Regional

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.

ESG / Sustainability

APAC Anti-Corruption Efforts Stall, Transparency International Warns

By Manesh Samtani | 12/02/2026

The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index shows a stagnant regional average, with declining scores in established democracies.

AML / KYC

Sri Lanka President Orders Action on AML Deficiencies to Avoid 'Grey List'

By Editors | 05/02/2026

President orders urgent action on legal and staffing shortfalls ahead of a critical FATF evaluation to avoid being placed back on the "grey list".

Fintech / Regtech

AMRO Chief Urges Policy Action to Address AI, Tokenization Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 30/01/2026

The head of the ASEAN+3 research office calls for sustained policy attention to manage risks from faster, AI-driven finance.

Sanctions

Silver’s Surge Demands a New Approach to Managing Laundering Risks

By Nathan Lynch | 28/01/2026

With silver reaching all-time highs, financial crime experts warn that the metal’s growing “value density” and lower regulatory scrutiny are making it an attractive alternative for illicit transactions.

Fintech / Regtech

ADB Urges Policy Action to Address APAC's Trade Finance Gap

By Manesh Samtani | 16/01/2026

New report recommends accelerated digitalisation, expanded supply chain finance, and better data to unlock trade potential in the region.