Digital Assets

Anti-Money Laundering

Illicit Crypto Flows Reached Record $158b in 2025 - Report

By Manesh Samtani | 29/01/2026

Chinese-language escrow services processed over $100 bn, becoming a core settlement layer for cross-border illicit finance.

Tokenisation

Thailand SEC Proposes Rules for Tokenised Mutual Funds

By Nithya Subramanian | 28/01/2026

The SEC has issued draft principles to govern the sale and redemption of tokenised MF units, aiming to enable instantaneous transactions, enhance efficiency, and support the digital economy.

Cryptocurrency

ASIC Secures A$14m Penalty Against Crypto Firm BPS Financial

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/01/2026

Court finds that the 'Qoin Wallet' issuer operated without a licence and made misleading claims, setting a key precedent on penalty calculations.

AI Risk & Governance

Korea: KDIC to Deploy AI to Recover Overseas and Digital Assets

By Mark Johnston | 28/01/2026

South Korea’s deposit insurer outlines 2026 plans to utilise artificial intelligence and third-party litigation funding to recover hidden overseas and digital assets.

Cryptocurrency

UK to Extend Consumer Duty to Overseas Firms in Updated Crypto Rulebook

By Manesh Samtani | 28/01/2026

The FCA has set a high bar for consumer protection and firm conduct, with authorisation mandatory by October 2027 for all providers.

Emerging Prudential Risks

AI and Tokenisation Could Heighten Financial Stability Risks: BIS

By Nithya Subramanian | 28/01/2026

AI trading, tokenised assets, and shared platforms heighten financial market complexity, requiring stronger regulation and cross-border coordination to prevent systemic risks.

Custody & Infrastructure

HK SFC, UAE CMA Sign Pact on Cross-Border Digital Asset Supervision

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/01/2026

The agreement establishes a framework for information sharing and supervisory cooperation for digital asset firms operating in both jurisdictions.

Custody & Infrastructure

Korea Prosecutors Lose KRW 70b in Seized Bitcoin to Phishing

By Mark Johnston | 28/01/2026

Incident highlights custodial risks for digital assets amid recent Supreme Court ruling classifying crypto as seizeable ‘electronic property’.

Cryptocurrency

Japan FSA to Propose Allowing Crypto ETFs on Stock Exchange

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/01/2026

Regulators are considering legal and tax reforms that would allow crypto ETFs, with major financial firms already preparing products.