Regional

ESG / Sustainability

ASEAN Capital Markets Forum Releases Simplified ESG Guide for SMEs

By Mark Johnston | 10/11/2025

New regional guide aims to simplify sustainability reporting for SMEs in supply chains and align disclosures with global standards.

AML / KYC

Mining the Blockchain: Lessons from the Prince Group Laundering Case

By Nathan Lynch | 10/11/2025

The US DOJ’s case against Chen Zhi, chairman of Cambodian-headquartered Prince Group, has provided a unique window into the role of cryptocurrency in modern money laundering schemes.

Securities / Derivatives

ASEAN Unveils Five-year Capital Market Roadmap

By Nithya Subramanian | 09/11/2025

The ACMF Action Plan sets 11 priorities and 24 initiatives across five strategic areas to strengthen the capital markets, boost sustainability and accelerate digital transformation.

ESG / Sustainability

ASEAN Releases Version 4 of Sustainable Finance Taxonomy

By Nithya Subramanian | 07/11/2025

The framework provides common regional reference for green and transition investments. It will remain a “living document”, updated periodically.

Fintech / Regtech

SFA Report Urges Policymakers to Harmonise ASEAN Data Rules

By Nithya Subramanian | 05/11/2025

Survey finds three-quarters of fintechs and financial firms say fragmented data rules raise costs, limit innovation and hinder cross-border operations.

Enforcement

Personal Liability: The New Weapon in Financial Crime Enforcement

By Nathan Lynch | 31/10/2025

Regulators across the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly targeting individuals as a critical weapon in their crackdown on financial crime.

ESG / Sustainability

Bursa Malaysia Urges Belt and Road Nations to Support ASEAN Carbon Plan

By Nithya Subramanian | 30/10/2025

Under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, Bursa Malaysia is driving efforts to develop a common carbon framework and attract Belt and Road investment to boost the region’s green finance ecosystem.

AML / KYC

ASEAN Forms Working Group Targeting Financial and Cyber-enabled Crime

By Nithya Subramanian | 29/10/2025

The dedicated working group on money laundering is aimed at bolstering regional action against financial crime, cyber scams, and other transnational threats.

Market Infrastructure

Australia Pledges A$83.5m to Bolster Indo-Pacific Cyber Defences

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/10/2025

The four-year investment aims to boost regional cooperation on law enforcement, protect critical infrastructure, and shape international cyber norms.