Financial Crime

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

MAS, ABS Reject Calls to Loosen Anti-scam Cooling-off Rule

By Nithya Subramanian | 01/12/2025

MAS and ABS say scam risks remain too high to exempt own-account transfers from the 24-hour cooling-off rule, despite customer complaints.

Structural Regulation

Australia Passes Omnibus Bill to Amend Beneficial Ownership, Adviser Education Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 01/12/2025

The wide-ranging law introduces new derivative disclosure rules, fixes a key financial adviser education pathway, and extends small business support.

Cryptocurrency

Vietnam Proposes Penalties for Trading Crypto on Unlicensed Platforms

By Nithya Subramanian | 01/12/2025

The Ministry of Finance has proposed a new decree imposing fines of up to VND 200 million on individuals and firms trading digital assets on unlicensed platforms.

Supervision & Enforcement

Hong Kong Regulators Direct Banks, Insurers to Aid Fire Victims

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/11/2025

Authorities are calling on banks and insurers to provide flexibility on loans and claims, as financial firms donate millions for relief efforts.

PEPs & Sanctions

Australia Lists Iran's IRGC as State Sponsor of Terrorism

By Manesh Samtani | 28/11/2025

The designation, the first under a new legal regime, makes certain dealings with the IRGC a criminal offence in Australia.

PEPs & Sanctions

Korea Targets Prince Group in Largest Ever Sanctions Package

By Manesh Samtani | 28/11/2025

The measures freeze domestic assets, including crypto, of 147 entities and individuals, mirroring recent US and UK actions against Cambodia-based operations.

Anti-Money Laundering

Philippine Lawmaker Files Bill to Grant AMLC Wider Powers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/11/2025

A new Senate bill aims to expand the financial intelligence unit's powers and scope to combat complex financial crime and avoid potential FATF greylisting.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

New Zealand Banks to Compensate Scam Victims Under New Industry Code

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/11/2025

Updated industry code requires banks to adopt new scam protections and compensate eligible customers who fall victim to authorised payment scams from 30 November.

Anti-Money Laundering

India’s Enforcement Directorate Arrests Company Founders in Gaming Crackdown

By Nithya Subramanian | 28/11/2025

The authorities allege illegal gaming operations, algorithmic rigging and laundering of funds through offshore entities as part of a probe into gaming platforms.