Bank heist bares Philippine money law flaws

Unauthorized transfers from Bank of Bangladesh sent US$81 million in illegal funds to Philippine banks and casinos, attracted by lax anti-money laundering laws.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Solaire president sees world class in Manila

In my interview with Solaire Resort and Casino president Thomas Arasi, there were surprises even before we sat down. Arasi, the former CEO at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, is betting the Philippines can surprise the gaming world with quality product and service.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Happy FU Day to Caesars, Manila

On this year’s Felix Unger Day, salute the odd couple of Caesars Entertainment and the Philippines. Caesars wants to build a casino resort in Manila, but Philippine gaming regulators are about as enthusiastic as Oscar was about taking in Felix.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.