Financial Crime

Supervision & Enforcement

Australia Unveils Sweeping Audit and Consultancy Reforms

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/02/2026

The reforms include a 100-fold increase in fines for promoting tax exploitation schemes and a plan to merge key standards bodies.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

South Korea Issues New Conflict of Interest Rules for Banks

By Manesh Samtani | 04/02/2026

The guidelines, effective from July, broaden the definition of related parties and impose stricter controls.

Anti-Money Laundering

Taiwan Proposes New Anti-Fraud Reporting Mechanism for Banks

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/02/2026

The proposals include a new reporting channel to prosecutors and expand the definition of suspicious accounts to combat financial crime.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Korea FSS Fines Five Brokerages KRW 3b for ELS Mis-Selling

By Mark Johnston | 04/02/2026

Regulators have fined five firms and outlined specific sales practice violations at each, from bypassing recording rules to improper advertising.

Anti-Money Laundering

Hong Kong to Raise Licensing Fees for Money Service Operators

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/02/2026

The government plans to increase licensing fees for money service operators by up to 15 percent, with implementation set for May 2026.

Cybersecurity

Hong Kong Law Reform Commission Eyes Update to Cybercrime Law

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/02/2026

Report recommends five new cyber-dependent offences, expanded jurisdiction, and a formal accreditation regime for cybersecurity practitioners.

Structural Regulation

Australia Fines Foreign Investors A$14 Million Over Critical Minerals Breach

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/02/2026

This is the first case brought by a government leader under Australia's foreign investment laws since their introduction in 1975.

PEPs & Sanctions

Australia, UK, US Target Iran with Sanctions Over Protester Crackdown

By Manesh Samtani | 03/02/2026

The coordinated measures impose asset freezes and travel bans on officials and entities for human rights abuses and sanctions evasion.

Supervision & Enforcement

Australia Appoints Sarah Court to Serve as Next ASIC Chair

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/02/2026

Sarah Court, a seasoned litigator known for a tough enforcement record, will take the helm in a milestone move for the regulator.