Financial Crime

Supervision & Enforcement

Korean Regulators Engaged in Public Feud Over Investigative Powers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/01/2026

Discussions on granting the FSS broader investigative rights are ongoing, but face internal disagreement over their scope.

Supervision & Enforcement

PBOC Fines Yinsheng Payment in Signal of Continued Sector Scrutiny

By Mark Johnston | 22/01/2026

Yinsheng Payment has been fined over CNY 15 million, its third major penalty, signalling continued strict supervision of China's payments sector.

Cryptocurrency

Vietnam Begins Licensing of Crypto Exchanges Under Pilot Scheme

By Nithya Subramanian | 22/01/2026

The MOF has announced procedures for crypto exchanges, introducing strict capital, ownership and compliance requirements to bring the sector under formal regulation.

Anti-Money Laundering

Japan Regulator Files Criminal Complaint Against Iwaki Credit Union

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/01/2026

The complaint, a first for a credit union, alleges executives lied about destroying a PC with evidence and concealed ties to organised crime.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Hong Kong Banks to Overhaul Services for Elderly, Disabled Customers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/01/2026

New industry guidelines endorsed by the HKMA set an 18-month deadline for banks to implement wide-ranging accessibility enhancements.

Market Abuse

CSRC Hits Influencer with CNY 88.5M Fine in Market Crackdown

By Editors | 22/01/2026

The CSRC penalised a social media personality for a 'pump-and-dump' scheme as part of its 'zero-tolerance' enforcement drive.

Anti-Money Laundering

Australia Confirms Deferral of Major AML/CTF Reforms

By Nathan Lynch | 22/01/2026

Home Affairs is consulting on transitional rules to delay IVTS reporting, stagger independent evaluations, and ease compliance burdens for Tranche 1 and 2 entities.

Stablecoins

Hong Kong to Issue First Stablecoin Licences in Q1 2026

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/01/2026

The new regime will impose strict rules on reserves and risk management as the city builds out its digital asset ecosystem.

Supervision & Enforcement

Indonesia: OJK Gains Civil Lawsuit Powers, Deepens Synergy with Prosecutors

By Mark Johnston | 21/01/2026

OJK can now sue on behalf of consumers and has renewed a pact with the Attorney General's Office to tackle complex financial crime.