Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Removes 45 VASP and Remitter Registrations Amid High-Risk Scrutiny

09/09/2026

AUSTRAC has taken action against 45 firms in the past year, citing money laundering risks.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

New Zealand Passes Bill to Modernise SFO's Investigative Powers

09/09/2026

The legislation introduces new powers for remote digital searches, oral warrant applications, and extended evidence handling timeframes to combat complex financial crime.

Emerging Prudential Risks

Japanese Banks Hesitate on Defence Funding Despite Government Push

08/09/2026

Private lenders are struggling to align with government calls for increased investment in the defence sector, citing reputational and business risks.

Supervision & Enforcement

Indonesia to Widen Scope of Asset Forfeiture Bill

08/09/2026

The proposed expansion could bring banking, insurance, tax, mining and environmental offences within Indonesia’s asset forfeiture regime, widening the focus beyond corruption.

Structural Regulation

Vietnam Mandates Real-Time Data Reporting for Commodity Exchanges

08/09/2026

Vietnam's industry ministry has issued new rules requiring commodity exchanges to provide real-time trading and risk data to a central regulatory platform, enhancing market transparency.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Singapore Investor Body Warns on Pyramid Schemes After China Arrests

08/09/2026

The investor association has issued a strong public warning against pyramid-style investment schemes following the arrest of 52 Singaporeans in China.

Structural Regulation

Malaysia to Finalise Framework for Pilgrim Fund Investment Oversight

08/09/2026

The framework will place Tabung Haji’s investment arm under SC oversight, while BNM will retain responsibility for the fund’s financial stability and liquidity.

Market Abuse

Korea's Fast-Track Process for Market Abuse Probes Faces Halt

08/09/2026

The abolition of the prosecution service from October is raising concerns over investigation gaps and loss of specialist expertise in fighting financial crime.

Liquidity Risk

RBI Drains $63bn from Banking System to Address Liquidity Surplus

08/09/2026

The RBI has stepped up liquidity absorption operations after special one-off schemes resulted in a record liquidity surplus.