Financial Crime

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

India’s Enforcement Directorate Arrest Two in BitConnect Fraud

By Nithya Subramanian | 27/01/2026

The two individuals were detained under the PMLA, and INR 21.7 billion in assets linked to the multi-layered BitConnect scheme were frozen.

Stablecoins

Asia Needs More, Not Less, Regulation for Digital Finance, Policymakers Say

By Manesh Samtani | 26/01/2026

International policymakers at the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong debate the meaning of 'regulatory modernisation' for finance.

Cryptocurrency

Thailand to Finalise Rules for Crypto ETFs and Futures in 2026

By Nithya Subramanian | 26/01/2026

Thailand’s securities regulator is finalising rules covering crypto ETFs, custody standards and futures trading, formally recognising digital assets within capital markets.

Anti-Money Laundering

Philippines to Launch Digital Registry for Beneficial Ownership Reporting

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/01/2026

The new HARBOR portal will centralise corporate ownership data, a move aimed at bolstering AML efforts and FATF compliance.

KYC & CDD

Hong Kong MPFA Tightens eMPF Security, Halts eKYC Onboarding

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/01/2026

The move follows a fraud incident and introduces mandatory iAM Smart verification for new registrations and some fund withdrawals.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

Former China Construction Bank Executive VP Sentenced to Jail

By Mark Johnston | 26/01/2026

The former exec was also fined CNY 4.1 million after a court found that he accepted bribes and issued loans that caused "heavy losses" to the bank.

Market Abuse

Australian Fund Manager Jailed for 6 Years in Insider Trading Case

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/01/2026

The case is the first major outcome for ASIC's new specialist insider trading team, which was established in late September 2024.

Market Abuse

Korea to Prosecute NH Securities Staff Over Unfair Trading Gains

By Mark Johnston | 26/01/2026

The regulator alleges current and former employees used non-public information, part of a wider ring that netted KRW 3.27 billion.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Australian Financial Advisor Jailed for AUD 1 Mln Client Fraud

By Editors | 26/01/2026

Paul Anthony Torre was sentenced to six years for stealing from clients' retirement funds.