AML Conversations

Cybercrime, Sanctions, and Global Compliance by AML RightSource

In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne dive into the latest global developments in anti-money laundering and financial crime compliance. They unpack the EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia, discuss the GAO’s critique of U.S. sanctions effectiveness, and explore FATF’s October plenary outcomes—including new guidance on asset recovery and AI-related risks. The conversation also covers AMLA’s growing role in EU-wide crypto oversight, the regulation of law firms, elder financial exploitation initiatives from the OCC, and the impact of government shutdowns on FinCEN operations.

In this episode of AML Conversations, Ferko Spits sits down with Dheeraj Maken, Practice Director at Everest Group, and Brad Breslin, Chief Delivery Officer at AML RightSource, to discuss the findings from Everest Group's 2025 Financial Crime Compliance Operating Services research. Dheeraj explains how the assessment criteria have evolved from emphasizing scale and cost arbitrage to focusing on operational ownership, and now in 2025, prioritizing regulatory agility and agentic AI capabilities that blend technology with human expertise. Looking ahead, the conversation explores emerging trends including fraud and AML integration, the migration of transaction monitoring to first line operations, expanding opportunities in crypto compliance and payments, and the anticipated shift toward 50-50 splits between human resources and automation. The group emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining domain expertise and judgment capabilities even as automation increases, particularly for complex decision-making in higher-level compliance functions.

In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne dive into a packed agenda of financial crime compliance developments across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. They discuss the newly introduced bipartisan Senate bill proposing changes to SAR and CTR reporting thresholds, the troubling budget cuts at CISA, and New York’s latest cybersecurity guidance. The conversation also explores open banking debates, TRM Labs’ crypto adoption report, and Fed Governor Michael Barr’s remarks on stablecoins. Internationally, they cover Canada’s record-setting penalty against Xeltox Enterprises and the UK’s AML supervisory overhaul.

In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne cover a wide range of pressing topics in the anti-money laundering and financial crime compliance space. They discuss the UK’s latest sanctions targeting Russian energy giants, the European Banking Authority’s report on crypto asset risks, and the Charity & Security Network’s concerns about IRS scrutiny of nonprofits. The hosts also explore a revealing OCCRP investigation into corruption linked to Iraqi Kurdistan’s ruling family and break down FinCEN’s new FAQs on suspicious activity reporting. Plus, updates on GTO extensions and staffing concerns in EU regulators.

In this timely episode, John Byrne sits down with security experts Mark Freedman and Rick Mercuri to explore the evolving landscape of physical security in corporate and financial institutions. From the rise in workplace violence and executive targeting to the challenges of securing facilities against active shooters and ATM attacks, the conversation dives deep into the realities of 2025’s threat environment. Drawing on decades of experience and recent case studies, Mark and Rick discuss how organizations must move beyond reactive measures and embrace holistic, intelligence-driven security programs. They also highlight the role of AI, the importance of tailored threat assessments, and the need for specialized talent in building resilient security infrastructures.

Dive into a world of AML challenges as experts discuss record fines facing UK law firms and Switzerland's insights on global trends. Learn how Iran is stepping towards FATF inclusion and the impact on international compliance. Discover Rabobank's innovative shift to centralize compliance leadership and Canada's efforts to combat insider threats. There's also a spotlight on Nigeria's fight against terrorist financing through crowdfunding. Plus, U.S. regulatory reforms promise to reshape community banks and redefine supervisory focuses!

In this compelling episode, John Byrne welcomes banking law expert and author Tom Vartanian for his third appearance to discuss the evolving threats and challenges in financial technology, cybersecurity, and cryptocurrency regulation. Vartanian offers a sobering look at online scams, the fragility of the Internet, and the role of financial institutions in consumer protection. The conversation also dives into the GENIUS Act, stablecoins, and the future of regulatory frameworks. It is a must-listen for professionals navigating the intersection of finance, tech, and policy.

In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne unpack a range of pressing developments in the financial crime prevention space. They begin with reflections on the U.S. government shutdown and its ripple effects, then dive into the newly released Trafficking in Persons Report—highlighting the disturbing use of AI in human trafficking. The conversation continues with FinCEN’s recent requests for comment on AML/CFT compliance costs and paperwork reduction, including insights into Section 314(a) data. They also explore AUSTRAC’s warning to Australian banks, the EU’s crackdown on beneficial ownership transparency, and the NYDFS leadership transition. The episode wraps with a look at declining U.S. money laundering prosecutions.

In this episode, John Byrne returns from the Missouri Bankers AML Conference to join Elliot Berman for a wide-ranging discussion on the latest developments in financial crime compliance. Topics include FinCEN’s proposed delay of investment advisor AML rules, the GENIUS Act’s digital asset regulation, and the Bank of Canada’s call for stablecoin oversight. The hosts also explore OFAC’s controversial sanctions decisions, the EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia, DFS guidance on blockchain analytics, and FATF’s mutual evaluation training. Plus, a look at corruption investigations and Antifa’s domestic terrorism designation.