Financial Crime

PEPs & Sanctions

Australia Sanctions Iranian Officials, Entities Over 'Brutal Oppression'

By Editors | 12/05/2026

Sanctions and travel bans have been imposed on seven individuals and four entities, including those linked to Iran’s shadow banking system.

PEPs & Sanctions

Report Calls on US to Designate Hong Kong a ‘Money Laundering Concern’

By Manesh Samtani | 12/05/2026

Report alleges Hong Kong is a key hub for Iranian sanctions evasion and calls for action against the city’s banking and crypto sectors.

Cryptocurrency

Korea Mandates Registration for Overseas Crypto Transfers - Report

By Mark Johnston | 12/05/2026

A new law requires virtual asset service providers to register with the finance ministry, bringing cross-border flows under the country's foreign exchange controls.

Anti-Money Laundering

Good is No Longer Enough: FATF’s Core Message to Singapore

By Manesh Samtani | 12/05/2026

The strength of Singapore’s AML framework was affirmed, but the SGD 3 billion case has moved the goalposts from compliance to effectiveness.

Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Flags AI, Crypto Threats in Updated Risk Assessments

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/05/2026

AUSTRAC has released updated risk assessments, highlighting the growing role of AI and crypto in illicit finance and detailing major AML reforms.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Indonesia, Australia Deepen Ties to Combat 'Systemic' Scam Risk

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/05/2026

OJK reveals over 530,000 fraud cases, outlining a new four-pillar strategy and enhancing cross-border cooperation to tackle the growing threat.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Sanctions More Hong Kong Firms Over Iran-China Oil Trade

By Manesh Samtani | 12/05/2026

OFAC has designated four Hong Kong-based companies and several others in the UAE and Oman for helping to finance Iran’s IRGC through oil sales to China.

PEPs & Sanctions

JPMorgan and Citigroup Sued in China Over Sanctions Compliance

By Mark Johnston | 12/05/2026

A Chinese energy firm is suing the US banks after they blocked payments several months before sanctions were officially imposed.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Treasury Pressures Binance on Iran Sanctions Compliance

By Editors | 11/05/2026

Treasury sent a letter to Binance demanding compliance with its monitoring programme, and requesting interviews with employees and access to records.