International

Sanctions

US, UK Probing $20b in Tether Transfers to Russia’s Garantex – Report

By Editors | 28/03/2024

There is no immediate suggestion of wrongdoing by Tether Holdings, the BVI-incorporated issuer of USDT.

AML / KYC

BIS Innovation Hub Launches New Phase of AML Project

By Manesh Samtani | 28/03/2024

Phase 2 of Project Aurora aims to, among other things, deliver real-world proofs-of-concept that could scale to a potential pilot.

Sanctions

US Warns Pakistan Against Proceeding With Iran Pipeline Project

By Editors | 27/03/2024

Iran has already invested $2bn in the project. Pakistan is seeking a US sanctions waiver to go ahead with construction on its leg of the pipeline.

Sanctions

Russia Launches Scheme to Unblock Foreign Securities

By Editors | 27/03/2024

Russian broker is accepting offers from Russians looking to free up overseas-held shares affected by sanctions.

Sanctions

Russia Has Started Directly Supplying Oil to DPRK – Reports

By Editors | 27/03/2024

The shipments are reportedly using UN-designated vessels, as part of an arrangement that involves North Korea supplying arms to Russia.

Sanctions

Belgian Authorities Arrest Six Over Russian Diamond Imports

By Editors | 27/03/2024

The arrests, which reportedly include some Indian traders, followed the seizure of millions of euros worth of Russian diamonds last month.

Crypto / Digital Assets

SWIFT Concludes Second Phase of CBDC Sandbox Tests

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 27/03/2024

SWIFT will extend its CBDC interlinking solution to support a wider range of emerging digital networks, including platforms for tokenised deposits.

Sanctions

OFAC Unveils More Sanctions Over Iran Commodity Shipments

By Editors | 26/03/2024

The sanctions target a Lebanon-based financial facilitator, two vessels, and entities registered in Liberia, India, Vietnam, and Kuwait.

Securities / Derivatives

ISDA to Commence Work to Update FX Standards

By Manesh Samtani | 26/03/2024

CEO Scott O’Malia said ISDA is also prioritising the development of a new industry notices hub and continuing to engage with US policymakers on the proposed Basel III reforms.