International

Anti-Money Laundering

South Korea to Expand Crypto AML ‘Travel Rule’ to Small Transfers

By Manesh Samtani | 30/12/2025

Regulators have launched a taskforce to close a ‘smurfing’ loophole and align the country’s AML framework with global standards.

Capital Adequacy

Taiwan Eases FX Hedging Burden for Insurers with New Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/12/2025

The new regime aligns with global standards, while accounting changes aim to reduce earnings volatility and costly over-hedging.

Payments & Settlements

Philippines Mandates ISO 20022 for All Retail Payment Systems

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/12/2025

The new rules give financial institutions two years to fully adopt the global messaging standard for domestic and cross-border payments.

Market Risk

Hong Kong Finalises New IRRBB Rules, Adopts Recalibrated Basel Shocks

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/12/2025

The new framework applies more severe, recalibrated interest rate shocks to the existing six-scenario test and a 15% capital trigger for 'outlier' banks, effective from 2026.

Anti-Money Laundering

North Korean Operative Laundered Stolen Crypto via Global Banks, US Alleges

By Editors | 28/12/2025

Indictments claim Sim Hyon-sop used a complex network involving brokers and shell companies to evade sanctions and process funds.

Anti-Money Laundering

Korea to Revamp AML Rules to Target FIs With Weak Controls

By Editors | 26/12/2025

KoFIU will introduce penalties for weak controls and incentives for certified staff in its 2026 evaluation programme.

Anti-Money Laundering

Philippines House Passes Bill to Amend Bank Secrecy

By Editors | 26/12/2025

The measure grants the central bank powers to examine accounts in corruption cases, aligning with international AML standards.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

India Seeks Global Asset Freeze in Alleged INR 50 bn Forex Fraud

By Editors | 26/12/2025

Authorities have issued an Interpol notice and are coordinating with the FBI and Europol in a probe into unauthorised trading platform OctaFX.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

Five Eyes Partners Jointly Issue Foreign Bribery Guidance

By Editors | 26/12/2025

International taskforce releases a consolidated list of indicators to help FIs and businesses identify and report corruption.