Financial Crime

Anti-Money Laundering

Hong Kong AFRC Fines Audit Firms in First-Ever AML Disciplinary Actions

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/03/2026

The AFRC sanctioned a PIE auditor and two smaller firms for failures in customer due diligence, risk assessments, and sanctions screening.

Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Issues Guidance on New Powers to Compel AML Examination

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/03/2026

AUSTRAC has detailed how it will use new powers to compel individuals to attend examinations and answer questions under oath.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Bangladesh Bank Governor Appointment Challenged over Conflict of Interest

By Manesh Samtani | 06/03/2026

A writ petition has been filed and a transparency watchdog has called for the cancellation of the appointment, citing legal breaches and a serious conflict of interest.

Anti-Money Laundering

Australia’s Federal Court Finds Two Star Execs Breached Duties

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/03/2026

A landmark judgment clears seven non-executive directors but finds two senior executives failed in their duties regarding money laundering risks.

AI Risk & Governance

Hong Kong Regulators Expand GenAI Sandbox Across Entire Financial Sector

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/03/2026

The initiative now covers securities, insurance, pensions and payments, offering firms free computing power to test AI in a controlled environment.

Capital Adequacy

BIS Chief Defends Basel Committee's Role Against US Criticism

By Manesh Samtani | 06/03/2026

The head of the Bank for International Settlements has countered US criticism of its rulemaking process, warning against a 'race to the bottom' on regulation.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Malaysia Expands National Scam Response Centre to 24 Hour Operations

By Nithya Subramanian | 06/03/2026

The move aims to freeze stolen funds faster as authorities reveal syndicates can drain accounts in under 10 minutes.

Market Abuse

OJK Indonesia Freezes $859m in Shares in Mirae Asset Manipulation Probe

By Nithya Subramanian | 05/03/2026

Regulators allege a 7,150 percent price surge in BEBS shares was driven by insider trading, IPO manipulation and fictitious transactions.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Philippines Drafts Protocol to Reverse Fraudulent Transactions

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 05/03/2026

The industry-wide framework aims to provide clearer and more reliable timelines for recovering funds stolen through scams and cyberattacks.