OTHER ASIA PACIFIC

AML / KYC

Bangladesh Bank Sets Up New Departments to Tackle Financial Crime

By Nithya Subramanian | 19/03/2025

The new departments will help to strengthen banking supervision and improve compliance with AML requirements.

AML / KYC

Sri Lanka Hires Former APG Official to Help Identify AML/CFT Gaps

By Nithya Subramanian | 19/03/2025

Former APG Executive Secretary Gordon Hook will help identify gaps, particularly in licensed banks, in preparation for Sri Lanka’s next mutual evaluation in 2026.

AML / KYC

Myanmar Returns 450 Chinese Nationals Involved in Online Scams

By Nithya Subramanian | 19/03/2025

Myanmar has intensified efforts to combat telecom fraud and online gambling by strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Capital / Liquidity

Bangladesh Bank Imposes Stricter Dividend Payout Rules

By Nithya Subramanian | 19/03/2025

Banks will only be allowed to pay cash dividends from current-year profits, prohibiting the use of accumulated profits from previous years.

Bangladesh Bank Replaces Boards of 3 More Private Banks

By Nithya Subramanian | 19/03/2025

Since Bangladesh’s political transition in August 2024, the central bank has restructured the boards of 14 banks in total.

Fintech / Regtech

Cambodia, Thailand Partner With UnionPay on Cross-Border Payments

By Mark Johnston | 18/03/2025

Users of Cambodia’s Bakong app can make cross-border payments by scanning UnionPay and WeChat Pay QR codes.

Market Infrastructure

Vietnam Set to Launch New Trading System After 10yr Delay

By Mark Johnston | 18/03/2025

The project to develop the new system was approved in 2012 for deployment in 2015. It is now expected to launch in May this year.

Australia to Guarantee ANZ Operations in Pacific Islands

By Thisanka Siripala | 18/03/2025

ANZ will invest an additional AUD 50 million to help address a decline in the number of foreign banks willing to serve the region.

Market Infrastructure

Fiji, PNG Advance Plan to Jointly Establish Market Infrastructure

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/03/2025

SPX and PNGX Group are looking to adopt a single integrated, end-to-end trading platform and CSD solution.