Financial Crime

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Singapore “Scamdemic” Attributed to “Rich and Naive” Population

By Editors | 28/05/2025

Singapore has among the highest per-capita scam losses globally. In 80% of reported cases, victims transfer funds to fraudsters voluntarily.

KYC & CDD

Malaysia Defends Restrictions on Access to Beneficial Ownership Data

By Nithya Subramanian | 28/05/2025

The Companies Commission said restricting access to specific parties is in line with global norms, balancing transparency with privacy, security, and AML efforts.

Anti-Money Laundering

G7 Finance Ministers Pledge Action Against Financial Crime

By Manesh Samtani | 27/05/2025

G7 commits to strengthening AML frameworks, enhancing international cooperation, and supporting developing countries to combat financial crime.

PEPs & Sanctions

Japanese Shipper Lobbies for Relief After EU Sanctions Hit LNG Tankers

By Editors | 27/05/2025

Mitsui OSK is lobbying the EU via various channels, including the Japanese government, following sanctions on three tankers linked to a Russian LNG project.

Anti-Money Laundering

UK Crime Agency Freezes Properties Linked to Ousted Bangladesh PM

By Nithya Subramanian | 27/05/2025

The two upmarket properties are owned by the son of a Bangladeshi business tycoon and held by offshore companies based in the Isle of Man.

Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Freezes Assets Linked to Cryptocurrency Theft

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/05/2025

AUSTRAC has frozen property and funds tied to alleged cryptocurrency theft following a tip-off from the Luxembourg FIU.

Anti-Money Laundering

New Zealand Issues AML/CFT Guidance for Online Marketplaces

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/05/2025

The guidance outlines the new AML/CFT requirements that will apply to online marketplaces that directly handle payments or act as intermediaries.

Stablecoins

HKMA Issues Two Consultations on Rules for Stablecoin Issuers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/05/2025

The first consultation proposes regulatory standards for stablecoin issuers seeking authorisation. The second proposes AML/CFT requirements.

Anti-Money Laundering

Banks and Crypto Firms Can Help to Tackle Scam Centres

By Nathan Lynch | 27/05/2025

Scam centres fuel human trafficking and money laundering, experts warn, urging banks and crypto firms to enhance AML efforts.