OTHER ASIA PACIFIC

AML / KYC

Sri Lanka FIU Issues AML Guidelines for Legal Professionals

By Duruthu E Chandrasekera | 02/09/2023

Every legal professional is required to appoint a Compliance Officer to ensure compliance, and submit STRs to the FIU.

AML / KYC

FATF Releases Mutual Evaluation Report for Brunei

By Manesh Samtani | 30/08/2023

The report notes that Brunei has a new framework on beneficial ownership transparency, but that it is experiencing implementation challenges.

UN Report Calls for Action to Address Scam Operations in Southeast Asia

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/08/2023

The report says people who are forced to work in scamming operations endure “inhumane treatment” and should be treated as victims, not criminals.

AML / KYC

Laos AML/CFT Regime Has “Significant Deficiencies” – FATF

By Manesh Samtani | 30/08/2023

Laos is rated “non-compliant” on nine of the FATF’s 40 recommendations, and “partially compliant” on 22 recommendations.

Securities / Derivatives

DSE Seeks Rule Relaxations to Boost Alternative Trading Board

By Editors | 28/08/2023

The ATB was launched this January but has failed to attract investors and still has only two securities listed.

Market Infrastructure

Vietnam Joins ASEAN Payment Connectivity Initiative

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/08/2023

The inclusion of the SBV has increased the Regional Payment Connectivity group from five to six ASEAN central banks.

Market Infrastructure

Vietnam to Launch New Securities Trading System in December

By Editors | 26/08/2023

The new system has already been delayed several years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors. Securities firms are still behind schedule on testing.

Sri Lanka Issues New Consumer Protection Regulations

By Duruthu E Chandrasekera | 24/08/2023

Aggressive sales practices, abusive debt recovery practices, and excessive fees and interest charges are prohibited.

Enforcement

BSEC Forms Committee to Investigate Stock Market Rumours

By Mark Johnston | 24/08/2023

Recent rumours have involved the removal of the floor price, the resignation of BSEC’s chairman, and institutional investor sell-offs.