Financial Crime

Cryptocurrency

Japan to Raise Max Jail Penalty for Unlicensed Crypto Sales - Report

By Editors | 17/03/2026

Regulator plans to move crypto oversight to the securities law framework and significantly increase fines and prison sentences.

Market Abuse

South Korea to Expand Special Police Powers to Speed Up Stock Probes

By Nithya Subramanian | 17/03/2026

The FSC and FSS propose broader fast-track investigations and oversight reforms to speed enforcement against unfair trading.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

INTERPOL Calls for APAC Regulatory Overhaul as AI-Driven Fraud Surges

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/03/2026

New report details growing threat from 'Fraud-as-a-Service' and calls for updated KYC/AML rules for virtual asset service providers.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Taiwan Mandates AI Facial Recognition for State-Run Bank ATMs

By Editors | 17/03/2026

The Ministry of Finance has required eight state-owned banks to equip 20 percent of their ATMs with anti-fraud technology this year.

PEPs & Sanctions

HKMA Urges Firms to Enhance Sanctions Screening Systems, Adopt AI

By Manesh Samtani | 17/03/2026

Thematic review found systems generally meet expectations. HKMA has highlighted good practices in governance, testing, and technology.

Anti-Money Laundering

KoFIU Imposes Six-Month Suspension, KRW 36.8 Billion Fine on Bithumb

By Manesh Samtani | 17/03/2026

The crypto exchange was penalised for millions of AML breaches, including transactions with unregistered overseas virtual asset service providers.

Market Abuse

Korea FSS Urges Brokers to Tighten Illegal Short Selling Controls

By Mark Johnston | 17/03/2026

The FSS has told securities firms to strengthen internal controls and systems management amid fears of market disruption.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Cambodia Cabinet Approves Law Targeting Online Scam Centres

By Nithya Subramanian | 16/03/2026

Cambodia proposes legislation imposing heavy prison terms and fines for operators of online scam centres amid growing global fraud and trafficking concerns.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Macau Regulator Opens Probe into Alleged Fraud at Local Bank

By Mark Johnston | 16/03/2026

The AMCM is investigating a local bank after a lawmaker filed a complaint alleging MOP 208 million in client losses.