Regulators & Key Institutions

On July 1, 2022, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published its objectives for July 2022 – June 2024. Under its new Singapore Presidency, the FATF will prioritize work in the following areas: Strengthening asset recovery Countering illicit finance related […]

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) have warned financial institutions (FIs) to be aware of entities attempting to avoid US export controls related to the ongoing conflict between Russia and […]

The European Parliament has outlined new legislation that ensures the traceability of crypto-assets. The rules are part of a wider anti-money laundering (AML) package that will align with the Markets in Crypto-assets rules (MiCA).  The legislation extends the Financial Action […]

Hong Kong’s government has set out amendments to its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance, including a virtual asset service provider (VASP) licensing regime. The government is also launching a registration program for dealers in precious metals and stones (DPMS). […]

As financial crime evolves, regulators and financial institutions alike strive to refine their risk-based approach to AML. The vast amounts of data involved in AML compliance, and the increasing complexity of criminal methodologies, mean that financial institutions must constantly find […]

Is Cryptocurrency Legal in Malaysia? Cryptocurrencies: Not legal tender Cryptocurrency exchanges: Legal, must register with the Malaysian Securities Commission  Although cryptocurrencies are legal in Malaysia, they are not considered legal tender. The country’s central bank, Bank Negra Malaysia, has issued […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Treasury have issued significant updates to the UK’s current and proposed crypto regulatory framework in recent months. But as the industry evolves and matures at a rapid pace, the government’s wider strategy around […]

European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) have published a joint report advocating for a more comprehensive framework of powers related to the revoking of licenses for serious breaches of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) rules. The report states […]

On April 28 2022, the House of Commons Treasury Committee issued responses from the government, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) to its report on fraud, scams and economic crime. The original report, published in February 2022,  […]

Laurentian Bank of Canada has been sanctioned by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) in light of its breach of Part 1.7 of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA). Imposing a […]

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has issued new guidance to help firms tackle the criminal abuse of digital currencies and stop ransomware attack payments. The new guidance follows a number of recent updates from the regulator, including […]

Challenger banks need to improve how they assess financial crime risk, with some failing to adequately check their customers’ income and occupation. Others do not have adequate risk assessments in place for customers, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has […]