Digital Assets

Cryptocurrency

Thailand SEC to Enhance Protections for Digital Asset Investors

By Editors | 01/03/2021

The SEC is consulting new qualifications for retail investors in digital assets, and requiring digital asset fund managers and investment advisors to be licensed.

Emerging Prudential Risks

FSB Work Plan to Focus on Addressing Covid Vulnerabilities

By Editors | 26/02/2021

The FSB says it will produce an assessment of initial lessons learned from the pandemic and a report on the factors needed for an orderly unwinding of support measures.

Anti-Money Laundering

FATF Concludes Second Plenary Under German Presidency

By Manesh Samtani | 26/02/2021

The FATF has finalised guidance on risk-based supervision, terrorist financing, and arms trafficking, as well as draft guidance on proliferation financing, and virtual assets.

Anti-Money Laundering

Australian Police Charge Man for Crypto Related Money Laundering

By Editors | 23/02/2021

Police say the Sydney man directed “money launderers for hire” to convert nearly A$5.5mn of cash into bitcoin on his behalf.

CBDCs

China, UAE Join HKMA-BOT Initiative to Create CBDC Bridge

By Manesh Samtani | 23/02/2021

The project, now called ‘m-CBDC Bridge’, will seek the development of a prototype to facilitate real-time cross-border transactions using multiple CBDCs.

Cryptocurrency

SEC Thailand Considers New Qualifications for Retail Crypto Investors

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/02/2021

The SEC is considering the introduction of screening criteria for retail crypto investors which could include age, trading experience and wealth.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

US Prosecutors Unveils New Charges Against North Korean Hackers

By Manesh Samtani | 21/02/2021

Warrants have been issued for the arrest of the three programmers said to be involved in the Sony, WannaCry, Bangladesh Bank and other attacks.

PEPs & Sanctions

OFAC Settles Sanctions Case Against Crypto Payments Processor BitPay

By Editors | 20/02/2021

BitPay is said to have enabled individuals in sanctioned jurisdictions to engage in $129,000 worth of digital currency-related transactions with its merchant customers.

Anti-Money Laundering

FSC Korea Proposes Additional Rule Changes for VASPs

By Editors | 18/02/2021

The changes add to revisions proposed in November to align requirements for VASPs with the FATF recommendations.