International

Sanctions

Japan Reimposes Iran Sanctions, Requiring FIs to Freeze Assets

By Manesh Samtani | 30/09/2025

The measures target 78 entities and 43 individuals, requiring financial institutions to implement payment controls and enhanced due diligence.

Fintech / Regtech

Swift Taps Global Banks for Blockchain Ledger to Enable 24/7 Payments

By Editors | 29/09/2025

Swift is working with over 30 institutions on a shared ledger for regulated, tokenised value.

Sanctions

Former Myanmar Advisor Calls for Broader, 'Go Big' Sanctions

By Manesh Samtani | 29/09/2025

Sean Turnell, a former advisor to Aung San Suu Kyi, describes a 'tottering' banking system and urges a broader sanctions regime to choke off military funding.

Sanctions

UN Sanctions on Iran Reimposed, Targeting Banking and Assets

By Manesh Samtani | 29/09/2025

"Snapback" triggered by European powers restores asset freezes and financial restrictions; China and Russia dispute the move's legality.

Fintech / Regtech

Fugitive Ex-CEO of Fintech Lender Investree Repatriated to Indonesia

By Editors | 29/09/2025

Adrian Gunadi is accused of illegally raising IDR 2.7 trillion in a case that brought down one of the country's most prominent fintechs.

Securities / Derivatives

China Opens Onshore Repo Market and Boosts Swap Connect

By Manesh Samtani | 27/09/2025

Regulators will allow all foreign bond investors to access the onshore repo market under a title-transfer model and more than double the Swap Connect quota.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Coinbase Set to List First Singapore Dollar Stablecoin

By Nithya Subramanian | 26/09/2025

The partnership with StraitX aims to give global users access to a MAS-recognised digital token while also enhancing cross-border payments and on-chain foreign exchange.

Fintech / Regtech

FS-ISAC Calls for Global Timeline on Quantum Crypto Migration

By Manesh Samtani | 26/09/2025

New white paper warns that delays in transitioning to quantum-safe standards create systemic risk and calls for a coordinated, phased approach for financial firms and regulators.

Market Infrastructure

APAC Banks Boost Cyber Spend but Lag on Third Party Risk Management

By Manesh Samtani | 26/09/2025

A new Moody's Ratings survey finds Asia-Pacific banks are increasing cyber budgets but trail North American peers in areas like mandating cyber insurance for vendors and AI policy.