WorldJuly 31, 2026

hundi

HUN-dee

Definition

A traditional, informal system of money transfer used widely in South Asia and parts of the Middle East, operating outside of conventional, regulated banking channels.

Etymology

The word originates from the Hindi term 'hundi', which refers to a financial instrument like a bill of exchange or promissory note, stemming from the Sanskrit 'hund', meaning to collect.

In the news

In the article, the hundi system is described as an essential, often informal method for moving money in Myanmar that the military regime is targeting under the guise of anti-money laundering enforcement.

Rules or Ruse? Myanmar’s Anti-Money Laundering Efforts Coerce Compliance with a Rigged Financial System

Read the full article ↗

fulcrum.sg

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