Financial Crime

Anti-Money Laundering

Hong Kong Named as High-Risk Crypto Hub in Russian Sabotage Report

By Manesh Samtani | 20/01/2026

RUSI urges policymakers to monitor over-the-counter crypto services in Hong Kong and other cities to disrupt sabotage financing.

Credit Risk

RBI Tightens Priority Sector Lending Rules to Boost Compliance

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/01/2026

Banks would be required to obtain external auditor certification for priority sector loans routed through intermediaries, to curb misclassification and prevent double counting.

Cryptocurrency

Thai SEC Targets Crypto ETFs and ISSB Alignment in New Strategic Roadmap

By Mark Johnston | 20/01/2026

Thai SEC outlines three-year plan focused on digital asset tokenisation, cyber resilience, and international sustainability reporting standards to boost market competitiveness.

Anti-Money Laundering

Korea Refers Chinese Nationals to Prosecutors in $102m Crypto Laundering Case

By Mark Johnston | 20/01/2026

Customs officials allege the group disguised illicit funds as medical fees, highlighting Seoul’s enforcement-led approach to cross-border digital assets.

Market Abuse

Korea Fines Six Financial Firms Including GIC for Naked Short Selling

By Manesh Samtani | 20/01/2026

The penalties are the first large-scale enforcement action since short selling resumed, signalling a zero-tolerance stance on illegal trades.

PEPs & Sanctions

China Mandates Immediate Asset Freezes in New AML Regulations

By Manesh Samtani | 20/01/2026

New measures require FIs to freeze assets of designated entities without notice and enhance internal controls for list-based screening.

Anti-Money Laundering

Japan's FSA Proposes Stricter Rules on AML Tech and Vendor Oversight

By Manesh Samtani | 20/01/2026

Draft guidelines elevate previous expectations to firm requirements for financial firms, targeting technology adoption, trade finance, and outsourcing.

KYC & CDD

GIFT City Regulator Details New Reporting Rules for Third-party Fund Management

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/01/2026

The IFSCA specified additional disclosure requirements for fund management entities launching schemes for third parties, focusing on beneficial ownership, past performance and conflicts of interest.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Malaysia Consumer Group Calls for Rules to Make Meta Liable for Scam Ads

By Editors | 20/01/2026

Regulators urged to establish a legal framework holding social media firms financially liable for investment scams promoted via paid advertisements.