Other Asia Pacific

ESG / Sustainability

Bangladesh Pushes Greater Inclusivity in Green Finance and CMSME Sector

By Mark Johnston | 21/03/2025

Bangladesh Bank seeks to boost financial inclusivity by linking green, CMSME financing with gender parity and development goals.

AML / KYC

Europol Report Flags Asia as Key Hub for Financial Crime

By Thisanka Siripala | 20/03/2025

Organised crime groups are leveraging Asia’s financial networks, trade zones, and digital platforms to move illicit funds globally, a new report states.

Enforcement

Vietnam’s SCB Receives Restructuring Proposal from Developer

By Thisanka Siripala | 20/03/2025

Real estate developer Sun Group is seeking approval for a 15-year rescue plan for Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank.

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.