OTHER ASIA PACIFIC

Cambodia to Strengthen Lending Practices in Microfinance Sector

By Nithya Subramanian | 12/02/2025

The reforms will ensure that loans are granted based on a borrower’s ability to repay rather than relying solely on collateral.

AML / KYC

Thailand Cuts Electricity, Internet to Myanmar Scam Compounds

By Manesh Samtani | 11/02/2025

Thailand took action because kidnapping risk caused a downturn in tourism from China. Laos has now stepped in to provide electricity to Myanmar.

AML / KYC

Bangladesh: Former Chair of BSEC Arrested, Denied Bail

By Nithya Subramanian | 10/02/2025

Shibli Rubayat Ul Islam allegedly received $361,000 in bribes and was involved in money laundering.

Sanctions

Singapore-Listed Firm Linked to Myanmar Junta’s Oil Supply

By Nithya Subramanian | 10/02/2025

Singapore-listed Interra Resources reportedly supplied oil worth more than $150mn to Myanmar’s military regime.

Crypto / Digital Assets

PNG Completes CBDC Trial with Japan’s METI and Soramitsu

By Editors | 10/02/2025

The PoC involved building a secure payment infrastructure that enabled real-time payments and P2P remittances through a mobile app.

ESG / Sustainability

Taxonomies in Southeast Asia Lack Ambition – Fitch

By ESG Investor | 06/02/2025

Sustainable Fitch says limited uptake could be attributed to the high benchmarks required for activities to qualify as transitional

Capital / Liquidity

Bangladesh Issues New Guidelines on Offshore Banking Business

By Editors | 03/02/2025

Banks must obtain a licence for each OBU. Existing OBUs are asked to submit their approval letters to Bangladesh Bank within two months.

Securities / Derivatives

HSBC to Wind Down Investment Banking Operations in Europe, US

By Nithya Subramanian | 02/02/2025

The bank said in an internal memo that it will retain more focused M&A and equity capital markets capabilities in Asia and the Middle East

Capital / Liquidity

Bangladesh Issues Roadmap for Implementing ECL-based Provisioning System

By Nithya Subramanian | 28/01/2025

Banks must establish IFRS 9 implementation teams by March 2025. Full implementation across all banks is targeted for December 2027.