International

Sanctions

FinCEN Targets Mexican FIs, Citing Fentanyl-Related China Links

By Editors | 26/06/2025

US Treasury has targeted two banks and one brokerage for facilitating the procurement of precursor chemicals from China for illicit purposes.

Crypto / Digital Assets

The Nobitex Hack: A New Frontier in Geopolitical Crypto Warfare

By Nathan Lynch | 26/06/2025

The attack on Iran’s Nobitex exchange signals a new era of politically motivated crypto hacks, posing unique challenges for risk and compliance teams.

AML / KYC

FATF Updates AML/CFT Guidance on Financial Inclusion

By Manesh Samtani | 25/06/2025

The guidance encourages regulators and FIs to balance AML/CFT/CPF measures with access to financial services, particularly for vulnerable populations.

ESG / Sustainability

IFRS Foundation Publishes Guidance on Transition Plan Disclosures

By Thisanka Siripala | 25/06/2025

IFRS Foundation has issued guidance to support firms disclosing climate-related transition plans under IFRS S2, to enhance comparability for investors.

Market Infrastructure

G7 Cyber Expert Group Publishes Reconnection Best Practices

By Manesh Samtani | 24/06/2025

New paper sets out best practices for financial firms reconnecting after cyber incidents, emphasising a phased approach and transparency.

Big Picture

Financial Sector Faces a Crossroads of Trust, Regulation, and AI – Report

By Manesh Samtani | 24/06/2025

New Starling Trust report warns that a “trust crisis”, coupled with evolving regulations and the rise of AI, is creating unprecedented challenges for the financial sector.

Sanctions

New US Sanctions Target Iran Defence Procurement, Houthi Oil Smuggling

By Manesh Samtani | 22/06/2025

The sanctions target entities in Iran, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Turkiye for supporting the procurement of sensitive machinery for Iran’s defence industry.

AML / KYC

FATF Calls for Stronger Global Response to Proliferation Financing Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 22/06/2025

New FATF report calls for global action to prevent the misuse of financial channels, including crypto, to bypass UN sanctions and fund weapons programmes.

Big Picture

FSB Flags Vulnerabilities in Non-Bank Commercial Real Estate Investors

By Manesh Samtani | 20/06/2025

FSB identifies liquidity mismatches, leverage, and valuation opacity as key vulnerabilities in non-bank commercial real estate investors.