AML Conversations

In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne speaks with Thalia Malmberg and Sangeeta Goswami from the Human Security Collective about the ripple effects of global AML/CFT frameworks on nonprofit organizations. The discussion explores FATF Recommendation 8, recent revisions aimed at reducing harm, and the challenges of striking a balance between security and financial inclusion. Learn why unintended consequences matter, how they affect humanitarian efforts worldwide, and what financial institutions can do to foster risk-based approaches without stifling legitimate charitable work.

In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne cover a wide range of pressing financial crime topics. They discuss FATF’s latest report on combating online child exploitation, the UK’s Economic Crime Survey findings on sanctions awareness and fraud, and updates from FinCEN on cartel-linked gambling establishments. Other highlights include enforcement actions against elder fraud, tariff evasion prosecutions, and regulatory changes at the Federal Reserve. Tune in for expert analysis and actionable insights for compliance professionals.

In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne sits down with Dan Tannebaum, Partner at Oliver Wyman and global leader in anti-financial crime, for a wide-ranging discussion on the evolving landscape of sanctions. From the EU’s post-Ukraine enforcement challenges to the U.S.'s shifting approach under different administrations, Dan offers sharp insights into the effectiveness, limitations, and unintended consequences of sanctions as a policy tool. They explore: Key differences between U.S. and EU sanctions regimes The impact of sanctions on Russia, Syria, Cuba, and Venezuela The growing complexity of sanctions evasion tactics How AML professionals can stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment The future of sanctions as a tool of economic statecraft Whether you're a seasoned compliance officer or new to the field, this episode offers practical takeaways and a candid examination of the geopolitical forces shaping financial crime risk today.

In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne dive into a wide range of developments shaping financial crime compliance worldwide. From controversial U.S. pardons and their implications for corruption cases, to Australia’s staggering $82 billion organized crime costs, and the UK’s new anti-fraud campaign targeting crypto scams—there’s plenty to unpack. The discussion also covers the Bank of England’s stablecoin limits, the latest Global Organized Crime Index findings, intelligence-sharing breakdowns between allies, major sanctions relief for Syria, and a record AML fine against JP Morgan in Germany.

In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne cover a wide range of global developments impacting financial crime compliance. Topics include new OFAC sanctions targeting North Korean cybercrime and updates from New York's Department of Financial Services on cybersecurity compliance. They also discuss the UN's new Cybercrime Convention, the closure of sanctioned Mexican banks, and identity verification reforms in the UK. Additional highlights include regulatory updates from the European Banking Authority, FINTRAC’s annual report, corruption investigations in Portugal, and California’s new data privacy laws. Tune in for insights on how these changes may shape AML strategies worldwide.

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.