Financial Action Task Force

Anti-Money Laundering

Hong Kong Calls for Global Action on Digital Assets to Combat Terror Financing

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/05/2026

Hong Kong’s finance chief has urged jurisdictions to implement international standards for digital assets and enhance cooperation to prevent their use in illicit finance.

Anti-Money Laundering

Worldclear Leaks Expose AML Lapses at New Zealand Payments Firm

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/05/2026

A leak shows the New Zealand financial services provider processed millions for high-risk clients, highlighting regulatory gaps and AML control failures.

Anti-Money Laundering

Clarity Needed in FATF R16 Guidance to Prevent De-Risking: RUSI Analyst

By Manesh Samtani | 13/05/2026

Forthcoming guidance on the FATF’s revised Recommendation 16 must provide clear, practical rules to avoid harming financial inclusion.

Anti-Money Laundering

Good is No Longer Enough: FATF’s Core Message to Singapore

By Manesh Samtani | 12/05/2026

The strength of Singapore’s AML framework was affirmed, but the SGD 3 billion case has moved the goalposts from compliance to effectiveness.

Anti-Money Laundering

FATF Finds Singapore AML Regime is Robust, Despite Some Gaps

By Nithya Subramanian | 07/05/2026

Singapore has improved its AML framework, FATF said, while calling for tougher penalties and better oversight of foreign entities following a major scandal.

Anti-Money Laundering

Vietnam Sets Out AML/CFT Action Plan Ahead of APG Review

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/04/2026

The plan aims to overhaul Vietnam's legal framework and enforcement effectiveness in preparation for its 2028 APG mutual evaluation.

Anti-Money Laundering

FATF Ministers Agree New Priorities on Fraud, Virtual Assets

By Manesh Samtani | 20/04/2026

FATF outlined its strategic priorities, emphasising a risk-based approach and the rapid implementation of virtual asset standards.

PEPs & Sanctions

Australia Issues New Sanctions Guidance for Gatekeeper Professionals

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/03/2026

New guidance outlines due diligence and reporting obligations for ‘gatekeeper’ professions, with strict liability offences effective from July 2026.

Anti-Money Laundering

Philippines Proposes AML Revision Bill Targeting Digital Assets, Online Gaming

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/03/2026

New bill seeks to significantly strengthen the Philippines' AML framework, expanding its scope to VASPs and online gambling, and granting powerful new tools to the FIU.