International

PEPs & Sanctions

MAS Clarifies Sanctions Scope After Russia-Linked Stablecoin Appears at Conference

By Manesh Samtani | 08/10/2025

The issuer of A7A5, owned by a sanctioned Moldovan fugitive banker and Russia’s state-owned Promsvyazbank, was featured as a sponsor at Token2049.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

GASA Urges Policy Action to Address 'Global Threat' of Scams

By Manesh Samtani | 08/10/2025

A new report finds over half of adults globally were targeted by scams last year, urging greater collaboration and provider accountability.

Cybersecurity

FS-ISAC, Akamai Issue API Security Framework as DDoS Attacks Surge

By Manesh Samtani | 07/10/2025

The new guidance comes as attacks on financial sector APIs jump 58%, with Asia Pacific becoming a key target for volumetric attacks.

Tokenisation

Vietnam's Crypto Hub Ambition Faces Slow Start Amid Strict Rules

By Mark Johnston | 07/10/2025

Hanoi aims to tap a USD 19 trillion global market for tokenised assets, but strict capital requirements for its new pilot framework have so far deterred any formal applications.

Trading & Investment

ICMA, AFME Release Standard Bond Deal NDA Template for Emerging Markets

By Mark Johnston | 07/10/2025

ICMA and AFME published a template confidentiality agreement to help streamline bond offerings for emerging market and infrequent issuers.

Payments & Settlements

Fast Payment Pricing a Balancing Act for APAC Regulators: BIS Paper

By Manesh Samtani | 07/10/2025

A new BIS paper highlights the trade-offs between driving adoption and ensuring long-term viability, with varied pricing approaches seen across Asia.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Rising Financial Fraud in Japan and Countermeasures to Tackle It

By Gavin Blair | 07/10/2025

Record fraud losses in Japan, driven by police impersonation scams, are prompting new countermeasures as criminals move online and overseas.

Clearing & Post-Trade

Sibos: Europe's T+1 Shift to Poses Significant Challenges for APAC

By Manesh Samtani | 07/10/2025

Industry leaders at Sibos 2025 warned that the complex shift requires immediate, industry-wide preparation, especially from the buy-side.

Payments & Settlements

G20 Payment Goals to Be Missed as Data Quality and Last-Mile Frictions Persist

By Manesh Samtani | 06/10/2025

Regulators and industry leaders at Sibos 2025 flagged persistent last-mile frictions, data quality issues, and regulatory divergence as key roadblocks.