Regional

AML / KYC

Tonga Boosts AML Powers to Combat Crime, Secure Banking Ties

By Manesh Samtani | 03/03/2026

New legislation enhances supervision and asset recovery to combat organised crime and secure crucial international correspondent banking relationships, officials say.

Fintech / Regtech

ASEAN Endorses Malaysia-Led Cross-Border Cloud Computing Framework

By Nithya Subramanian | 27/02/2026

The new regional framework sets standards for secure cloud data flows, boosts investor confidence and supports AI-driven digital growth across ASEAN.

Fintech / Regtech

AI-Powered Tools Are Supercharging Asian Scam Networks: C4ADS

By Nithya Subramanian | 27/02/2026

Criminal networks are leveraging advanced AI translation, chatbot and monitoring tools to expand and streamline global scam operations, a new report by C4ADS warns.

Fintech / Regtech

Asia Pacific and the Shape of Fraud to Come

By Bradley Maclean | 26/02/2026

As scams become an industrial operation in Asia-Pacific, the region offers a glimpse into the future of global digital fraud.

ESG / Sustainability

ASEAN+3 Must Move from Climate Frameworks to Enforcement

By Blake Evans-Pritchard | 26/02/2026

As climate risks rise, regulators need to turn supervisory frameworks into real incentives and penalties for banks and investors.

AML / KYC

Philippines Mandates Development of New National AML Strategy

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/02/2026

A presidential directive orders all government agencies to help draft a new national strategy for 2026-2030 and prepare for the next mutual evaluation in 2027.

Fintech / Regtech

Claws of Crime: Local AI Agents Pose Fresh Threat for AML/CTF Teams

By Nathan Lynch | 17/02/2026

Locally run AI agents like OpenClaw, operating beyond cloud guardrails on cheap hardware, risk unleashing a cottage industry of sophisticated financial crime.

Capital / Liquidity

Japanese Banks Show Improved Resilience to Interest Rate Risk: AMRO

By Manesh Samtani | 16/02/2026

The megabanks have strengthened asset-liability management and shifted their portfolios to manage interest rate risk in the banking book.

ESG / Sustainability

IEEFA Urges Policy Action to Fill Southeast Asia's Adaptation Finance Gap

By Manesh Samtani | 12/02/2026

Report says clearer rules for green finance and strategic use of capital markets are vital for the region's climate resilience.