Financial Crime

Trade Based Money Laundering

US Busts Network Smuggling AI Chips to China, Hong Kong

By Manesh Samtani | 12/12/2025

The case exposes significant illicit finance and export control compliance risks for firms with exposure to China and Hong Kong supply chains.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

China Banker's 10-Year Sentence Signals Heightened Risk for SOEs

By Editors | 12/12/2025

The bribery conviction expands the definition of 'state employee', exposing investment bankers at state-controlled firms to tougher criminal scrutiny.

Capital Adequacy

ECB Proposes Overhaul of Bank Capital Rules, Casting Doubt on AT1 Bonds

By Manesh Samtani | 12/12/2025

One of the proposals is to completely remove AT1s from the going-concern capital stack, similar to the approach taken by Australia and New Zealand.

PEPs & Sanctions

UK Sanctions Two China-Based Firms Over Global Cyberattacks

By Nithya Subramanian | 12/12/2025

The UK sanctioned two China-based tech firms for global cyberattacks, underscoring rising state-linked cyber threats and escalating hybrid warfare concerns.

Anti-Money Laundering

India Cracks Down on Tax Evasion Linked to Virtual Assets

By Nithya Subramanian | 12/12/2025

India has intensified its crackdown on undisclosed crypto income, uncovering major tax evasion, tightening reporting rules, and expanding AML oversight of virtual asset platforms.

Anti-Money Laundering

FATF Praises AML Reforms in New Mutual Evaluation Report for Malaysia

By Manesh Samtani | 12/12/2025

Malaysia is praised for post-1MDB reforms but must now increase convictions and strengthen sanctions under a three-year action plan.

Anti-Money Laundering

Experts Urge Overhaul of Risk-Based Approach, AML Enforcement

By Manesh Samtani | 12/12/2025

At the Basel AML Index launch, speakers from the Wolfsberg Group and ECB called for better enforcement and a more proportionate risk-based approach.

Supervision & Enforcement

Philippines SEC Proposes Procedural Overhaul to Speed Up Case Handling

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/12/2025

The proposed changes prioritise electronic filing, limit procedural delays, and expand the regulator's powers to issue cease and desist orders.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

Sri Lanka: Court Dismisses Corruption Case Against Ex-CBSL Chief

By Manesh Samtani | 11/12/2025

Former CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal has been conditionally discharged in a corruption case, conditional upon the repayment of over LKR 1.84 billion.