Financial Crime

Cryptocurrency

US Releases Crypto Policy Roadmap to Reclaim Global Leadership

By Manesh Samtani | 31/07/2025

The report names Japan and Singapore among the key competitor markets, calls for a revisit of the BCBS crypto standards, and signals an intent to extend the reach of US AML rules.

Market Abuse

Korea Launches Joint Task Force to Combat Stock Manipulation

By Manesh Samtani | 31/07/2025

A new multi-agency team will enforce a "one-strike out" policy with tougher penalties and enhanced surveillance to root out unfair trading.

PEPs & Sanctions

BNM Fines Three Lenders for Regulatory Breaches

By Nithya Subramanian | 31/07/2025

The fines were imposed for breaches involving deficient AML controls, delayed sanctions screening, and banking service outages.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Law Reform Needed to Combat 'Industrial Scale' Super Misconduct: ASIC

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 31/07/2025

ASIC has called for new laws and a collective industry response to tackle the exploitation of retirement savings.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Ex-chair of Listed Firm Surrenders to Hong Kong's ICAC After 14 years

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 31/07/2025

Li Songxiao, former head of Neo-China, faces charges of conspiracy to defraud over HKD 330 million in property deals that allegedly inflated the company's assets.

Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Sues Gaming Giant Mounties Over Alleged AML Breaches

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 31/07/2025

AUSTRAC alleges systemic non-compliance with AML/CTF laws, highlighting the risks for regulated entities that outsource their compliance programmes.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

Singapore's Seatrium to Pay $188m to Resolve Corruption Probe

By Nithya Subramanian | 31/07/2025

The firm has signed a leniency agreement in Brazil and a DPA in Singapore related to ‘Operation Car Wash’.

Supervision & Enforcement

Australia to Bring AUSTRAC, ACIC Under Intelligence Oversight Regime

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 31/07/2025

New legislation introduced to Parliament will extend the remit of national security agencies to the intelligence functions of AUSTRAC and the ACIC.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

SC Malaysia Charges Former Unit Trust Consultant with Securities Fraud

By Nithya Subramanian | 31/07/2025

The consultant allegedly defrauded two investors by misrepresenting a unit trust investment, and used the funds for her personal investments.