Digital Assets

Anti-Money Laundering

Korea to Screen Crypto Firm Shareholders Under Tougher AML Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/01/2026

New rules expand criminal background checks to major shareholders and broaden the scope of review for VASP applicants, targeting market integrity.

Stablecoins

AMRO Chief Urges Policy Action to Address AI, Tokenization Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 30/01/2026

The head of the ASEAN+3 research office calls for sustained policy attention to manage risks from faster, AI-driven finance.

Anti-Money Laundering

Thailand Suspends Multiple Officials in Crypto Mining Corruption Probe

By Nithya Subramanian | 30/01/2026

An anti-corruption investigation has been launched after officials at Thailand's state utility were implicated in a foreign-funded illegal Bitcoin mining syndicate.

Stablecoins

Korean Lawmakers to Submit Digital Asset Bill by 17 February

By Manesh Samtani | 29/01/2026

The bill would set a KRW 5 billion capital floor for stablecoin issuers and proposes a stricter licensing regime for exchanges.

Custody & Infrastructure

Hong Kong FSDC Outlines Strategy for Deeper Integration with Africa

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/01/2026

A new report says Hong Kong's digital asset and green finance regulations can act as a "super-connector" for channelling Asian capital into African markets.

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.