The Australian Transation Reports and Analysis Centre ( AUSTRAC ) has commenced its education efforts in the run-up to implementation of Australia's enhanced virtual asset service provider ( VASP ) regime which is currently scheduled to enter into force from 31 March next year. The guidance follows: Substantial amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 ( AML/CTF Act ) passed last year which include a number of new designated services for

In a move to strengthen Australia’s money laundering defences, Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke has announced proposed legislative amendments  that would grant the CEO of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre ( AUSTRAC ), Brendan Thomas, new powers to restrict or prohibit high-risk financial products, services, and delivery channels. The legislation would also include provisions for banks to access visa status information  to help identify mule accounts.

Western Union has announced plans to launch the U.S. Dollar Payment Token ( USDPT ), a dollar-pegged stablecoin, on the Solana blockchain in the first half of 2026. The token will be issued by Anchorage Digital, a federally chartered digital asset bank, and integrated into Western Union’s global payment network. The initiative pairs Western Union’s cross-border infrastructure with Solana’s high-throughput public ledger and Anchorage’s regulated issuance framework. Users will

After nearly a year of anticipation, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission ( ASIC ) has released its finalised update to Information Sheet 225 (INFO 225) , setting out its views on when digital asset products and services fall within the scope of Australia’s financial services laws. The release coincides with a range of 'no-action' relief instruments giving the industry breathing space until 30 June 2026. This is a major development for anyone operating in the

The UK Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) has released a huge consultation paper CP25/28 titled 'Progressing Fund Tokenisation' which outlines new rules for fund tokenisation and direct-to-fund dealing. The paper expands on the 2023 Blueprint published by the Investment Association's Technology Working Group, which introduced a phased roadmap for fund tokenisation. The FCA has clearly put a huge amount of work into this document, which defines tokenisation as a method of re

The Trump Administration has been unashamedly pro-crypto, seeking to craft innovation supporting rules and changing the leadership at the previously anti-crypto Securities & Exchange Commission. This approach has dialed up further with news that Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has been pardoned today for his conviction in connection with a prosecution of Binance for breaching sanctions and anti-money laundering laws. After the Department of Justice commenced that prosecut

In an update to a temporary moratorium in place since 2022, and cutting against the global thaw on crypto engagement and policy of the USA to promote more cryptocurrency business, British Columbia has announced a permanent ban on new cryptocurrency mining projects from accessing the provincial electricity grid. This decision is said to arise from concerns over the environmental effects of cryptocurrency mining and its hefty electricity demands, but this is curious given the

The Australian Government has released exposure draft legislation  which will regulate stablecoins as a standalone financial product and make significant amendments to Australia's payments legislation. The proposed laws will apply financial services licensing obligations to stablecoin issuers and introduce bespoke reporting and compliance obligations carrying hefty civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Daniel

The annual Fordham Blockchain Regulatory Symposium was convened at Fordham Law School in New York this week with the leading crypto...