Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Taiwan Moves Towards ATM Facial Detection Rules to Combat Fraud

19/12/2025

Regulators are considering rules that would require ATM users to remove face coverings, with some banks already piloting alerts and transaction blocks.

Cryptocurrency

Korea Seeks Reforms After COVID Relief Fund Paid $15M to Crypto Traders

19/12/2025

An audit found a pandemic recovery fund for small businesses gave debt relief to hundreds of crypto holders, prompting calls for new asset verification powers.

Anti-Money Laundering

Korea, Oman Sign Pact to Combat Illicit Finance and Crypto Crime

19/12/2025

The agreement between the two nations' FIUs aims to enhance information sharing on money laundering and terrorist financing.

Credit Risk

Bank of Thailand Planning to Regulate BNPL Sector to Prevent Risk

19/12/2025

The Bank of Thailand plans to close a regulatory loophole that allows 'invisible' BNPL debt to grow unchecked, threatening financial stability.

Structural Regulation

China Launches Special Customs Regime for Hainan Free Trade Port

19/12/2025

The island-wide operation implements new tariff policies and financial frameworks as a "stress test" before a full launch.

Trading & Investment

SEBI Allows Zero-Coupon Bonds to be Offered at Reduced Face Value

19/12/2025

The move expands a July 2024 framework allowing privately placed debt to be listed with an INR 10,000 face value.

Structural Regulation

Malaysia's MIDF, IACSA Ink Deal to Enhance IP-Backed Financing

19/12/2025

The collaboration aims to create standardised valuation methods, enabling financial institutions to better assess and finance intellectual property assets for businesses.

Payments & Settlements

Indonesia, Japan Establish Framework to Promote Local Currency Trade, Investment

19/12/2025

The framework will promote the use of the rupiah and yen for bilateral trade and investment, aiming to reduce costs and currency risk.

Anti-Money Laundering

Indonesia FIU Pushes for ‘Adaptive Oversight’ to Combat Complex Financial Crime

19/12/2025

Regulators call for a shift from administrative compliance to outcome-based supervision to tackle evolving threats like cyber-attacks and crypto risks.