EUROPE

AML / KYC

FINMA Fines Julius Baer Over High-Risk Client Breaches

By Nithya Subramanian | 21/05/2025

Julius Baer has been fined CHF 4m over AML failures linked to high-risk clients in India, Singapore, and other branches.

Market Infrastructure

UK and China Aim to Deepen Market Ties, Unblock Stock Connect

By Manesh Samtani | 18/05/2025

A China-UK Wealth Connect scheme is proposed as a potentially “transformational” next step in strengthening financial ties.

Sanctions

UK Targets Russian Shadow Fleet with New Sanctions Package

By Manesh Samtani | 11/05/2025

The new sanctions package targets “up to 100 oil tankers” as well as several individuals and entities, including two Hong Kong-based companies.

Market Infrastructure

EEX Group Welcomes First General Clearing Member from APAC

By Nithya Subramanian | 11/05/2025

The move expands the global footprint of EEX Group’s clearing arm, while enhancing access to international energy and commodity markets for APAC clients.

Sanctions

EU Commission Proposes 17th Russia Sanctions Package

By Manesh Samtani | 08/05/2025

The package targets Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers as well as dozens of companies involved in sanctions evasion, including China-based entities.

ESG / Sustainability

ESMA Consults On Rules For ESG Rating Providers

By Editors | 07/05/2025

Among other things, the draft RTS sets out the information non-EU firms must provide when seeking recognition in the EU.

Enforcement

TikTok Fined for Breaching GDPR With China Data Transfers

By Editors | 07/05/2025

TikTok was fined EUR 530 million and is required to bring its data processing into compliance with GDPR within six months.

AML / KYC

European Court of Justice Deems Malta’s Gold Passport Programme Illegal

By Manesh Samtani | 02/05/2025

CJEU ruled that a commercial transaction cannot be used to acquire EU citizenship. The scheme has earned Malta EUR 1.4 billion since 2015.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan Adds 30 More Jurisdictions to Scope of Travel Rule Requirements

By Editors | 29/04/2025

There were already 28 jurisdictions named after an update in January 2024. The FSA proposes to add 30 more jurisdictions, which are mostly EU nations.