AML / KYC

Market Infrastructure

Taiwan Formally Launches Special Asset Management Zone in Kaohsiung

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/07/2025

The FSC has inaugurated the special zone and outlined plans for a unified offshore platform and further deregulation to attract capital.

Sanctions

US Sanctions North Korean IT Network Funding Weapons Programmes

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 25/07/2025

OFAC designated an alleged front company and three individuals for using fraudulent IT workers to generate revenue for North Korea's missile development.

Enforcement

Thailand: New Cybercrime Law Prevented $160m in Losses in 3mos

By Nithya Subramanian | 25/07/2025

Between 14 April and 20 July, authorities froze nearly 182,000 bank accounts and took down over 33,000 malicious websites.

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.