Financial Crime

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Korea Mandates Standardised Crypto Withdrawal Delays

By Mark Johnston | 11/04/2026

New unified rules remove exchange discretion on withdrawal holds, aiming to close loopholes exploited by voice phishing fraudsters.

Anti-Money Laundering

Thailand SEC Proposes to Classify Funders as Major Shareholders

By Mark Johnston | 11/04/2026

The proposal would extend regulatory approval requirements to the financial backers of major shareholders in securities and digital asset firms.

Market Abuse

SFC Fines Asset Manager HKD 2 Million Over Staff Trading Failures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/04/2026

Impression Investment Limited and its former responsible officer were sanctioned for internal control deficiencies and personal account dealing breaches.

Reporting & Disclosures

New Zealand Finalises Major Overhaul of Auditing and Assurance Standards

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/04/2026

The XRB issued new and amended standards covering sustainability assurance, fraud, going concern, and audit quality management.

Stablecoins

HKMA Grants First Stablecoin Licences to HSBC, StanChart-led JV

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/04/2026

The HKMA has issued its first two stablecoin licences under a new ordinance, setting a high bar for future applicants.

Anti-Money Laundering

China Launches New Crackdown on Illicit Financial Intermediaries

By Mark Johnston | 10/04/2026

The campaign targets illegal deposit, loan, and insurance intermediaries, as well as unauthorised online lending and anti-collections services.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

New Zealand FMA Warns of Surge in AI-Driven Investment Scams

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/04/2026

The FMA has flagged a significant increase in fraudulent platforms using AI-generated deepfakes and fake news to lure investors.

Market Abuse

Trip.com Faces US Class Action Over China Antitrust Probe

By Mark Johnston | 10/04/2026

A securities fraud lawsuit alleges the online travel giant misled investors about regulatory risks from its monopolistic practices in China.

Supervision & Enforcement

ASIC Bans Four More Advisers in Crackdown Over Super Fund Collapses

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/04/2026

ASIC has permanently banned four advisers - including a permanent ban and a 10-year ban - for misconduct linked to the collapsed Shield and First Guardian superannuation funds.