Financial Crime

PEPs & Sanctions

US Panel Urges Sanctions Scrutiny for Hong Kong

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/11/2025

A congressional advisory body has recommended secondary sanctions on Hong Kong financial institutions, alleging the city is a hub for sanctions evasion.

Anti-Money Laundering

Japan FSA to Step Up AML Dialogue with FIs Ahead of 2028 FATF On-Site Review

By Manesh Samtani | 24/11/2025

The regulator is shifting focus from technical compliance to proven outcomes, requiring firms to establish robust verification and improvement cycles.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Hong Kong Jails Agents in Insurance Commission Fraud Scheme

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/11/2025

Jail sentences were earlier handed to another 11 individuals who were all part of the same 'dummy agent' commission fraud scheme, according to the ICAC.

PEPs & Sanctions

Singapore Imposes Financial Sanctions on Four Israeli Settlers

By Nithya Subramanian | 24/11/2025

MAS directed all Singapore financial institutions to freeze assets and block transactions tied to four Israeli settlers.

Cryptocurrency

South Korea's Naver Seeks Approval to Acquire Dunamu, Upbit

By Mark Johnston | 24/11/2025

The tech giant is seeking regulatory clearance to acquire Dunamu via an equity swap, and to integrate Korea's largest crypto exchange with its digital payments infrastructure.

AI Risk & Governance

HKMA Official Discusses Approach to AI Regulation, Anti-fraud Strategy

By Manesh Samtani | 24/11/2025

In a speech, Executive Director Alan Au outlined the HKMA's regulatory approach to Generative AI and measures to combat financial fraud.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

BIS Paper Says Payment Pre-validation is Key to Reducing Fraud

By Nithya Subramanian | 24/11/2025

A BIS paper warns that global adoption of payment pre-validation remains slow despite its strong potential to cut errors and curb fraud in international transactions.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Australian Insurers to Launch National AI-Powered Anti-Fraud Platform

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/11/2025

The industry-wide initiative aims to securely share data to combat organised crime, with a focus on privacy and regulatory alignment.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Korean Authorities Investigate $619,000 Embezzlement at Kwangju Bank

By Mark Johnston | 24/11/2025

A loans manager manipulated project financing interest rates to fund unsuccessful crypto investments, prompting criminal proceedings and internal audits.