Europe

Sanctions

EU Commission Proposes 17th Russia Sanctions Package

By Manesh Samtani | 08/05/2025

The package targets Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers as well as dozens of companies involved in sanctions evasion, including China-based entities.

ESG / Sustainability

ESMA Consults On Rules For ESG Rating Providers

By Editors | 07/05/2025

Among other things, the draft RTS sets out the information non-EU firms must provide when seeking recognition in the EU.

Enforcement

TikTok Fined for Breaching GDPR With China Data Transfers

By Editors | 07/05/2025

TikTok was fined EUR 530 million and is required to bring its data processing into compliance with GDPR within six months.

AML / KYC

European Court of Justice Deems Malta’s Gold Passport Programme Illegal

By Manesh Samtani | 02/05/2025

CJEU ruled that a commercial transaction cannot be used to acquire EU citizenship. The scheme has earned Malta EUR 1.4 billion since 2015.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan Adds 30 More Jurisdictions to Scope of Travel Rule Requirements

By Editors | 29/04/2025

There were already 28 jurisdictions named after an update in January 2024. The FSA proposes to add 30 more jurisdictions, which are mostly EU nations.

Crypto / Digital Assets

BIS Publishes Findings from DLT Project to Enhance FX Settlements

By Manesh Samtani | 25/04/2025

Project Meridian FX demonstrated the technical feasibility of using “synchronisation operators” to modernise FX settlements, improve interoperability, and increase efficiency.

ESG / Sustainability

EBA’s ESG Risk Guidelines Present Heavy Burden for Japan Banks

By Thisanka Siripala | 23/04/2025

The JBA said the Japanese banks will struggle to implement the EBA’s ESG risk management and scenario analysis guidelines by the January 2026 implementation date.

AML / KYC

Interpol Published Second-ever ‘Silver Notice’ at UK’s Request

By Manesh Samtani | 16/04/2025

The Silver Notice was issued to pinpoint assets held internationally by a man convicted for running a GBP 8.5 million conveyancing fraud.

UK FCA to Open APAC Regional Office in July 2025

By Editors | 16/04/2025

The new regional office will focus on supporting financial services firms in navigating UK regulation and helping UK firms expand into APAC.