Financial Crime

Anti-Money Laundering

Hong Kong SFC Mandates Stricter AML Controls to Combat 'Layering'

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/11/2025

The SFC expects firms to implement bank account registration, withdrawal holding periods, and enhanced monitoring to counter a new money laundering trend.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Taiwan Cabinet Approves Draft Law to Mandate FI, VASP Anti-Fraud Cooperation

By Mark Johnston | 18/11/2025

Amendments establish four mechanisms, including cross-industry data sharing and tech platforms, to combat financial crime.

Anti-Money Laundering

Binance, OKX Processed Illicit Crypto Despite US Oversight: ICIJ

By Editors | 18/11/2025

An investigation found the exchanges handled hundreds of millions in tainted funds after pleading guilty to AML violations.

Anti-Money Laundering

Malaysia Launches PaymentXchange to Digitise Property Payments

By Nithya Subramanian | 18/11/2025

The PaymentXchange will digitise property payments, boost transparency, and strengthen AML compliance as part of broader real estate sector reforms.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

New Zealand Scams Cost NZ$3 Billion, Fuelling Calls for Bank Liability

By Manesh Samtani | 17/11/2025

New report finds significant financial losses and low fund recovery rates, prompting recommendations for stricter provider accountability and reimbursement rules.

Market Abuse

US Prosecutors Charge Hong Kong Man Over False SEC Filings

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/11/2025

The indictment alleges false SEC filings were used to create sham investment advisers for a "ramp-and-dump" ploy targeting US retail investors.

Anti-Money Laundering

US Fed Terminates 2018 AML Enforcement Order on ICBC

By Manesh Samtani | 17/11/2025

The move ends a long-running action over ICBC's AML controls, signalling the bank has now satisfied key US regulatory demands.

Cryptocurrency

Japan to Reclassify 105 Cryptoassets as Financial Products

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/11/2025

The move would bring tokens like Bitcoin under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, introducing new disclosure rules and a potential tax cut.

Anti-Money Laundering

Sri Lanka Tables 2026 Budget Targeting Digitisation, AML, Tax Reforms

By Mark Johnston | 17/11/2025

Budget 2026 includes plans for a beneficial ownership registry, a national e-invoicing system, and expanded digital payment incentives.