Financial Action Task Force

    Sanctions

    Australia Issues New Sanctions Guidance for Gatekeeper Professionals

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/03/2026

    New guidance outlines due diligence and reporting obligations for ‘gatekeeper’ professions, with strict liability offences effective from July 2026.

    AML / KYC

    Philippines Proposes AML Revision Bill Targeting Digital Assets, Online Gaming

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/03/2026

    New bill seeks to significantly strengthen the Philippines' AML framework, expanding its scope to VASPs and online gambling, and granting powerful new tools to the FIU.

    AML / KYC

    Papua New Guinea Banks Launch New Association to Strengthen Financial Sector

    By Nithya Subramanian | 20/03/2026

    The newly-formed PNG Banking Association aims to strengthen cooperation across the sector, support regulatory reforms and address FATF requirements.

     

    Crypto / Digital Assets

    Vietnam to Ban Offshore Crypto Trading Under New Licensing Regime

    By Nithya Subramanian | 19/03/2026

    Five entities have passed an initial licence qualification stage. A limited number of exchanges will be allowed to operate during the trial period.

    Crypto / Digital Assets

    Thailand Consults on 'Travel Rule' Implementation for Digital Assets

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/03/2026

    Digital asset business operators would have to collect, verify, and transmit information for all digital asset transfers; additional information for transactions valued at THB 30,000 or more.

    AML / KYC

    New Zealand Proposes Banks Bear 85pc of New AML Levies

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/03/2026

    The government has launched a consultation on funding its AML/CFT regime, with high-risk sectors set to cover most costs via a new levy system.

    Fintech / Regtech

    FSB and Industry Launch New Push on Cross-border Payments

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

    Andrew Bailey says progress on the G20 roadmap is stalling, outlining new action plans for regulators and calling for industry leadership.

    Enforcement

    Thailand Freezes 10,000 Crypto Accounts in AML Crackdown

    By Editors | 12/03/2026

    The action follows the rollout of a new ‘Speed Bump’ protocol and stricter KYC checks designed to disrupt illicit fund flows.

    Fintech / Regtech

    Japan FSA Prioritises Real-World Use Cases to Guide Digital Asset Rule-Making

    By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

    A senior official outlined Japan's focus on fostering real-world applications for stablecoins and tokenised assets while seeking global consensus on DeFi.

    Sanctions

    New FATF Report Calls for Crackdown on Offshore Crypto Providers

    By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

    New report outlines risks from offshore crypto firms and calls for coordinated global action from regulators and financial institutions.

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