International

PEPs & Sanctions

Korea to Block Transactions of Firms Controlled by Terrorist Financiers

By Mark Johnston | 15/01/2026

Financial institutions must identify and restrict services for entities owned or influenced by designated persons, effective 22 January.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Thailand Dismantles Scam Ring Using Hong Kong ATMs for Laundering

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/01/2026

Authorities arrested 10 individuals who used couriers and Thai bank cards to withdraw millions in scam proceeds from Hong Kong ATMs.

Supervision & Enforcement

Exclusive: Australia Set to Defer Core ‘Tranche 1’ AML/CTF Reforms

By Nathan Lynch | 15/01/2026

Australia is set to defer some key AML/CTF reforms until 2029, prioritising the Tranche 2 rollout and counter-terrorism ahead of the upcoming FATF mutual evaluation.

Anti-Money Laundering

India Tightens Crypto AML/KYC Rules for Crypto Firms

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/01/2026

FIU-IND has introduced new identity verification and monitoring requirements for crypto users and exchanges, as part of its efforts to contain risks linked to digital assets.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

IESBA Kicks Off Global Dialogue on Firm Culture with Asia Outreach

By Mark Johnston | 13/01/2026

The ethics board has launched its "Viewpoints" to stimulate a six-month global consultation on a future framework for accounting firms.

Structural Regulation

MAS, SGX Consult on Framework for New Global Listing Board

By Nithya Subramanian | 12/01/2026

Separate consultations by MAS and SGX RegCo outline legal changes and listing rules to support US–Singapore dual listings under a proposed Global Listing Board.

Stablecoins

Moody's Proposes Global Methodology for Rating Stablecoins

By Manesh Samtani | 09/01/2026

The proposed methodology would assign deposit ratings based on reserve asset quality, market risk, and operational resilience.

Cybersecurity

TAIFEX to Subsidise Cybersecurity Audits for Designated FCMs

By Manesh Samtani | 09/01/2026

Starting in 2026, eligible futures commission merchants conducting cybersecurity audits can receive a subsidy of up to TWD 88,000 per audit to enhance overall market security.

Emerging Prudential Risks

BIS Flags Stability Risks as AI Boom Shifts Financing to Debt, Private Credit

By Manesh Samtani | 08/01/2026

New report notes the boom is supporting Asian growth but warns of risks from rising leverage and a disconnect between equity and debt valuations.