AML / KYC

Market Infrastructure

UK Proposes to Ban Ransomware Payments by Public Sector Bodies

By Manesh Samtani | 25/07/2025

The proposed ban in the UK comes nearly two months after mandatory reporting of ransomware payments came into effect in Australia.

Sanctions

UK Launches New Sanctions Regime Targeting People Smuggling

By Manesh Samtani | 25/07/2025

New powers include asset freezes and director disqualifications, targeting financiers, suppliers, and gangs from the Middle East to China.

Enforcement

IFTI Business: The Story Behind PayPal's Epic Enforceable Undertaking

By Nathan Lynch | 25/07/2025

The completion of PayPal’s Enforceable Undertaking with AUSTRAC brings to a close one of the most extraordinary chapters in AML/CTF supervision.

Fintech / Regtech

Hong Kong Developing New Rules to Support Elderly Banking Consumers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 25/07/2025

Regulators will issue elderly-friendly banking guidelines to improve the banking experience for seniors, and require banks to offer a "default no-online banking" option to customers.

Enforcement

Australian Police, Banks Issue Joint Warning on Money Mule Accounts

By Manesh Samtani | 25/07/2025

ABA CEO Anna Bligh described the use of mule accounts as a "key tactic in a criminal’s playbook" and effectively a "getaway vehicle" for scammers.

AML / KYC

Indian Regulators Unveil New Initiatives to Combat Digital Fraud

By Mark Johnston | 25/07/2025

Indian regulators have unveiled a multi-pronged strategy that includes a new system for managing customer consents and dedicated numbering for financial services calls.

AML / KYC

Global AML Regime Delivers Intelligence Value but Fails on Core Goals, Study Finds

By Manesh Samtani | 25/07/2025

A new paper argues that the global AML system is failing to deter crime despite huge costs, with its main value being an intelligence tool.

AML / KYC

Sri Lanka to Start Registering Crypto Firms Ahead of FATF Review

By Duruthu E Chandrasekera | 24/07/2025

The move, driven by an upcoming FATF evaluation, will require VASP registration, but the CBSL stresses it is not legalisation.

Crypto / Digital Assets

HKMA Warns of 'Frothiness' in Stablecoin Market, Signals Strict AML Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/07/2025

The HKMA will grant only a handful of stablecoin issuer licences initially and impose stringent AML rules amid concerns over market speculation.