Financial Crime

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

New 'Digital Lutera" Malware Bypasses UPI Security in India - Reports

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/03/2026

A cybersecurity firm has detailed a new attack method, Digital Lutera, that circumvents SIM-binding, enabling large-scale fraud on India’s digital payments network.

Structural Regulation

OJK Indonesia Issues Rules for Representative Offices of Foreign FIs

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/03/2026

OJK is allowing foreign financial institutions to open representative offices in Indonesia to promote cross-border financing while banning direct lending activities.

Anti-Money Laundering

Former Hong Kong Councillor Jailed for Laundering Scam Proceeds

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

The conviction for laundering HKD 590,000 highlights the ongoing risks from telephone scams targeting vulnerable individuals in the city.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

ASIC Warns Super Funds to Match Governance to Systemic Role

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

ASIC official criticises super fund failings in complaints handling and scam prevention, flagging increased enforcement in private credit and member services.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Singapore Court Jails Chinese National over $6.9m Crypto Theft

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/03/2026

Chinese national Zhang Xinghua jailed two years for role in multi-million-dollar SafeX cryptocurrency theft involving insider access and laundering attempts.

Market Abuse

Hong Kong Authorities Arrest Eight in Insider Trading, Corruption Probe

By Mark Johnston | 13/03/2026

Joint SFC-ICAC operation targets executives at two brokerages and a hedge fund in a scheme that allegedly netted HKD 315 million from illicitly obtained placement data.

KYC & CDD

New Zealand Regulators to Partner with Banks on Basic Account Access

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

A new industry-regulator pact aims to tackle financial exclusion after a consultation found near-universal support for action to improve access.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Sanctions North Korea IT Worker Network in Vietnam and Laos

By Manesh Samtani | 13/03/2026

The action targets facilitators using cryptocurrency to launder funds, heightening secondary sanctions and due diligence risks for financial institutions in Southeast Asia.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

Malaysia Cabinet Refers MACC Chief to Chief Secretary for Probe

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/03/2026

The Chief Secretary to the Government will determine follow-up action, which will involve a review by the Public Service Department's disciplinary board.