OTHER ASIA PACIFIC

Sanctions

US Sanctions Myanmar’s KNA and its Leader Over Cyber Scams

By Nithya Subramanian | 07/05/2025

The sanctions were imposed for the harm KNA and its leaders caused to US citizens through cyber scam operations.

AML / KYC

Southeast Asia’s Evolving Scam Landscape: Brute Force and ‘Poly-Criminality’

By Nathan Lynch | 07/05/2025

Rebecca Miller discusses the evolution of scam centres in Southeast Asia and the role of the financial sector in combatting this crime.

ESG / Sustainability

Colombo Stock Exchange Launches GSS+ Bonds Framework

By Nithya Subramanian | 06/05/2025

The framework includes green, blue, social, sustainability, and other related instruments, such as sustainability-linked bonds.

Fintech / Regtech

Cambodia, Hong Kong Eye Payment System Connectivity

By Editors | 06/05/2025

A proposed MoU between NBC and HKMA would focus on payment system connectivity and collaboration on foreign exchange and reserve management.

Fintech / Regtech

Vietnam Approves P2P Lending Trials in Fintech Sandbox

By Nithya Subramanian | 06/05/2025

The pilot establishes a regulatory testing ground for digital lending, credit scoring, and API-based data sharing. Foreign banks are excluded from participation.

Capital / Liquidity

Bangladesh: Dozens of Banks Miss Deadline to Financial Annual Reports

By Manesh Samtani | 05/05/2025

23 of Bangladesh’s 36 listed banks are waiting for the central bank’s approval to finalise their annual financial reports so they can report results to their boards and shareholders.

Securities / Derivatives

Sri Lanka: CSE Announces Rule Amendments to Establish CCP

By Manesh Samtani | 04/05/2025

The CSE announced rule amendments to operationalise the CCP, known as CSE Clear. An effective date wasn’t stated, but the launch is expected by early August.

Fintech / Regtech

Cambodia, Japan to Enable Cross-border QR Payments

By Editors | 04/05/2025

In Phase 1, Cambodian Bakong users will be able to make payments in Japan by scanning JPQR. In Phase 2, Japanese users will be able to pay in Cambodia by scanning KHQR.

AML / KYC

FinCEN Moves to Cut Off Cambodia’s Huione Group from US Financial System

By Nithya Subramanian | 02/05/2025

FinCEN said Huione Group laundered over $4 billion in illicit funds linked to North Korean cyber heists and cryptocurrency scams across Southeast Asia.