Financial Action Task Force

Anti-Money Laundering

EY Launches Risk Lab to Help FIs Tackle Surging Compliance Demands

By Manesh Samtani | 28/11/2025

The new lab will co-create technology solutions with clients, focusing on non-financial risks like financial crime amid tightening regional regulations.

Payments & Settlements

Swift Officially Ends Support for Legacy MT Messaging Standard

By Manesh Samtani | 25/11/2025

The end of the Swift MT coexistence period ushers in an era of richer data, though hurdles remain even for firms that switched to ISO 20022 on time.

Sustainable Finance

G20 Targets Debt, Regulation, and Climate Finance Gap

By Manesh Samtani | 25/11/2025

G20 communique outlines a comprehensive financial agenda, including MDB reform, crypto-asset regulation, and a USD 5.9 trillion funding need for developing nations' climate goals.

Anti-Money Laundering

Japan FSA to Step Up AML Dialogue with FIs Ahead of 2028 FATF On-Site Review

By Manesh Samtani | 24/11/2025

The regulator is shifting focus from technical compliance to proven outcomes, requiring firms to establish robust verification and improvement cycles.

PEPs & Sanctions

HKMA Issues Guidance to Curb 'Overly Cautious' AML Checks on PEPs

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/11/2025

The HKMA’s new 'Smart Tips' guidance clarifies rules for domestic and former PEPs, urging banks to adopt a more proportionate, risk-based approach.

Anti-Money Laundering

AML/CFT Officials Discuss FATF Work to Promote Financial Inclusion

By Manesh Samtani | 24/11/2025

The FATF is encouraging simplified measures for low-risk customers and clarifying that over-compliance is counterproductive.

Cryptocurrency

Vanuatu Establishes Regulatory Regime for Virtual Assets

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/11/2025

The VFSC has launched a new licensing regime for VASPs, mandating compliance with global AML/CFT standards.

Stablecoins

FSB Outlines 2026 Agenda Targeting Crypto, NBFI, Regulatory Alignment

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/11/2025

The FSB will prioritise aligning national regulations, tackling risks in non-banks and stablecoins, and improving cross-border resolution frameworks.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

The Great Bitcoin Freeze: How the DOJ Snatched $15bn from a Cambodian Crypto Empire

By Nathan Lynch | 19/11/2025

Amid the excitement about the DOJ's record $15bn bitcoin seizure from Prince Group one question still remains unanswered: how did US authorities obtain assets held in cryptographically secure cold storage wallets?