On 9 September 2025, Rajah & Tann Asia’s (“RTA“) Fraud, Asset Recovery & Investigations Practice organised the Regional Fraud, Asset Recovery & Investigations Conference 2025 with the theme “Navigating Complexity: Cross Border Risk, Fraud & Investigations in Southeast Asia”. The event brought together leading experts from RTA members firms in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, together with tech experts from Rajah & Tann Technologies.
The speakers examined the latest regulatory developments, enforcement trends, and practical challenges faced by professionals operating in high-risk and cross border environments through three panel discussions:
- Gatekeepers Under Pressure: Tackling AML Risks, Reporting Pressures & Compliance Challenges in Southeast Asia: The panel examined high profile anti-money laundering (“AML“) cases across the region and the evolving reporting obligations of affected professionals and businesses. The speakers shared practical AML strategies for compliance professionals and in-house counsel, as well as tools to strengthen organisations’ defences against financial crime.
- Internal Investigations in High-Risk Environments: When Internal Investigations Become Legal Landmines: The speakers covered legal and operational pitfalls in conducting high-risk investigations, and shared insights into effective crisis management.
- Asset Recovery in Asia: Civil, Criminal & Regulatory Pathways: The speakers explored the interplay between civil and criminal proceedings and tackled civil tools for asset recovery. The speakers also shared cross-border enforcement challenges and proposed strategies to overcome these challenges.
The speakers and moderators comprised Partners Thong Chee Kun and Jansen Chow (Co-Heads of Fraud, Asset Recovery & Investigations Practice, Rajah & Tann Singapore), and Josephine Chee (Rajah & Tann Singapore); Alvin Ambardy and Ahmad Maulana (Assegaf, Hamzah & Partners); Heng Yee Keat and Sivaram Prasad (Christopher & Lee Ong); Supawat Srirungruang and Krida Phoonwathu (Rajah & Tann (Thailand)); and Senior Associate Nhi Le (Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers). Speakers from Rajah & Tann Technologies were Michael Lees and Alan Dang.
Disclaimer
Rajah & Tann Asia is a network of member firms with local legal practices in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Our Asian network also includes our regional office in China as well as regional desks focused on Brunei, Japan and South Asia. Member firms are independently constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local requirements.
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Please note also that whilst the information in this publication is correct to the best of our knowledge and belief at the time of writing, it is only intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and should not be treated as legal advice or a substitute for specific professional advice for any particular course of action as such information may not suit your specific business and operational requirements. You should seek legal advice for your specific situation. In addition, the information in this publication does not create any relationship, whether legally binding or otherwise. Rajah & Tann Asia and its member firms do not accept, and fully disclaim, responsibility for any loss or damage which may result from accessing or relying on the information in this publication.
