International

Crypto / Digital Assets

Pakistan Establishes Permanent Legal Basis for Crypto Regulator

By Mark Johnston | 10/03/2026

The new law formalises PVARA's powers, sets strict licensing mandates, and introduces severe penalties for non-compliance, fulfilling a key IMF condition.

AML / KYC

Financial Crime is Scaling Faster than Institutions Meant to Stop It

By Bradley Maclean | 10/03/2026

Experts at Risk Ready APAC 2026 warn that AI enabled scams are moving faster than legacy compliance and enforcement models can respond.

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Directs Banks to Develop Strategic Plans for DLT, AI Adoption

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/03/2026

HKMA has given lenders six months to devise board-approved strategic plans for adapting to new technologies.

Enforcement

Global Drug Network Dismantled After Swedish Phone Seizure

By Manesh Samtani | 09/03/2026

An international operation targeting drug trafficking and money laundering has led to 15 arrests, including individuals in Australia and Thailand.

Capital / Liquidity

China Proposes New Accounting Rules for Financial Assets, Foreign Exchange

By Editors | 09/03/2026

Beijing has launched a consultation on new accounting guidance for complex financial instruments and non-exchangeable currencies, aligning with recent IFRS updates.

Market Infrastructure

Swift Launches Retail Payment Framework with Major Banks

By Manesh Samtani | 09/03/2026

New rules under the framework aim to bring speed, transparency and cost certainty to cross-border payments, with key APAC corridors among the first to benefit.

Market Infrastructure

BIS Chief Calls for Rethink of Post-Crisis Rules to Tackle New Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 09/03/2026

BIS General Manager Pablo Hernández de Cos says post-crisis reforms must adapt to tackle risks from non-banks, AI, and growing regulatory complexity.

Fintech / Regtech

Global Police Operation Shuts Down LeakBase Financial Data Market

By Editors | 09/03/2026

A 14-nation effort dismantled a major online marketplace for stolen data, with Malaysian authorities seizing key servers as part of the coordinated takedown.

ESG / Sustainability

Philippines SEC Moves to Impose Term Limits on PSE Directors

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/03/2026

The regulator has approved a draft circular for public comment, citing corporate governance, while industry groups warn of negative consequences.