Financial Crime

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

BSP Directs Banks to Shift to Biometrics, Phases Out SMS OTPs

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/03/2026

New draft rules require banks to adopt server-side biometrics for high-risk transactions to combat fraud, linking compliance to liability.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Investors Push Asian Funds to Ringfence Restricted Chinese Assets

By Manesh Samtani | 09/03/2026

Geopolitical tensions and US restrictions are driving institutional clients to demand special vehicles that exclude sensitive Chinese sectors from regional investment strategies.

Credit Risk

Bangladesh Relaxes Loan Rules, Sparking 'Zombie Firm' Fears

By Manesh Samtani | 09/03/2026

The central bank will allow post-expiry renewal of continuous loans, a move welcomed by businesses but criticised for potential evergreening risks.

Credit Risk

RBI Tightens NBFC Lending Rules to Curb 'Evergreening'

By Manesh Samtani | 09/03/2026

RBI is mandating board-approved policies for new loans to defaulting borrowers and has tightened project finance norms to improve risk management.

Anti-Money Laundering

Hong Kong Insurance Authority Fines Three Brokers for AML Breaches

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/03/2026

The action follows an investigation that found deficiencies in customer due diligence and record-keeping, amid heightened regulatory scrutiny of the sector.

Structural Regulation

Australia Mulls New Rules to Protect Superannuation for Family Violence Victims

By Manesh Samtani | 09/03/2026

Treasury is consulting on new powers for superannuation trustees, including the ability to override binding nominations, to prevent perpetrators receiving death benefits.

Structural Regulation

CSRC Vows Sweeping Capital Market Reforms and Tougher Oversight

By Mark Johnston | 09/03/2026

CSRC chairman Wu Qing outlined plans to ease listing rules for innovative firms, crack down on fraud, and enhance investor protection to bolster market confidence.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Korea FSS Introduces Mechanism to Nullify Predatory Loans

By Mark Johnston | 09/03/2026

South Korea’s FSS has introduced a mechanism to nullify ultra-high interest loan agreements, providing victims with official certification to halt illegal debt collection.

Tokenisation

New Zealand Firm Launches Digital Tokens Backed by Physical Gold, Silver

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/03/2026

Auckland-based Techemynt is issuing gold and silver-backed tokens, applying national AML laws to direct purchasers of the assets.