United States

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Philippines SEC Mandates Strict 9-Year Term for Independent Directors

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/01/2026

The SEC removes extensions and sets a firm nine-year cumulative term for independent directors of listed firms to bolster board independence.

Anti-Money Laundering

Illicit Crypto Flows Reached Record $158b in 2025 - Report

By Manesh Samtani | 29/01/2026

Chinese-language escrow services processed over $100 bn, becoming a core settlement layer for cross-border illicit finance.

Tokenisation

Thailand SEC Proposes Rules for Tokenised Mutual Funds

By Nithya Subramanian | 28/01/2026

The SEC has issued draft principles to govern the sale and redemption of tokenised MF units, aiming to enable instantaneous transactions, enhance efficiency, and support the digital economy.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Includes Asia-Based Firms in New Iran Shadow Fleet Sanctions

By Editors | 28/01/2026

OFAC designated entities in India, the UAE and Oman as well as nine vessels for their role in transporting Iranian oil.

Trading & Investment

FIX Tackles 24-Hour US Trading Impact on Global Investors

By Editors | 28/01/2026

A new working group will address regulatory and operational hurdles for APAC firms as US exchanges move towards round-the-clock trading.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

US SEC Moves to Serve Summons on Adani Bypassing Indian Authorities

By Nithya Subramanian | 27/01/2026

The SEC has sought court approval to directly serve legal summons on Gautam and Sagar Adani, amid allegations linked to a cross-border corruption probe.

Stablecoins

Vietnam Tests Cross-Border Stablecoin Payments in New Regulatory Sandbox

By Editors | 27/01/2026

Payment firm 9Pay is piloting stablecoin and QR-based solutions for foreign users under the new Vietnam International Financial Centers framework.

Structural Regulation

US Signals Potential Tariff Rollbacks After India Reduces Russian Oil Imports

By Nithya Subramanian | 26/01/2026

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls the tariff a “huge success” in curbing imports, while criticising European allies’ approach.

Cryptocurrency

Thailand to Finalise Rules for Crypto ETFs and Futures in 2026

By Nithya Subramanian | 26/01/2026

Thailand’s securities regulator is finalising rules covering crypto ETFs, custody standards and futures trading, formally recognising digital assets within capital markets.