International

Anti-Money Laundering

Balancing Act: FATF Walks Fine Line Between Crime-Fighting and Inclusion

By Nathan Lynch | 18/08/2025

Banks across the Asia-Pacific region need to strike a better balance between the complementary goals of financial crime-fighting and financial inclusion, writes Nathan Lynch.

PEPs & Sanctions

Nepal Mandates Immediate Sanctions Freezing for Payment Firms

By Mark Johnston | 18/08/2025

New guidelines require immediate freezing of assets and daily screening, with financial penalties up to NPR 2 million for non-compliance.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Sanctions Russian Crypto Firm with Central Asia Links

By Manesh Samtani | 18/08/2025

The sanctions target Garantex and successor Grinex for ransomware links, with enforcement actions spanning from Europe to Asia.

Anti-Money Laundering

Indonesia Blocked Millions of Accounts in Online Gambling Crackdown

By Editors | 16/08/2025

The move, targeting dormant accounts and e-wallets to curb illicit funds, has faced public criticism over its scope and execution.

PEPs & Sanctions

Russian Universities Professionalise Sanctions Evasion Training: RUSI

By Manesh Samtani | 15/08/2025

Academic institutions in Russia are now offering formal courses on how to circumvent international sanctions, using tools like cryptocurrencies.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

BFIU Probes Three Former Central Bank Governors in Corruption Inquiry

By Mark Johnston | 15/08/2025

The FIU has ordered banks to provide account details for three former governors and six deputies at the request of the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Stablecoins

Singapore's MetaComp Executes FX Payment Using Carbon Stablecoin

By Editors | 14/08/2025

The MAS-licensed firm facilitated a same-day EUR to CNH payment using a stablecoin backed by certified carbon credits.

Clearing & Post-Trade

ISDA Urges India to Rethink Mandatory Clearing for GIFT City Derivatives

By Manesh Samtani | 14/08/2025

The industry body calls for bilateral clearing, broader issuer eligibility, and removal of strict hedging requirements.

Anti-Money Laundering

BIS Proposes 'Compliance Score' Framework for Crypto AML

By Manesh Samtani | 14/08/2025

The approach would leverage public blockchain data to assess illicit financing risks and place a 'duty of care' on crypto off-ramps.