Financial Crime

Anti-Money Laundering

UNODC Flags Money Laundering Risks as Drug Crimes Surge in Asia

By Thisanka Siripala | 05/06/2025

Drug trafficking networks are increasingly turning to underground banking and digital platforms to launder drug proceeds.

KYC & CDD

Singapore Sharpens Focus on Source of Wealth Due Diligence

By Manesh Samtani | 05/06/2025

New guidelines in Singapore call for more robust source of wealth checks in banking and wealth management, experts say.

Anti-Money Laundering

Crypto ATMs in the Crosshairs, as Australia Targets Laundering, Scams and Terrorism

By Nathan Lynch | 04/06/2025

Nathan Lynch explores how Australian authorities are responding to the criminal threats associated with crypto ATMs, which proliferated during the pandemic.

Emerging Prudential Risks

RBI Plans to Introduce Interest Rate Rules for NBFCs

By Nithya Subramanian | 04/06/2025

The RBI will align the rules for NBFCs with those for banks to ensure consistency in rate-setting practices.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

AUSTRAC Cracks Down on Crypto ATM Operators

By Thisanka Siripala | 04/06/2025

AUSTRAC has imposed an A$5,000 transaction limit on cash deposits and withdrawals and other measures.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

ASIC Sues Westpac Unit for Systemic Misconduct 

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/06/2025

ASIC commenced civil penalty proceedings against a subsidiary of Westpac for “systemic” misconduct in arranging home loans.

PEPs & Sanctions

US, EU Preparing Tougher Sanctions Against Russia

By Manesh Samtani | 04/06/2025

Proposed legislation sanctions could raise tariffs to 500% for countries like China and India that purchase oil from Russia.

Anti-Money Laundering

Singapore Court Allows 1MDB’s $394m Claim Against BSI Bank to Proceed

By Nithya Subramanian | 04/06/2025

The court rejected BSI Bank’s bid to strike out the case, allowing 1MDB and Brazen Sky Limited to seek compensation.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Scam Liability in Asia: A Spectrum of Policies, One Common Fight

By Anurag Mohapatra | 04/06/2025

Asia’s diverse anti-scam policies reflect local contexts, Anurag Mohapatra writes, highlighting the need for trust, coordination, and accountability.