International

AML / KYC

US Sanctions Iran Shadow Banking Network, Including HK Front Companies

By Manesh Samtani | 08/06/2025

OFAC has sanctioned a network laundering billions for Iran, targeting 10 individuals and 27 entities based in Iran, China, Hong Kong, and the UAE.

Capital / Liquidity

Switzerland Proposes Stricter Capital Rules for UBS, Targeting Foreign Units

By Manesh Samtani | 08/06/2025

The new capital requirements could make it more expensive for UBS to grow its business in Asia, impacting its competitiveness in the region.

Enforcement

SFC Outlines Multi-Pronged Strategy Against Unlicensed Finfluencers

By Manesh Samtani | 06/06/2025

The SFC has conducted thematic inspections to assess the practices used by intermediaries that engage with finfluencers.

Enforcement

UAE Regulator Probes India’s HDFC Bank for Mis-selling Bonds

By Nithya Subramanian | 06/06/2025

CBUAE is investigating whether HDFC Bank breached its licensing conditions while marketing third-party products and structuring cross-border client interactions.

Big Picture

BIS Bulletin Spotlights Benefits of Regional Integration in Asia

By Manesh Samtani | 06/06/2025

BIS bulletin says Asia’s regional integration, supported by finance hubs in Hong Kong and Singapore, serves as a buffer against global fragmentation.

AML / KYC

BIS Innovation Hub Finds Promise and Limits in AI Project Hertha

By Manesh Samtani | 05/06/2025

Project Hertha used a simulated synthetic transaction dataset and showed that payment system analytics can help spot new financial crime patterns.

Securities / Derivatives

Europe’s Move to T+1 Settlement Will Impact Firms Globally

By Manesh Samtani | 05/06/2025

New report by Firebrand Research and DTCC reveals complexities of Europe’s move to T+1 settlement. Firms in Asia and elsewhere will face particular challenges related to automation.

Sanctions

US, EU Preparing Tougher Sanctions Against Russia

By Manesh Samtani | 04/06/2025

Proposed legislation sanctions could raise tariffs to 500% for countries like China and India that purchase oil from Russia.

AML / KYC

Scam Liability in Asia: A Spectrum of Policies, One Common Fight

By Anurag Mohapatra | 04/06/2025

Asia’s diverse anti-scam policies reflect local contexts, Anurag Mohapatra writes, highlighting the need for trust, coordination, and accountability.