Financial Crime

PEPs & Sanctions

US Expands International Reach of Cuba Sanctions Programme

By Manesh Samtani | 04/05/2026

New executive order authorises secondary sanctions against foreign financial institutions and companies doing business with designated Cuban entities.

Structural Regulation

China's Legislature Progresses New Overarching Financial Laws

By Manesh Samtani | 04/05/2026

China’s top legislature has confirmed plans to formulate both a Financial Law and a Financial Stability Law this year, creating a new overarching legal framework for the financial sector.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Sanctions China, Hong Kong Firms in Iran Oil Trade Crackdown

By Manesh Samtani | 04/05/2026

The US targeted a Chinese oil terminal and numerous Hong Kong-based front companies, while issuing new warnings on sanctions evasion, digital assets, and maritime risks.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

India’s FinMin Directs Banks to Adopt 'MuleHunter' AI Tool

By Nithya Subramanian | 04/05/2026

The direction was issued following a major cyber-fraud probe that exposed widespread misuse of mule accounts, including alleged involvement of bank staff, as authorities step up coordination to curb digital financial crime.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Sri Lanka Treasury Heist Probe Widens Amid Second Fraud, Official’s Death

By Manesh Samtani | 04/05/2026

The USD 2.5 million cyber heist revealed deep-seated vulnerabilities and a second, similar fraud at another state entity.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

Bangladesh FIU Mandates Anti-Corruption Pledges for Bank Leadership

By Nithya Subramanian | 04/05/2026

The FIU requires bank directors and executives to sign and display written undertakings to combat corruption and bolster governance.

Operational Risk

HKMA Annual Report Sets Key Priorities for 2026

By Manesh Samtani | 04/05/2026

The report highlights Hong Kong's resilience in 2025 and set a forward-looking agenda focused on technology risk, digital assets, and financial crime.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

Former China Insurance Regulator Ren Chunsheng Jailed for Bribery

By Mark Johnston | 03/05/2026

A former insurance regulator has been sentenced after being found guilty of accepting a 'particularly huge' amount in bribes.

Payments & Settlements

Indonesia and China Launch Cross-Border QR Payments

By Nithya Subramanian | 03/05/2026

The linkage between Indonesia’s QRIS and Chinese payment systems aims to boost local currency settlement and deepen regional financial integration.