Financial Crime

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.

AI Risk & Governance

Korea: KDIC to Deploy AI to Recover Overseas and Digital Assets

By Mark Johnston | 28/01/2026

South Korea’s deposit insurer outlines 2026 plans to utilise artificial intelligence and third-party litigation funding to recover hidden overseas and digital assets.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Includes Asia-Based Firms in New Iran Shadow Fleet Sanctions

By Editors | 28/01/2026

OFAC designated entities in India, the UAE and Oman as well as nine vessels for their role in transporting Iranian oil.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

HKMA and PCPD to Launch Joint Bank Examinations to Combat Fraud

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/01/2026

The HKMA and PCPD will conduct joint risk-based examinations of banks' anti-fraud and data security controls amid rising deception cases.

Anti-Money Laundering

Silver’s Surge Demands a New Approach to Managing Laundering Risks

By Nathan Lynch | 28/01/2026

With silver reaching all-time highs, financial crime experts warn that the metal’s growing “value density” and lower regulatory scrutiny are making it an attractive alternative for illicit transactions.

Custody & Infrastructure

Korea Prosecutors Lose KRW 70b in Seized Bitcoin to Phishing

By Mark Johnston | 28/01/2026

Incident highlights custodial risks for digital assets amid recent Supreme Court ruling classifying crypto as seizeable ‘electronic property’.