Financial Crime

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Industry Officials Push for Phase-Out of OTPs, New Fintech Listing Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/11/2025

The move away from OTPs is expected to reduce the cost of payments. Industry is moving toward biometric-based passkeys and tokenised verification.

CBDCs

Age of Empires: ASEAN Plays Vital Role Amid Global Power Games

By Nathan Lynch | 21/11/2025

ASEAN nations are positioning themselves as a neutral bridge between China and the US, as geopolitical upheaval and sanctions continue to fragment global trade and financial services.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

US, UK and Australia Sanction Russian Cybercrime Network

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/11/2025

The three countries jointly sanctioned two Russian cybercriminals and two affiliated firms accused of providing “bulletproof hosting” for global ransomware attacks.

Cryptocurrency

Malaysia Forms Special Committee to Review Bitcoin Policy

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/11/2025

The committee will assess whether to regulate or ban bitcoin as power theft, enforcement gaps and mining-related risks escalate nationwide.

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.

Credit Risk

HKMA Intensifies Scrutiny of Bank Property Lending – Reports

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/11/2025

The HKMA is increasing calls to lenders and questioning decisions on distressed loans and collateral valuations.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

Thailand Launches “Zero Corruption” Taskforce to Strengthen Governance

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/11/2025

The taskforce is focused on strengthening corporate anti-corruption systems, improving data transparency, deploying technology, and enhancing whistleblower protections.

Payments & Settlements

Bahrain, Singapore Launch Digital Infrastructure to De-Risk Trade Finance

By Manesh Samtani | 20/11/2025

The cross-border initiative aims to create a digital ledger to boost bank confidence and unlock critical funding for small businesses.