United States

Sanctions

US Eases Russian Oil Sanctions for 30 Days to Calm Markets

By Nithya Subramanian | 16/03/2026

OFAC issues a temporary general licence to release Russian oil stranded at sea, a move aimed at market stability that has been criticised by Ukraine and European partners.

Securities / Derivatives

US SEC Considers Exempting Foreign Firms from Treasury Clearing Rule

By Manesh Samtani | 15/03/2026

The SEC is seeking public comment on a proposal to ease the extraterritorial reach of its new mandate.

Enforcement

Hong Kong Authorities Arrest Eight in Insider Trading, Corruption Probe

By Mark Johnston | 13/03/2026

Joint SFC-ICAC operation targets executives at two brokerages and a hedge fund in a scheme that allegedly netted HKD 315 million from illicitly obtained placement data.

Sanctions

US Sanctions North Korea IT Worker Network in Vietnam and Laos

By Manesh Samtani | 13/03/2026

The action targets facilitators using cryptocurrency to launder funds, heightening secondary sanctions and due diligence risks for financial institutions in Southeast Asia.

AML / KYC

US Treasury Recognises Legitimate Use of Crypto Mixers, Seeks New Powers

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

A key report signals a nuanced US stance on privacy tools while proposing a "hold law" to freeze suspicious digital assets.

Enforcement

Thailand Freezes 10,000 Crypto Accounts in AML Crackdown

By Editors | 12/03/2026

The action follows the rollout of a new ‘Speed Bump’ protocol and stricter KYC checks designed to disrupt illicit fund flows.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Thailand Seeks Interpol Red Notice in Major Crypto Fraud Case

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

Authorities are pursuing a fugitive businessman accused of a cryptocurrency scheme with initial losses estimated at over THB 76 million.

ESG / Sustainability

Philippines SEC Relaxes Rules for Early Stockholder Meetings

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

The SEC has replaced the prior approval requirement with a 32-day notice period for listed companies scheduling early meetings.

Sanctions

US Fed Lifts Enforcement Actions Against ICBC and StanChart

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

The Fed has terminated long-standing orders related to sanctions compliance, internal controls, and unauthorised data disclosure at the two major banks.