UBOs and Why They Matter

Ultimate beneficial ownership of a company is not as straightforward as it seems. This opaqueness begets a system where business structures are created legally, and yet are also the preferred vehicle for furthering financial crime like money laundering, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling. Follow along as host Alex Pillow dives deeper into the topic of UBOs with highly esteemed author and investigative journalist, Oliver Bullough, and Moody's Analytics Financial Crime Industry Practice Lead, Ted Datta.

For further reading from Oliver Bullough, check out his renowned book, Moneyland: The Inside Story of the Crooks and Kleptocrats Who Rule the World. He is also a regular contributor to The Guardian, where you can find his recent article on Britain's role in handling Russian money, the impact this has had and how this relates to the military conflict in Ukraine. Visit the Moody's Analytics KYC website for more information on how to gain better transparency into your network.

Additional resources recommended in this episode include:

• The Night Manager by John Le Carré
• Rather Be the Devil by Ian Rankin
• The Dogs of War by Frederick Forsyth
• Kleptopia: How Dirty Money Is Conquering the World by Tom Burgis
• Treasure Islands: Tax Havens and the Men who Stole the World by Nicholas Shaxon
• Putin's People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took On the West by Catherine Belton
• McMafia: A Journey Through the Global Criminal Underworld by Misha Glenny

Have any feedback or ideas for new Moody's Talks: KYC Decoded episodes? Please contact us at podcasts@moodys.com.