Financial Crime

PEPs & Sanctions

US Experts Urge Congress to Sanction Hong Kong Banks

By Manesh Samtani | 23/09/2025

Congressional roundtable hears calls to target Hong Kong's alleged role as a hub for sanctions evasion for China, Russia and Iran.

Anti-Money Laundering

China Imposes New Anti-Money Laundering Rules on Law Firms

By Manesh Samtani | 23/09/2025

New regulations require law firms to conduct client due diligence and report suspicious transactions, aligning the sector with global AML standards.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

OJK Indonesia Probes Suspected Breach of BCA Client Fund Account

By Nithya Subramanian | 22/09/2025

OJK is coordinating with IDX, KPEI and KSEI to mitigate risks and has tightened rules on client fund transfers and withdrawals to safeguard investors.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

MAS Fines Singlife Financial Advisers, Issues POs Over Supervisory Lapses

By Nithya Subramanian | 22/09/2025

MAS took regulatory action against Singlife Financial Advisers and several former employees over recruitment lapses and product mis-selling breaches.

Stablecoins

Lack of 'Strategic Thinking' Fuelling Rise of Rival Financial Systems: RUSI

By Manesh Samtani | 22/09/2025

New report argues that geopolitical shifts, sanctions, and de-risking are driving nations to build alternative financial systems.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

HKPF Deepens Anti-Scam Cooperation with Regional Partners

By Editors | 22/09/2025

Police chief met with counterparts from four key Asian nations to discuss closer collaboration on combating scams, as a major security forum pledges joint action on online fraud.

Stablecoins

US Advances Stablecoin Rules, Seeks Input on Foreign Issuers

By Manesh Samtani | 22/09/2025

A formal request for comment on the GENIUS Act has been issued, with specific questions on how to treat foreign firms and comparable regulatory regimes.

Anti-Money Laundering

DBS Cash Remittances Curb Puts 3 Bangladeshi Banks at Risk

By Nithya Subramanian | 22/09/2025

Proposed suspension threatens a key channel of remittance for Bangladeshi migrant workers, though regulators have secured a temporary reprieve until 31 October.

Structural Regulation

Top ASIC and APRA Officials Announce Planned Departures

By Editors | 22/09/2025

ASIC Chair Joe Longo and APRA Deputy Chair Margaret Cole will step down in 2026, prompting the government to begin its search for their replacements.