Financial Crime

Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Issues Guidance on Tipping Off Offence Effective 31 March

By Thisanka Siripala | 21/03/2025

From 31 March 2025, disclosing certain information that could prejudice an investigation will become a criminal offence.

Supervision & Enforcement

Korean Authorities Investigate Bithumb Over Embezzlement

By Thisanka Siripala | 21/03/2025

The investigation centres on claims that Bithumb financed a USD 2 million apartment deposit for its former CEO.

Credit Risk

Hong Kong SFC Issues Further IPO Subscription Guidance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/03/2025

The SFC has directed licensed corporations to stop engaging in “imprudent and aggressive” IPO financing practices.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Sanctions Chinese Oil Refinery for Buying Iranian Oil

By Manesh Samtani | 21/03/2025

8 vessels and 12 additional entities were also sanctioned, including the owner of an oil storage terminal in China’s Huizhou Port.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Thailand Insurance Regulator Unveils AI Tools to Combat Fraud

By Mark Johnston | 21/03/2025

Thai authorities take action against triggered by a sophisticated insurance scam involving multiple policies and staged accidents.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

SFC Impose 14-Month Ban on Former Fund Manager

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/03/2025

The SFC said the action is related to disciplinary actions against “other related entities” concerning the management of various private funds.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

SC Malaysia Charges Former CIMB Banker with Securities Fraud

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/03/2025

The SC said the former investment banker deceived three investors into depositing money for fictitious bond investments.

Anti-Money Laundering

Europol Report Flags Asia as Key Hub for Financial Crime

By Thisanka Siripala | 20/03/2025

Organised crime groups are leveraging Asia’s financial networks, trade zones, and digital platforms to move illicit funds globally, a new report states.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Singapore Family Office Sues Ex-Employees for S$74m Fraud

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/03/2025

Chinese businessman has accused former staff of fabricating transactions and documents to siphon funds from his family office.