Anti-Money Laundering

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Hong Kong Jails Agents in Insurance Commission Fraud Scheme

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/11/2025

Jail sentences were earlier handed to another 11 individuals who were all part of the same 'dummy agent' commission fraud scheme, according to the ICAC.

PEPs & Sanctions

HKMA Issues Guidance to Curb 'Overly Cautious' AML Checks on PEPs

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/11/2025

The HKMA’s new 'Smart Tips' guidance clarifies rules for domestic and former PEPs, urging banks to adopt a more proportionate, risk-based approach.

Anti-Money Laundering

AML/CFT Officials Discuss FATF Work to Promote Financial Inclusion

By Manesh Samtani | 24/11/2025

The FATF is encouraging simplified measures for low-risk customers and clarifying that over-compliance is counterproductive.

Anti-Money Laundering

HKMA Reports on AI Adoption Status in Transaction Monitoring

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/11/2025

The HKMA revealed high uptake following its September 2024 directive and announced new workshops on the use of AI and crypto-related risks.

Cryptocurrency

Vanuatu Establishes Regulatory Regime for Virtual Assets

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/11/2025

The VFSC has launched a new licensing regime for VASPs, mandating compliance with global AML/CFT standards.

CBDCs

BIS Report Spotlights APAC’s Influence on Global Fintech Policy

By Manesh Samtani | 20/11/2025

A six-year review led by the BIS Hong Kong Hub shows how presidencies in India and Indonesia shaped regulatory priorities.

Stablecoins

AMRO Calls on ASEAN+3 Policymakers to Tackle Stablecoin Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 20/11/2025

AMRO calls for coordinated regulation to manage financial stability and monetary sovereignty risks from new payment technologies.

Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Warns Payment Platforms Over Child Exploitation Risks

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/11/2025

AUSTRAC is urging firms to leverage its guidance to detect and report illicit payments for abuse material.

Anti-Money Laundering

Indonesia’s OJK Standardises Account Management in Commercial Banks

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/11/2025

The new regulation introduces strict governance and oversight requirements for bank account management, tightening controls on inactive accounts to prevent fraud and boost trust.