Key regulatory areas – including trade and customs, employment, cybersecurity, and payments – are experiencing seismic shifts across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Companies operating in APAC face a string of new risks and obligations.

Lexology PRO spotlights the top regulatory developments across the region and why they matter for your business.

APAC embraces digital nomads

APAC countries are welcoming digital nomads, offering flexible visa schemes to attract remote workers and boost local economies. Countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia lead with long-term, multi-entry options, while others, such as Japan and Taiwan, impose stricter limits. As global work trends shift, APAC continues to evolve its frameworks to compete for skilled professionals in sectors like fintech and AI. Find out more about digital nomads here: Digital nomads in APAC: is remote work right for your business?

Origin washing risks on the rise

Regulators across APAC are cracking down on “origin washing,” the misrepresentation of product origins to bypass trade restrictions. With heightened scrutiny, companies face potential fines, shipment delays, and reputational damage, even if they’re not directly involved. Taiwan and the US have introduced steep penalties, while reports suggest some Chinese manufacturers are actively seeking to evade US tariffs. As enforcement tightens, businesses should ensure supply chain transparency to avoid legal, financial, and operational fallout. Find out more about origin washing here: “Origin washing” under fire in APAC: is your business at risk?

APAC ramps up beneficial ownership reporting requirements

APAC countries are tightening beneficial ownership information rules, signalling a major shift toward corporate transparency. Singapore’s new beneficial ownership regime took effect in June 2025, while China and Vietnam are set to implement frameworks later this year. Other countries like Indonesia, Australia, and Thailand are also reforming their regimes, expanding reporting obligations and aligning with global anti-money laundering standards. Find out more about APAC’s new beneficial ownership rules here: APAC tightens beneficial ownership rules: what businesses need to know

Cybersecurity protections ramp up across the region

Cybersecurity remains a top concern for Asia-Pacific (APAC) businesses, with 91% reporting incidents and over half facing multiple breaches in the past year. Countries including China, Japan, Australia, and Hong Kong are responding with new or amended cybersecurity laws, with measures ranging from mandatory reporting and stricter penalties to proactive defence strategies. Find out more about new cybersecurity requirements here: Emerging cybersecurity risks across APAC: key considerations for businesses

Crypto regulation divergence

APAC’s crypto landscape is sharply divided: some countries like Vietnam, Japan, and Hong Kong embrace innovation with progressive frameworks, while others, such as China and Singapore, are tightening restrictions. Find out more about APAC’s regulation of cryptocurrencies here: The great divide: crypto compliance across APAC

US tariffs hit Chinese-manufactured goods

Escalating US-China trade tensions are creating major challenges for businesses in APAC, including increased transfer pricing scrutiny, reduced profitability, and operational uncertainty. The escalating trade tensions and tit-for-tat tariff measures between the US and China have far-reaching implications for the manufacturing operations centred in the APAC region. Find out more about US tariffs on Chinese goods here: US tariffs on Chinese-manufactured goods: key impacts on businesses

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Follow Lexology PRO’s coverage across APAC and jurisdictions around the world by reading our forward-looking analysis.