Financial Crime

Supervision & Enforcement

Korea to Grant FSS Investigation Powers After Presidential Intervention

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/01/2026

The FSC has now conceded on granting the FSS new powers for capital market probes, but disputes over the full scope and control mechanisms remain.

Anti-Money Laundering

Korea to Screen Crypto Firm Shareholders Under Tougher AML Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/01/2026

New rules expand criminal background checks to major shareholders and broaden the scope of review for VASP applicants, targeting market integrity.

Stablecoins

AMRO Chief Urges Policy Action to Address AI, Tokenization Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 30/01/2026

The head of the ASEAN+3 research office calls for sustained policy attention to manage risks from faster, AI-driven finance.

Anti-Money Laundering

BNM Penalises Two Banks, Two CSPs for AML/CFT Failures

By Nithya Subramanian | 30/01/2026

The penalties were issued for failure to promptly submit STRs and conduct required due diligence, BNM said in four separate notices.

Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Pioneers AML/CTF Compliance "Starter Kits" for Gatekeeper Professions

By Nathan Lynch | 30/01/2026

The starter kits deliver practical, step-by-step AML/CTF compliance tools and help level the playing field for smaller gatekeeper businesses, AUSTRAC's Daniel Mossop says.

Anti-Money Laundering

Thailand Suspends Multiple Officials in Crypto Mining Corruption Probe

By Nithya Subramanian | 30/01/2026

An anti-corruption investigation has been launched after officials at Thailand's state utility were implicated in a foreign-funded illegal Bitcoin mining syndicate.

Market Abuse

Korea Jails Former Meritz Securities Exec over Illegal Loan Scheme

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/01/2026

Seoul court found the executive used non-public real estate project finance data to secure loans through a family firm, undermining market integrity.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

BOT Seeks IMF, World Bank Support to Combat Digital Fraud

By Nithya Subramanian | 29/01/2026

The 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings will discuss ways strengthen consumer protection and safeguard confidence in the financial system.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

South Korea to Launch One-Stop System for Illegal Lending Victims

By Mark Johnston | 29/01/2026

Proposed legal amendments will allow a single report to trigger simultaneous relief measures and expand the powers of the Credit Counseling & Recovery Service.