Financial Crime

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Singapore Charges Samtrade FX Executives Over ‘Copy Trading’ Scheme

By Mark Johnston | 19/12/2025

Three top executives face court over alleged conspiracy to tilt bid-ask spreads and launder millions in proceeds.

Anti-Money Laundering

Philippines House Approves Bill to Amend Bank Secrecy Law

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/12/2025

The bill grants the BSP new supervisory authority to examine bank deposits in cases of suspected fraud.

Trade Based Money Laundering

Trade Finance Fraud Poses Growing Challenge to Compliance Teams

By Nathan Lynch | 19/12/2025

Global trade is expected to reach a new high of USD 35 trillion this year. Alongside the many benefits, this volume of transactions also creates significant opportunities for fraud.

Anti-Money Laundering

Singapore Jails CSP Directors in Landmark Ruling on Nominee Negligence

By Mark Johnston | 19/12/2025

First conviction of service provider under new sentencing framework highlights risks of “silent” directors and lax due diligence.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

New Zealand Enhances Audit Rules on Fraud and Going Concern

By Manesh Samtani | 19/12/2025

The XRB has introduced significant revisions, including new reporting requirements, to increase auditor focus and transparency on fraud and going concern.

PEPs & Sanctions

EU Sanctions Key Oil Traders, Widens Net to Asian Refiners

By Manesh Samtani | 18/12/2025

New measures target individuals and entities in Russia's 'shadow fleet' and will disrupt refined product exports from Asia.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Australia Cracks Down on Super Platform Trustees for Governance Failures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/12/2025

Equity Trustees and Netwealth face strict new conditions over weak investment oversight. Netwealth to pay over AUD 100m in compensation.

Anti-Money Laundering

Australia Regulators Hit Bendigo Bank with Capital Charge, Probe AML Failings

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/12/2025

APRA and AUSTRAC have imposed a capital add-on and launched an enforcement investigation into the bank's risk management.

Payments & Settlements

Singapore, Vietnam Target Q1 2026 for Launch of QR Payment Link

By Manesh Samtani | 18/12/2025

The cross-border payment initiative between Singapore's NETS and Vietnam's NAPAS is currently in a pilot phase with two Vietnamese banks.