Digital Assets

Anti-Money Laundering

Hong Kong Named as High-Risk Crypto Hub in Russian Sabotage Report

By Manesh Samtani | 20/01/2026

RUSI urges policymakers to monitor over-the-counter crypto services in Hong Kong and other cities to disrupt sabotage financing.

Cryptocurrency

Thai SEC Targets Crypto ETFs and ISSB Alignment in New Strategic Roadmap

By Mark Johnston | 20/01/2026

Thai SEC outlines three-year plan focused on digital asset tokenisation, cyber resilience, and international sustainability reporting standards to boost market competitiveness.

Anti-Money Laundering

Korea Refers Chinese Nationals to Prosecutors in $102m Crypto Laundering Case

By Mark Johnston | 20/01/2026

Customs officials allege the group disguised illicit funds as medical fees, highlighting Seoul’s enforcement-led approach to cross-border digital assets.

Payments & Settlements

Hong Kong Outlines Roadmap to Modernise Trade Finance with 20-Point Plan

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/01/2026

The HKMA has published a 20-point plan to digitise trade finance, aiming to boost SME lending and connectivity.

Stablecoins

Japan's JCB, Resona to Pilot Retail Stablecoin Payments in Regulatory Sandbox

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/01/2026

The collaboration between JCB, Resona and, Digital Garage, aims to test USD and JPY-pegged stablecoins at physical stores.

CBDCs

China's Digital Currency Projects Surge, mBridge Tops $55B

By Manesh Samtani | 19/01/2026

The cross-border payment platform has seen a 2,500-fold value increase, as China introduces new regulations and interest-bearing features for its domestic e-CNY.

Cryptocurrency

Google to Block Unlicensed Foreign Crypto Apps in Korea

By Editors | 19/01/2026

New policy requires proof of local regulatory approval, putting access to major exchanges like Binance and OKX at risk.

Anti-Money Laundering

FIU-India Ramps Up AI-led AML Enforcement, Crypto Sector Oversight

By Nithya Subramanian | 19/01/2026

The FIU-IND expanded supervision across banks, markets and crypto platforms, using AI-led analytics to speed up investigations and strengthen cooperation with domestic and global agencies.

Tokenisation

South Korea Passes Legislation to Legalise Security Tokens

By Mark Johnston | 19/01/2026

New laws, effective January 2027, will institutionalise security token offerings and open up fractional investment in non-traditional assets.