Financial Crime

Anti-Money Laundering

Nasdaq-Listed Firm Laundered Billions for Asian Scam Groups - Report

By Manesh Samtani | 29/01/2026

A CapitalWatch report alleges that US ad-tech firm AppLovin served as a "laundromat" for illicit funds from criminal networks in China and Cambodia.

Structural Regulation

Thailand Mandates Reporting for Major Gold Traders to Ease Baht Pressure

By Nithya Subramanian | 29/01/2026

Thailand has introduced new rules requiring large gold dealers to report transaction data to the BOT, aiming to strengthen oversight of gold-related capital flows and curb pressure on the baht.

Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Touts New Data-Sharing Model in Financial Crime Crackdown

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/01/2026

A public-private taskforce used a new data typology and pooled bank data to identify suspects, signalling evolving compliance expectations for financial institutions.

Anti-Money Laundering

Illicit Crypto Flows Reached Record $158b in 2025 - Report

By Manesh Samtani | 29/01/2026

Chinese-language escrow services processed over $100 bn, becoming a core settlement layer for cross-border illicit finance.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Hong Kong Sets Fraud Precedent in Landmark Naked Short-Selling Case

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/01/2026

A court convicted four individuals of fraud, not just regulatory breaches, for a scheme that netted HKD 3.3 million.

Cryptocurrency

ASIC Secures A$14m Penalty Against Crypto Firm BPS Financial

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/01/2026

Court finds that the 'Qoin Wallet' issuer operated without a licence and made misleading claims, setting a key precedent on penalty calculations.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

China Hits Private Fund with Record CNY 41M Fine for Systemic Fraud

By Mark Johnston | 28/01/2026

Regulators impose a record penalty and lifetime ban for a scheme involving market manipulation, misappropriated funds, and a vast fundraising network.

Trading & Investment

SHFE Imposes Trading Curbs on 16 Firms Trading Metals Markets

By Mark Johnston | 28/01/2026

The Shanghai exchange has imposed trading curbs on 16 clients and tightened position limits, sending tin prices tumbling.

Payments & Settlements

Bank Indonesia Reports Strong BI-FAST Transaction Growth

By Nithya Subramanian | 28/01/2026

BI-FAST processed 1.36 billion transactions worth around USD 218 billion in Q4 2025, amid a tightening of system security and the introduction of new payment features.