Anti Money Laundering News (30 Dec 2025 – 04 Jan 2026)
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Global AML News Weekly Digest. Here are the top stories making headlines around the world:
1) South Korea fines Korbit for AML compliance failures
South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit imposed a KRW 2.73 billion (≈ USD 1.9 million) fine on cryptocurrency exchange Korbit for multiple AML violations, including inadequate customer due diligence and weak internal controls. Regulators flagged failures in monitoring suspicious transactions and gaps in compliance governance. The sanction reflects South Korea’s increasingly strict stance on virtual asset service providers amid broader crypto-sector oversight reforms. The fine also complicates Korbit’s ongoing acquisition talks with Mirae Asset, highlighting how AML penalties can directly affect corporate strategy.
2) US AML and sanctions fines fall sharply in 2025
US regulators imposed approximately USD 1.7 billion in AML and sanctions-related penalties in 2025, marking a 61% year-on-year decline compared with 2024, according to a Financial Times analysis. The drop has been linked to lighter enforcement intensity and fewer large crypto-related cases during the year. While fines declined in aggregate, experts warn this may not reflect lower financial crime risk, but rather shifting enforcement priorities. The trend contrasts sharply with rising penalties in Europe and Asia.
3) UK law firms brace for tougher AML enforcement under FCA oversight
UK law firms are preparing for stricter AML supervision as the Financial Conduct Authority moves to consolidate AML oversight from multiple professional bodies. The change is expected to bring tougher inspections, higher penalties, and more consistent enforcement across the legal sector. Regulators have long identified legal services as vulnerable to misuse for money laundering, particularly in high-value property and corporate structuring. The reform is part of broader UK efforts to strengthen AML effectiveness ahead of future FATF assessments.
4) RBI issues updated customer due diligence framework for NBFCs
The Reserve Bank of India issued updated Non-Banking Financial Companies (Customer Due Diligence) Directions, 2025, strengthening AML and KYC requirements for NBFCs. The revised framework tightens identity verification norms, beneficial ownership checks, ongoing monitoring obligations, and record-keeping requirements. The move aims to align NBFC compliance standards more closely with banks amid rising concerns over regulatory arbitrage. These changes are expected to significantly impact fintech lenders and digital NBFCs operating at scale.
5) Russia cracks down on illegal crypto mining as global AML focus intensifies
Russia has stepped up enforcement against illegal cryptocurrency mining operations, targeting unregistered miners accused of power theft, tax evasion, and laundering illicit proceeds. The crackdown comes as governments globally intensify scrutiny of crypto infrastructure amid concerns over sanctions, evasion and financial crime. The same report notes India’s parallel push for stronger central bank digital currency frameworks as an alternative to unregulated crypto usage. Together, these developments underline growing state intervention in digital-asset ecosystems.
6) South Korean crypto exchanges face wave of AML penalties
Following enforcement action against Korbit, South Korean regulators have also fined Upbit and Bithumb for AML and internal control violations. Authorities cited failures in transaction monitoring, customer verification, and reporting obligations across multiple exchanges. The penalties form part of a coordinated regulatory effort to clean up compliance lapses in one of the world’s most active crypto markets. The crackdown signals limited tolerance for weak AML frameworks among licensed virtual asset service providers.
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