Other Asia Pacific

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

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.

Anti-Money Laundering

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.

Alternative Markets

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.

Payments & Settlements

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.

Trading & Investment

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.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

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.

Market Abuse

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.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

China, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos Launch Joint Police Operation

By Editors | 22/08/2023

Police from the four countries have launched a special joint operation to crack down on illegal gambling, fraud, human trafficking and other crimes.

Payments & Settlements

Cambodia, Laos Launch Cross-border QR Payment Link

By Editors | 21/08/2023

A second phase of the cross-border payments link between Cambodia and Laos is expected to launch in Q4 2023.