The latest report from the Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) finds there is still room for improvement. The anti-money laundering supervisors of professional services firms are more effective than at any time since 2018. However, OPBAS remains concerned that their enforcement lacks the teeth to deter firms from falling short of minimum standards. OPBAS’s latest report found Professional Body Supervisors (PBSs) generally continue to demon

The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show is being held at AsiaWorld-Expo from today (March 2) for five consecutive days. Hong Kong Customs reminds exhibitors that, according to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above

AUSTRAC has published guidance on its new compulsory examination powers, setting clear expectations for businesses and individuals about when and how the powers will be applied. The new section 172A powers were introduced in 2025 with the passing of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024 (AML/CTF Amendment Act). Section 172A notices require a person to attend an examination, answer questions and provide documents. AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Th

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has obtained an order from the Court of First Instance requiring Mr Zhang Wei, a former executive director of Coolpad Group Limited (Coolpad), to pay HK$4 million in compensation to Coolpad for his role in a series of transactions which caused financial loss to the company (Notes 1 to 3). Zhang was also disqualified for a period of five years from being a director, liquidator, receiver or manager of, or being involved in the managem

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), the Insurance Authority (IA), and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport), announced today (5 March) the launch of the Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenA.I.) Sandbox++ initiative.Building on the success of the GenA.I. Sandbox initiative launched in 2024, regulators jointly expand the Gen

Our clarification about forbearance following the introduction of the new Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations (POATRs) regime. On 19 January 2026, the Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations (POATRs) regime and associated changes to our listing processes in the UK Listing Rules (UKLR) came into force. These changes introduced a requirement in the Prospectus Regime Manual (PRM 1.6.4R) for issuers to notify a Regulatory Information Service (RIS) of

Seven social media influencers have been sentenced at Southwark Crown Court for their role in the promotion of an unauthorised foreign exchange trading scheme. Biggs Chris, Jamie Clayton, Lauren Goodger, Rebecca Gormley, Yazmin Oukhellou, Scott Timlin and Eva Zapico all pleaded guilty to one count of issuing unauthorised financial promotions. The outcomes were: Lauren Goodger was fined £3,750 and ordered to pay costs of £5,778.18. Biggs Chris was fined £600 and ordered to

The FCA has chosen 4 companies to test how their stablecoin services work with proposed regulation in a safe environment. The stablecoins cohort is part of the FCA's commitment to supporting growth and innovation in UK financial services. 20 applications were received and the FCA has chosen the following firms: Monee Financial Technologies ReStabilise Revolut VVTX The Regulatory Sandbox programme allows firms to trial stablecoin products in real world conditions with appropr

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Annual Report 2024-2025 outlines work by the FATF during the first year of the Mexican Presidency of Elisa de Anda Madrazo. Learn about how the FATF, through its global, collaborative approach, has worked with the Global Network of more than 200 countries and a range of partners from the public and private sectors to: Help countries identify and respond to evolving risks, with reports on online child sexual exploitation, terrorist financ