enhanced AML supervision.

AI Risk & Governance

HKMA Directs Banks to Develop Strategic Plans for DLT, AI Adoption

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/03/2026

HKMA has given lenders six months to devise board-approved strategic plans for adapting to new technologies.

Tokenisation

Visa, ANZ and Fidelity Pilot Tokenised Cross-Border Settlement

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/03/2026

Consortium of financial institutions tests atomic settlement for tokenised funds using e-HKD under the HKMA programme.

Payments & Settlements

Swift Launches Retail Payment Framework with Major Banks

By Manesh Samtani | 09/03/2026

New rules under the framework aim to bring speed, transparency and cost certainty to cross-border payments, with key APAC corridors among the first to benefit.

Stablecoins

Korea to Prohibit Corporate Investments into Stablecoins

By Manesh Samtani | 09/03/2026

Regulators are preparing rules for listed companies to invest in digital assets, but will omit dollar-pegged tokens amid legal conflicts.

Tokenisation

New Zealand Firm Launches Digital Tokens Backed by Physical Gold, Silver

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/03/2026

Auckland-based Techemynt is issuing gold and silver-backed tokens, applying national AML laws to direct purchasers of the assets.

Clearing & Post-Trade

FIA Outlines Risks, Roadmap for 24/7 Derivatives Trading

By Manesh Samtani | 08/03/2026

FIA says clearing, payment, and operational systems must be modernised to support around-the-clock markets without introducing systemic risk.

Tokenisation

Australia Risks Missing AUD 24bn Digital Finance Opportunity, Report Warns

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/03/2026

DFCRC report urges policy reform, warning that regulatory uncertainty and a lack of coordination could cost Australia an AUD 24 billion annual economic opportunity.