Financial Action Task Force

    Crypto / Digital Assets

    Vanuatu Establishes Regulatory Regime for Virtual Assets

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/11/2025

    The VFSC has launched a new licensing regime for VASPs, mandating compliance with global AML/CFT standards.

    Crypto / Digital Assets

    FSB Outlines 2026 Agenda Targeting Crypto, NBFI, Regulatory Alignment

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/11/2025

    The FSB will prioritise aligning national regulations, tackling risks in non-banks and stablecoins, and improving cross-border resolution frameworks.

    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.

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