Financial Action Task Force

Crypto / Digital Assets

The Great Bitcoin Freeze: How the DOJ Snatched $15bn from a Cambodian Crypto Empire

By Nathan Lynch | 19/11/2025

Amid the excitement about the DOJ's record $15bn bitcoin seizure from Prince Group one question still remains unanswered: how did US authorities obtain assets held in cryptographically secure cold storage wallets?

AML / KYC

Experts Question Practical Utility of New FATF Terror Finance Report

By Manesh Samtani | 17/11/2025

A new comprehensive FATF report on terrorist financing is a useful overview but lacks prioritisation and effectiveness analysis, experts say.

AML / KYC

Australia Set to Reinvent AML Regulation for Gatekeepers

By Nathan Lynch | 12/11/2025

AUSTRAC is treating its long-delayed ‘Tranche 2’ reforms as an opportunity to bridge the divide between prescription and principles for 'gatekeeper' businesses.

AML / KYC

Thailand to Launch Data Bureau to Combat Illicit Finance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 07/11/2025

New multi-agency body will centralise financial data by December as government declares 'war on scammers'.

Enforcement

FATF Issues New Guidance to Improve Asset Recovery Outcomes

By Manesh Samtani | 04/11/2025

The FATF calls for new tools like non-conviction-based confiscation to tackle the massive failure in seizing criminal proceeds.

Crypto / Digital Assets

SFC Opens Crypto Market to Global Liquidity, Expands Product Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/11/2025

The SFC is permitting shared order books with overseas affiliates and easing token listing rules under new investor protection safeguards.

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.

Sanctions

FATF Adopts First Mutual Evaluation Reports Under New Methodology

By Manesh Samtani | 27/10/2025

The FATF also removed four countries from the 'grey list' and adopted new guidance on asset recovery and emerging risks from AI and deepfakes.

AML / KYC

Philippine SEC Proposes Tougher Beneficial Ownership Reporting Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/10/2025

The SEC’s draft rules introduce a seven-day reporting deadline for ownership changes and fines of up to PHP 2 million for false declarations.