US Treasury Reclassifies Stablecoin Issuers as Financial Institutions: The Five AML Obligations Every PPSI Must Now Meet

On April 8, 2026, FinCEN and OFAC issued a joint NPRM implementing the GENIUS Act's directive to treat Permitted Payment Stablecoin Issuers (PPSIs) as financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act. The GENIUS Act (Pub. L. 119-27, enacted July 18, 2025) is explicit: PPSIs "shall be treated as a financial…

Continue ReadingUS Treasury Reclassifies Stablecoin Issuers as Financial Institutions: The Five AML Obligations Every PPSI Must Now Meet

Malta’s FIAU Fined Stanleybet €225,730 for CDD Failures. The Gaps Are Ones Every Gaming Operator Carries.

€225,730 Administrative PenaltyImposed 23 March 2026 3 Regulatory FailuresCDD, CRA, and transaction monitoring €2,000 Daily Ongoing ChargeUntil full remediation verified by FIAU On 23 March 2026, Malta's Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit imposed a €225,730 penalty plus a €2,000 daily ongoing charge on Stanleybet Malta Limited for systematic failures in customer…

Continue ReadingMalta’s FIAU Fined Stanleybet €225,730 for CDD Failures. The Gaps Are Ones Every Gaming Operator Carries.

Australia’s AML/CTF Rules Just Changed. Is Your Compliance Program Ready?

NEW RULES NOW IN EFFECTKey AML/CTF changes apply from March and July 2026 CRITICAL DEADLINESMarch 31, May 30, and July 1. What each date means WHO IS AFFECTED?Banks, fintech, plus new Tranche 2 entities like lawyers and real estate AUSTRAC has amended the AML/CTF Rules for 2026, introducing new obligations…

Continue ReadingAustralia’s AML/CTF Rules Just Changed. Is Your Compliance Program Ready?

Isle of Man Money Laundering Risk Rated Medium-High Ahead of Moneyval Evaluation

Medium-HighNational Risk Rating 3 Highest Risk SectorsBanks, online gambling, TCSPs Ahead of Crucial Moneyval EvaluationCouncil of Europe compliance review The Isle of Man has released its inaugural economy-wide National Risk Assessment on money laundering, assessing the overall risk as medium-high. The report identifies banking, online gambling, and trust and corporate…

Continue ReadingIsle of Man Money Laundering Risk Rated Medium-High Ahead of Moneyval Evaluation

The Louis Vuitton Netherlands €500,000 Enforcement Action

On 12 February 2026, Dutch prosecutors issued a €500,000 penalty order against the Netherlands subsidiary of Louis Vuitton. The reason: for a sustained period, the company did not maintain proper identity checks on customers who repeatedly made large cash purchases across its stores. The Dutch Public Prosecution Service stated plainly: the Know…

Continue ReadingThe Louis Vuitton Netherlands €500,000 Enforcement Action