Jacob Parker-Bowles Fintech in Asia

​ Cambodia has placed the fight against online scams at the centre of an important international conversation. On 23–24 September 2026, Phnom Penh hosted the International Conference on Combating Online Scams, under the theme: “Acting Together Towards Breaking the Chain and Eradication of Online Scams.” The conference brought together representatives from 27 countries, seven international organisations, law-enforcement agencies, financial institutions, technology companies, academics and other stakeholders.[gov] The event was co-sponsored by INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center. Its purpose was not simply to discuss cyber fraud, but to build stronger mechanisms for international cooperation against a criminal ecosystem that crosses borders, industries and jurisdictions.[gov] Cambodia’s message: No safe haven for scams Opening the confer...

​ We’ve all been there: an email lands in your inbox claiming your bank account is locked, a text message says a package is waiting for delivery (pay a $2 shipping fee!), or a friendly stranger slides into your DMs with an incredible investment tip. For a split second, your heart skips a beat. Is this real? Online scams have evolved far beyond the clumsy, typo-ridden Nigerian prince emails of the early 2000s. Today, fraudsters use generative AI, deepfakes, and hyper-targeted social engineering to mimic your bank, your boss, or even your family members. Let’s break down the most common scams targeting people today and, more importantly, the mental shifts and technical habits you need to stay safe. Part 1: The Scams to Look Out For 1. The Smishing & Delivery Trap (Phishing via SMS)   How it works: You receive a text message: "UPS: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. Update here [suspicious-link.com]." Because so many of us order things ...

As a PhD student studying the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and finance, with 18 years of experience in finance compliance and fraud prevention, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of technology in reshaping financial systems. Southeast Asia, with its rapidly growing digital economy, is emerging as a global hub for AI innovation. The region’s projected economic boost from AI—potentially adding $1 trillion to GDP by 2030—offers unprecedented opportunities, but it also raises critical challenges in compliance and fraud prevention that demand scrutiny. Let’s dive into how AI is reshaping finance in Southeast Asia, the hurdles it faces, and what this means for the future. The AI Boom in Southeast Asia: Economic Promise and Potential Southeast Asia’s digital economy is on a meteoric rise, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and robust government support. According to the 2024 e-Conomy SEA report , the region’s digital economy could nearly triple from $3...

In an increasingly complex global financial landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a crucial tool in enhancing compliance processes, particularly in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Business (KYB) practices. This blog post delves into how AI is reshaping these critical areas, addressing global challenges, and navigating the intricate web of international sanctions. Introduction The financial industry faces mounting pressure to comply with stringent regulations aimed at combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit activities. AML and KYB protocols are at the forefront of these efforts, requiring businesses to verify identities, monitor transactions, and ensure they are not facilitating illegal activities. However, traditional compliance methods often struggle to keep pace with the sophistication of financial criminals and the sheer volume of transactions. Enter Artificial Intelligence—a transformative technology offering new possibilities f...