Financial Crime

Cryptocurrency

Korea Considers Special Police Unit for Crypto Market Manipulation

By Manesh Samtani | 13/01/2026

The proposed organisation would be dedicated to investigating price manipulation to bolster investor protection in the country's growing digital asset market.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Malaysia: Experts Call for Harsher Penalties to Curb Scams

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/01/2026

Stakeholders say tougher punishments could deter account misuse, but warn that enforcement reforms and cross-border cooperation are crucial to tackling sophisticated scam networks.

Trading & Investment

SEBI Eyes Bond Derivatives, Eases Broker Rules in Major Regulatory Overhaul

By Manesh Samtani | 13/01/2026

SEBI chairman outlined plans for new market products, AI-driven supervision, and significant compliance relief for smaller stockbrokers.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Japan FSA Seeks Operator for Fraud Data Sharing System

By Mark Johnston | 13/01/2026

Japan's FSA opens applications for a subsidised project to build a shared infrastructure for freezing fraudulent bank accounts amid a record surge in financial scams.

Custody & Infrastructure

Vietnam Launches International Financial Centre in Da Nang

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/01/2026

The Da Nang IFC will act as a regulatory sandbox for innovative financial models, including digital assets and sustainable finance.

Payments & Settlements

Vietnam Issues New Decree on Mobile Money, Raises Monthly Cap Tenfold

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/01/2026

New decree formalises the service after a pilot phase, introducing higher limits and detailed compliance requirements for providers.

Cryptocurrency

Vietnam Sets Mid-January Deadline for Licensing of Crypto Exchanges

By Mark Johnston | 12/01/2026

Vietnam’s Prime Minister instructs regulators to approve five pilot exchanges under a sandbox regime with strict capital and ownership requirements.

Anti-Money Laundering

Thailand Targets Gold, Crypto in Sweeping ‘Grey Money’ Crackdown

By Mark Johnston | 12/01/2026

New rules include trading limits, a centralised data bureau, and stricter reporting to combat money laundering and curb baht volatility.

Anti-Money Laundering

Singapore Must Balance Risk and Trust: MAS Deputy Chairman

By Nithya Subramanian | 12/01/2026

Chee Hong Tat said Singapore should remain open to innovation and new capital while moving decisively against rogue actors to safeguard its reputation.