Financial Crime

Credit Risk

South Korea to Tighten Loan Rules for Multiple Homeowners

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/02/2026

Regulators have formed a task force to review lending practices after President Lee Jae-myung called for an overhaul to curb property speculation.

Anti-Money Laundering

Australia Details Transition Path for Major AML/CTF Overhaul

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/02/2026

Draft rules offer grace periods and new guidance for Tranche 2 entities, as AUSTRAC releases support tools and proposes further rule changes.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

HK ICAC Charges Former StanChart RM for Bribe-for-Accounts Scheme

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/02/2026

A former relationship manager is accused of accepting bribes from an intermediary for opening 16 bank accounts.

PEPs & Sanctions

New Zealand Pushes Cook Islands for Quicker Action on Sanctioned Vessels

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/02/2026

New Zealand has been pressuring the Cook Islands over the slow removal from its ship registry of 'shadow fleet' vessels linked to Russia and Iran.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Stolen Bitcoin Returned to South Korean Prosecutors - Reports

By Manesh Samtani | 20/02/2026

Authorities believe the thief returned 320.88 BTC because of prosecutors' efforts to coordinate with crypto exchanges to prevent any cash-outs.

Anti-Money Laundering

Philippines Mandates Development of New National AML Strategy

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/02/2026

A presidential directive orders all government agencies to help draft a new national strategy for 2026-2030 and prepare for the next mutual evaluation in 2027.

KYC & CDD

Korean AML Regulator Loses Court Appeal Over Crypto Fine

By Manesh Samtani | 20/02/2026

A Seoul court has rejected KoFIU's appeal over a KRW 2 billion fine in a ruling that has broader implications on larger case involving Upbit.

Market Abuse

Japan Working Group Proposes Overhaul of Market Abuse Rules

By Manesh Samtani | 19/02/2026

Proposals include higher fines for insider trading, new penalties for accomplices, and expanded investigative powers for regulators to tackle unlicensed firms.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

ASIC Probes Lead Generation Arrangements That May Harm Consumers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/02/2026

ASIC has launched a review into high-risk sales tactics used to switch super funds, publicly listing lead generators and advice licensees.