Episode 27: Jonathan Benton in conversation with Stephen Platt
Dec 3, 2023
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Jonathan Benton, CEO of Intelligent Sanctuary and former UK law enforcement head, discusses AML challenges, transparency in financial dealings, disparities in financial crime investigation, and compliance reforms in the UK government-business relationship with Stephen Platt.
Jonathan Benton emphasizes the importance of strategic asset recovery and knowledge of ownership structures in combating financial crimes.
Benton discusses the challenges of international asset recovery efforts and the necessity for advanced technology to combat financial crimes effectively.
Deep dives
Jonathan Benton's Background and Involvement in Financial Crime
Jonathan Benton recounts his journey into the anti-financial crime space, highlighting his evolution from a young detective to a senior financial crime officer. He emphasizes his focus on combating corruption and managing financial investigations strategically rather than hands-on. Benton discusses the essential skill sets of effective financial investigators, emphasizing the evolution of skills needed to uncover complex financial information.
Ownership Structures and Transparency in Financial Crimes
Benton and the host delve into the significance of ownership structures in financial crimes, focusing on how criminals exploit financial services to disguise their illicit activities. They stress the importance of understanding ownership structures to prevent money laundering and asset concealment. Benton shares insights from high-level policy work, reflecting on the impact of complex offshore structures and the necessity for transparency in revealing hidden assets.
Challenges in Asset Recovery and Corruption Cases
The conversation shifts to successful asset recovery matters handled by Benton, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved. He shares experiences of international investigations requiring state cooperation and facing political influences hindering asset recovery efforts. Benton discusses cases like Mr. Bory and Daniel Latete, showcasing the struggles against corruption and the need for sophisticated international cooperation.
Economic Crime Bill and Sanctions Compliance
Benton and the host explore the implications of the Economic Crime Bill and its reforms, including a register of foreign property owners and enhanced sanctions legislation. They raise concerns about the bill's enforcement effectiveness, citing the need for a robust approach to address asset recovery challenges. The discussion extends to the complexities of sanctions compliance, emphasizing the necessity for industry-wide understanding and advanced technology to combat financial crimes effectively.
Jonathan is the CEO of Intelligent Sanctuary. A Fintech start-up using AI-enabled digital platforms to change the approach to asset recovery including crypto assets. Jonathan is a senior advisor for the WorldBank StAR programme and is on the board of one of the UK’s largest financial institutions and a UK anti-corruption NGO.
Jonathan is a former head of UK's International Corruption Unit, National Crime Agency and Proceeds of Corruption Unit, New Scotland Yard. Jonathan served for 25 years in UK law enforcement reaching the rank of Detective Superintendent, he has global anti-bribery and anti-corruption, AML and asset recovery expertise. And, over a decade as a hostage, crisis and kidnap negotiator.