Digital Assets

Cryptocurrency

Korea Seeks Reforms After COVID Relief Fund Paid $15M to Crypto Traders

By Editors | 19/12/2025

An audit found a pandemic recovery fund for small businesses gave debt relief to hundreds of crypto holders, prompting calls for new asset verification powers.

Anti-Money Laundering

Korea, Oman Sign Pact to Combat Illicit Finance and Crypto Crime

By Editors | 19/12/2025

The agreement between the two nations' FIUs aims to enhance information sharing on money laundering and terrorist financing.

Cryptocurrency

Australia Court Orders Winding Up of Crypto Firms Over A$59m Unlicensed Scheme

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/12/2025

The Federal Court found the firms operated an unregistered managed investment scheme and acted without a licence.

Stablecoins

Japan's SBI Holdings to Launch Yen Stablecoin in Q2 2026

By Mark Johnston | 19/12/2025

The stablecoin will be structured as a “Type 3 Electronic Payment Instrument”, which means it will not be subject to a cap on domestic remittances and fund balances.

Tokenisation

Malaysia's CIMB to Pilot Tokenised Sukuk Under Regulator Programme

By Manesh Samtani | 19/12/2025

The bank will join a pilot led by the securities regulator and sovereign wealth fund Khazanah, aiming to build a regulated digital asset ecosystem.

Tokenisation

StanChart Launches Tokenised Deposits Under HK, Singapore Initiatives

By Manesh Samtani | 19/12/2025

The solution for multi-currency, 24/7 liquidity management was launched under the HKMA's Project Ensemble and MAS's Project Guardian initiatives.

Cryptocurrency

UK Unveils Crypto Rules, Challenging APAC Hubs for Global Dominance

By Manesh Samtani | 19/12/2025

The new regime creates a formal pathway for global firms to enter the UK, positioning London against centres like Singapore and Hong Kong.

Cloud & Infrastructure

Australia Considers Overhaul of Fintech Sandbox Amid Low Uptake, Scope Concerns

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/12/2025

Treasury review seeks feedback on why its regulatory sandbox has struggled, floating ideas from international models and new thematic sandboxes.

Structural Regulation

HKEX CEO Outlines Planned Reforms for Asia Connectivity Push

By Manesh Samtani | 18/12/2025

Bonnie Chan details plans for new products, technology upgrades, and a review of the listing framework to bolster Hong Kong's role.