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FINTRAC’s 2025 Supervisory Framework introduces a proactive, risk-based, and transparent approach to monitoring and enforcing AML and CFT compliance

FINTRAC’s newly published Compliance Program Framework sets out a risk-based and transparent approach to supervising reporting entities under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. It details how FINTRAC assesses sector and entity-specific risks, tailors its compliance activities accordingly, and applies proportionate enforcement measures to promote strong AML/ATF compliance…

EFCC Nigeria charges 5 revenue officials and a bank staff with fraud for allegedly diverting ₦1.2bn from WHO and other aid agencies through a Sterling Bank account 

The case involves alleged misappropriation of tax payments intended for the state from international health organizations, with funds reportedly funneled through a bank account controlled by a company linked to one of the defendants. While the arraigned officials and the bank staff have pleaded not guilty, the proceedings underscore established enforcement practices, including stringent bail conditions and thorough investigative tracing of illicit…

CBUAE introduces the ‘Digital Dirham’ as legal tender, modernising payments via regulated channels with strict KYC, transaction limits, and full traceability to counter illicit finance

The Central Bank of the UAE’s 2025 report aims to outline the progress and strategic objectives behind the development of the Digital Dirham, a central bank digital currency designed to modernise the national payments infrastructure. It seeks to enhance financial inclusion, security, and efficiency while enabling greater transparency and resilience against financial crime in both retail and wholesale transactions…

GI‑TOC Research report maps East and Southern Africa as a major conduit for heroin, illicit gold, and wildlife trafficking, fueled by global crime networks, insurgents, and weak border controls

The report highlights the emergence of critical regional hubs and the complex cross-border illicit economies , spanning drugs, wildlife trafficking, illegal mining, and human smuggling that underpin these risks. This evolving landscape underscores the urgent need for coordinated enforcement and regulatory strategies to address the multifaceted financial crime challenges in the region…

HKMA enforces a new stablecoin licensing regime from 1 Aug 2025, demanding strict AML/KYC, full reserve backing, and cracking down on false licensing claims to boost transparency and fight FC

Effective from 1 August 2025, the new guidelines set clear supervisory expectations, particularly emphasizing robust anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) controls to enhance the integrity and security of stablecoin operations. The HKMA has also issued stern warnings against false claims of licensing or application status, underscoring that such misrepresentations are offences under the Stablecoins Ordinance…

FATF invites Jamaica and Nigeria to its Guest Initiative, recognising their AML/CFT progress and enabling them to join the next 3 Plenaries to help strengthen the fight against illicit finance

FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo describes the initiative as mutually beneficial, promoting knowledge-sharing to fortify the global financial system. Both countries will participate for one year in three FATF Plenary and working group meetings: October 2025, February 2026, and June 2026…

CFATF’s 2025 AML/CFT Evaluation Report on Curaçao praises its solid legal framework but raises concerns over weak enforcement, opaque ownership structures, and gaps in CFT measures

The report recognises a robust legal and institutional AML/CFT framework in Curaçao, but identifies critical weaknesses in customer due diligence, beneficial ownership transparency, and terrorist financing criminalisation. CFATF calls for improved enforcement, enhanced supervision of non-profit organisations, and stronger regulation of virtual asset service providers to increase overall effectiveness…

 

CFATF’s 2025 AML/CFT Evaluation report on Sint Maarten reveals major gaps in effectiveness and sector‑specific risk oversight, despite technical compliance improvements since the previous review

CFATF’s 2025 mutual evaluation of Sint Maarten highlights significant weaknesses in the effectiveness of its AML/CFT framework, particularly in risk-based supervision, sanctions enforcement, and financial intelligence. While the jurisdiction has improved technical compliance since its last review, substantial gaps remain in understanding sector-specific risks, regulating virtual assets, and ensuring transparency around beneficial ownership…

Isle of Man’s first standalone TF National Risk Assessment flags transit financing as the top threat while affirming strong cross-sector defences ahead of its 2026 MONEYVAL review

The Isle of Man’s 2025 Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment identifies an overall medium-low risk of terrorist financing, with the most significant threat stemming from the potential misuse of its financial system for transit-based financing. The assessment highlights strong cross-sector collaboration, robust regulatory frameworks, and ongoing efforts to strengthen the jurisdiction’s resilience ahead of its 2026 MONEYVAL evaluation…

ASC probes CatalX CTS Ltd., an Alberta crypto-asset trading platform and its top executives over allegations of breaching securities laws by misappropriating over CAD 14M in client assets

The ASC claims funds were diverted to personal accounts starting in 2019, with the company failing to report the fraud promptly and lacking adequate safeguards to prevent misuse. A hearing is scheduled for September 2025, highlighting growing regulatory scrutiny over crypto platforms and their custodial responsibilities in Canada…

OCCRP reports Cambodian authorities arrested nearly 1,000 mostly foreign suspects in a major crackdown on scam networks tied to cyber fraud, ML, and human trafficking

The raids spanned multiple provinces and resulted in seizures of computers and mobile phones used in these schemes. While the operation demonstrates Cambodia’s efforts to tackle escalating cyber-enabled financial crimes and respond to international pressure, human rights groups have raised concerns about allegations of forced labor, human trafficking…

AUSTRAC’s 2025-26 priorities tighten oversight on high-risk sectors like cash and digital currencies and expand regulation to ‘tranche 2’ industries like real estate, law, and precious metals

AUSTRAC is also targeting high-risk sectors such as cash-intensive businesses and digital currencies, which facilitate rapid and anonymous cross-border transactions. The agency plans to enhance its intelligence capabilities to identify sectors not managing risks effectively and to inform regulatory priorities and enforcement activities…

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