United States

Enforcement

Binance’s CZ Zhao Now Required to Remain in US Until Sentencing

By Editors | 11/12/2023

Initially, a magistrate judge appeared to be allowing Zhao to leave the US until his sentencing hearing in February. A district court judge has reversed this ruling.

Sanctions

US, UK, Canada Announce Coordinated Human Rights Sanctions

By Editors | 11/12/2023

The US targeted individuals across nine countries; the UK sanctions included targets involved in forced ‘scam farm’ labour in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

Securities / Derivatives

Thai SEC to Update Rules for Bond Issuance by Foreign Firms

By Editors | 10/12/2023

Foreign businesses will only be permitted to issue baht-denominated debt in Thailand if they are rated at least investment grade by an international credit rating agency.

Enforcement

OFAC Announces Settlement with Nasdaq for Sanctions Violations

By Editors | 10/12/2023

Nasdaq’s Armenian subsidiary committed 151 apparent violations of sanctions on Iran before the violations were self-reported in 2014.

ESG / Sustainability

Philippine SEC Launches Framework for Blue Bond Issuance

By Editors | 10/12/2023

SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino described the launch of the blue bond framework as a “giant leap” toward fostering a sustainable blue economy.

ESG / Sustainability

Thailand Launches 22 ESG Funds to Support Sustainability Goals

By Mark Johnston | 08/12/2023

Investors can gain tax benefits by investing in the funds, which invest in Thai bonds or stocks that adhere to ESG criteria.

Market Infrastructure

RBI in Talks With HK, US on Cross-border CBDC Payments

By Ajoy K Das | 08/12/2023

The RBI has set up a working group to create a roadmap for settling international remittances using CBDCs.

Sanctions

US and UK Sanction Russians Tied to Election Hacking

By Editors | 08/12/2023

The individuals are accused of targeting UK politicians and think tanks, among others, in a long-running spear-phishing campaign on behalf of Russia’s  Federal Security Service.

Crypto / Digital Assets

US Authorities Secure Guilty Plea from Crypto Founder

By Editors | 07/12/2023

Anatoly Legkodymov pleaded guilty to operating Hong Kong-registered Bitzlato as a money transmitting business that allowed criminals to launder illicit proceeds.