International

Crypto / Digital Assets

BitConnect Victims Receive $17mn Restitution from Crypto Fraud

By Editors | 16/01/2023

BitConnect was an online crypto lending platform that collapsed in 2018, causing investor losses estimated at over USD 2.4 billion.

ESG / Sustainability

IAASB Begins Work on Global Standards for ESG Assurance

By ESG Investor | 16/01/2023

New globally accepted standards aim to improve investor confidence and “reduce the risk of material misstatements”.

ESG / Sustainability

Companies Rally Behind Carbon Credits, Survey Finds

By ESG Investor | 15/01/2023

A survey of more than 500 medium to large businesses across the US, UK and Europe found that 89% of companies view carbon credits as a valuable tool to mitigate CO2 emissions.

AML / KYC

Illicit Crypto Transactions Reached All-time High in 2022

By Editors | 15/01/2023

Chainalysis says 44 percent of 2022’s illicit transaction volume came from activity associated with sanctioned entities, including sanctioned crypto exchange Garantex.

AML / KYC

FATF Publishes Consolidated Table of Assessment Ratings

By Editors | 15/01/2023

FATF members reportedly blocked proposals that could have more meaningfully reformed the process for adding countries to the blacklist and greylist.

AML / KYC

GCFFC Establishes APAC Regional Chapter

By Editors | 13/01/2023

The APAC Chapter is led by DBS Bank’s Debra Au and Westpac’s Jodie Arthur serving as co-chairs, and Napier’s Robin Lee serving as vice chair.

Sanctions

Russia to Resume Yuan Trading to Stabilise Ruble

By Editors | 13/01/2023

The move comes a year after the central bank suspended yuan trading. The finance ministry said it is allocating the equivalent of about $800mn for FX trades.

AML / KYC

Financial Crime: Threats, Challenges, and Priorities for 2023

By Manesh Samtani | 12/01/2023

RUSI’s Tom Keatinge discusses the continuing focus on fraud and scams in Asia, and work underway on asset recovery, sanctions, and environmental crime.

ESG / Sustainability

Increase in Global Adoption of ESG Metrics in Executive Pay

By ESG Investor | 11/01/2023

Last year saw continued growth in the global adoption of ESG metrics in executive incentive plans, according to a Willis Tower Watson report.