Episodes
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In this week's episode of This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman examine major developments shaping the financial crime compliance landscape. They discuss newly released presidential financial disclosures, FATF's priorities under new President Giles Thomson, and a new FATF report on terrorist financing risks tied to social media, messaging apps, and streaming platforms.
The conversation also covers the Rome Statement on Art Market Integrity, Binance's licensing challenges under the EU's MiCA framework, FinCEN and FBI actions targeting cartel-linked fuel theft and human smuggling networks, and the UK's evolving crypto asset regulatory regime.
Additional topics include Europol's latest assessment of organized crime networks, the SEC's enforcement action against Merrill Lynch for SAR reporting failures, and the potential business and regulatory implications of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision affecting independent federal agencies. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming AML RightSource content, including a discussion on AI and financial compliance. -
In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne break down key developments from the latest FATF plenary—highlighting a growing global emphasis on fraud, stronger public-private collaboration, and updated guidance on payment transparency and targeted sanctions.
They also explore the Wolfsberg Group’s refreshed framework for a truly effective risk-based approach, centered on proportionality, prioritization, and outcomes—not just compliance for compliance’s sake.
Back in the U.S., the conversation turns to the evolving regulatory landscape around stablecoins, including new proposed rules extending KYC and CIP requirements—and concerns about whether they go far enough to address illicit finance risks.
It’s a wide-ranging discussion that reinforces a central theme: effectiveness—not just effort—is becoming the defining standard in AML. -
Missing episodes?
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This week on This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne unpack major developments shaping the financial crime landscape. They discuss FinCEN’s guidance expanding Section 314(b) information-sharing to include fraud and what it means for financial institutions. The conversation also covers new CFPB guidance on lending and immigration-related risks, increased IRS scrutiny of nonprofits, and enforcement actions from the UK and New Zealand.
Plus, they explore growing concerns about the future of U.S. anti-financial crime leadership, the challenges of beneficial ownership transparency, and ongoing investigations tied to high-profile cases. -
In this episode of Third Party Risk Perspectives, host Elliot Berman sits down with Christopher Sindik of Blue Umbrella to explore what clients are truly looking for in today’s third-party risk management and due diligence landscape.
From the growing demand for scalable technology platforms to increased reliance on ongoing monitoring and managed services, organizations are rethinking how they build and maintain effective compliance programs—often while being asked to do more with fewer resources. The conversation also highlights the rising importance of speed, with a notable increase in expedited due diligence requests as companies look to move faster without sacrificing risk oversight.
Tune in for practical insights into how customer expectations are shifting—and what that means for building more efficient, responsive, and resilient risk management programs. -
This week on This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne break down a wide range of developments shaping the financial crime landscape. They unpack a new joint advisory from FinCEN and federal banking agencies targeting risks tied to unauthorized labor and its implications for banks. The conversation then turns to escalating concerns about “debanking,” including controversy over blocked charitable donations and its implications for access to the financial system.
The episode also dives into a congressional hearing on Chinese money laundering networks and how evolving typologies are challenging traditional approaches to tracking money. Plus, insights on prediction markets and potential manipulation, fraud trends tied to social media platforms, EU sanctions targeting crypto, and progress in combating antiquities trafficking. -
In this episode of This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman break down key developments shaping the financial crime and compliance landscape. The conversation opens with reflections on Federal Reserve independence following Chair Jerome Powell’s recent remarks, before turning to U.S. policy updates and bipartisan actions with implications for governance and oversight.
The discussion then shifts to practical compliance takeaways, including OFAC’s newly released sanctions overview and a $1 million settlement highlighting how sanctions risks can arise through indirect client relationships. Internationally, the hosts examine Finland’s national money‑laundering risk assessment, the evolving EU transparency rules on beneficial ownership, and growing concerns about human trafficking linked to major global sporting events.
The episode also explores ongoing investigations into fintech and payments firms, emerging risks in cross‑border money movement, and a new Basel working paper on stablecoin liquidity and regulation. -
In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne is joined by Sarah Beth Felix, author of Dirty Money Weekly, for an in-depth discussion on the biggest developments impacting financial crime compliance professionals. From recent OCC and FDIC consent orders to evolving executive orders shaping fintech and AML regulation, Sarah shares sharp, practical insights drawn from the front lines.
The conversation highlights why “a clean audit is not a good audit,” the risks hidden in fintech-bank partnerships, and how even small institutions can fall into critical compliance gaps. Sarah also breaks down the real-world challenges posed by new policy directives—and why many may be harder to implement than they appear.
The episode closes with a must-hear reminder for AML teams: focus on what truly matters—identifying and reporting suspicious activity that law enforcement can actually use. If you’re not getting feedback on your SARs, it may be time to take a closer look at your program. -
In this episode of Third Party Risk Perspectives, Elliot Berman is joined by Christopher Sindik of Blue Umbrella to break down the latest trends shaping due diligence and third-party risk management in 2026. Drawing on real client data and global insights, they explore how shifting supply chains are driving a 15% migration in due diligence activity across regions, particularly toward India and Latin America.
They also discuss the growing demand for deeper investigative methods, including reputational inquiries and on-the-ground site visits, which have seen a notable rise as organizations seek to validate what can’t always be uncovered through desktop research alone.
Finally, the conversation dives into the growing importance of identifying ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO), as organizations go beyond surface-level ownership to uncover hidden risks amid evolving global regulations.
Whether you're navigating new markets or strengthening your compliance framework, this episode offers practical insights to help you stay ahead of emerging third-party risks. -
In this episode of AML Conversations, host Vesna McCreery sits down with Denisse Rudich - financial crime expert, regulatory advisor, and FCA AI Lab cohort participant - to explore how regulators are stepping up to shape the responsible adoption of AI in financial services. Denisse makes a compelling case that innovation and regulation are not at odds, but deeply intertwined, as she walks through the remarkable ecosystem the FCA has built to stay ahead of a rapidly changing technological landscape.
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This week, Elliot Berman and John Byrne break down major global developments shaping financial crime compliance. From AUSTRAC’s latest report on terrorism financing risks in nonprofits to FINTRAC’s role in a major Canadian corruption investigation, the conversation highlights how financial intelligence units continue to prove their value.
They also explore growing international coordination efforts—including AMLA’s push to standardize suspicious transaction reporting across the EU—and key insights from the Wolfsberg Forum on innovation, AI, and information sharing.
On the U.S. front, the discussion turns to regulatory tensions in crypto and prediction markets, new enforcement actions impacting fintech-driven banks, and the ongoing debate around meaningful BSA/AML reform.
Plus, a major Bitcoin ATM operator files for bankruptcy amid tightening regulations, and the episode closes with a thought-provoking look at AI governance—from enterprise strategy to global ethical considerations. -
In this episode of AML Conversations, host Elliot Berman sits down with Abhishek Mittal, Executive Vice President and Chief Product & AI Officer at AML RightSource, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial crime prevention landscape. Abhishek makes a compelling case that domain experts are more valuable than ever — not despite AI, but because of it — as they become essential architects of the taxonomies, context, and judgment that make AI systems reliable and auditable.
The conversation covers how organizations can effectively blend domain knowledge with AI engineering, why guardrails must be built on a foundation of sound architecture rather than technology alone, and what it really takes to get your data ready for AI. Abhishek also addresses the blurring line between services and software, and closes with a myth-busting take on what AI can and can't do — including why equating large language models with AI itself may be the industry's biggest misconception today. -
This week, Elliot Berman and John Byrne unpack a wave of fast-moving developments impacting the financial crime and banking landscape. They begin by reflecting on Barney Frank's legacy and his lasting influence on U.S. financial regulation.
The conversation then turns to a newly issued executive order, Restoring Integrity to America’s Financial System, and what it could mean for financial institutions—from heightened scrutiny around immigration-related risks to potential shifts in crypto access to the Federal Reserve system.
They also examine the latest developments in the Clarity Act, a controversial DOJ “anti-weaponization” fund, new OFAC sanctions targeting global networks, allegations of cartel-linked gold entering the U.S. Mint supply chain, and Interpol’s major cybercrime crackdown across the Middle East and Africa. -
This week, Elliot Berman and John Byrne break down a packed slate of AML and financial crime developments shaping the global landscape.
They start in the U.S. with two new FinCEN alerts—one highlighting Iran’s use of front companies, digital assets, and complex corporate structures to evade sanctions, and another warning of heightened human trafficking risks tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The conversation expands into broader trafficking concerns
From there, they unpack the OCC’s latest risk perspective, emphasizing persistent cyber threats, rising fraud sophistication, and mounting pressure on compliance systems amid geopolitical tensions. On Capitol Hill, attention turns to the Clarity Act and its push to build a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies—alongside mounting concerns from banks and law enforcement about stablecoins, AML enforcement, and investigative visibility.
Internationally, they discuss Canada’s dramatic increase in AML penalties, AUSTRAC’s updated risk outlook and virtual asset focus, Switzerland’s proposed AML rule changes, and The EU’s push toward a unified anti-corruption strategy. -
In this episode of This Week in AML, John and Elliot cover a wide range of financial crime and compliance developments from around the globe. John opens by honoring the Foley Foundation's annual Freedom Awards dinner, recognizing the organization's vital work advocating for American hostages and journalist safety.
The conversation then turns to Canada, with updates on a newly introduced bill to establish a Financial Crime Agency, a proposed ban on crypto ATMs, and recent FinTrac monetary penalties across the real estate, banking, and precious metals sectors.
Internationally, they cover the FCA's preparations for the UK's new crypto asset regime taking full effect in 2027, Denmark's FSA referral of Nordea Bank to police over customer due diligence failures, and Europol's launch of a new EU anti-scam intelligence sharing platform.
Back in the U.S., John highlights new research from the Anti-Corruption Data Collective on suspicious win rates in prediction market defense and military sectors, the retirement and recognition of Guy Fico, the passing of RICO statute architect Bob Blakey, and the Manhattan DA's return of over 650 antiquities to India.
The episode closes with updates on the DOJ's decision to drop its investigation into Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, concerns over judicial nominees, and a preview of the AML Partnership Forum's upcoming May 28th webinar on financial access challenges domestically and globally. -
In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne is joined by Sarah Beth Felix, author of Dirty Money Weekly, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving state of AML and BSA reform. Recorded at the close of April, the conversation examines FinCEN’s proposed AML program rule, with a critical look at how concepts like “effectiveness,” “risk-based approach,” and “reasonably designed” are used—and often left undefined.
Sarah and John also dig into FinCEN’s latest annual report, ongoing challenges with SAR data and form design, and what proposed changes could mean for enforcement consistency and regulatory bottlenecks. The episode explores emerging issues, including the PACE Act, AML model validation, and what meaningful modernization of the Bank Secrecy Act should prioritize ahead of an upcoming congressional hearing on BSA reform. -
In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot and John unpack a busy week in global financial crime and enforcement. They start with Italy’s latest FATF mutual evaluation, exploring what regulators praised, where weaknesses remain, and what it might signal for other jurisdictions.
The conversation then shifts to the EU’s newly adopted Russia sanctions package, including expanded financial and crypto restrictions and fresh anti-circumvention tools. They also highlight key investigations and enforcement actions from France, Moldova, Switzerland, and the OCCRP’s latest reporting.
In the U.S., the discussion turns to prediction markets, as the CFTC sues New York over regulatory authority, and a controversial DOJ case involving alleged insider betting raises thorny questions about national security, ethics, and enforcement priorities.
The episode closes with updates on DOJ staffing cuts, recent indictments, and transparency litigation tied to the Epstein files. -
In this week’s episode of This Week in AML, with Elliot traveling, Joe McNamara joins John Byrne to break down a busy week in global compliance news.
The big domestic story is the Corporate Transparency Act, where the House Financial Services Committee passed a bill to repeal the CTA for domestic entities - but only by a single vote. The hosts unpack what that means, where the legislation goes from here, and why a separate threat to withhold FinCEN's entire budget adds another layer of uncertainty to an already complicated picture.
North of the border, Canada's FINTRAC has rolled out updates to its administrative monetary penalty framework, including a notable elevation of certain compliance program violations from serious to very serious.
Internationally, Transparency International had a busy week - launching a new Anti-Corruption Resource Center, announcing the EU's first Anti-Corruption Directive, and publishing a working paper on professional enablers implicated in illicit financial flows from Africa. AMLA is also moving forward with two public consultations on risk assessment and compliance standards, with hearings scheduled for May 20th and May 28th.
Across the pond, the FCA is pressing ahead with the UK's crypto regulatory regime, targeting October 2027 for full implementation - with rules expected this summer and firm authorization applications opening in September 2026.
The episode closes with a look at FATF's latest ministerial declaration, a heads-up on OCCRP's coverage of the CTA repeal, and a walkthrough of FinCEN's 2025 Year in Review - a document the hosts recommend as essential reading for any BSA professional.
Plus, a preview of AML RightSource's upcoming May webinar on global financial access and a recent AML Conversations episode featuring former IRS CI Special Agent in Charge Paul Camacho. -
In this episode of AML Conversations, Elliot Berman is joined by Jennie Jonas, Senior Vice President of Financial Crime Advisory, to discuss the recent surge in fintechs pursuing OCC limited-purpose trust charters.
They explore what’s driving this trend, how limited trust charters differ from full bank charters, and why these structures are especially attractive for fintechs operating in payments and digital assets. The conversation also dives into common misconceptions, the reality of “bank‑grade” AML and governance expectations, and what fintechs should prepare for before—and after—receiving a charter.
From compliance program design and OCC examination rigor to risk governance, board expectations, and the future evolution of charter authorities, this episode offers practical insight for fintechs considering a charter and for institutions working with chartered fintech partners. -
Casinos operate at the intersection of entertainment, cash, and compliance—making AML in gaming fundamentally different from banking. In this episode, John Byrne sits down with Paul Camacho, Vice President of Compliance at Yamava’ Resort & Casino and former IRS‑CI Special Agent in Charge, to unpack what AML professionals outside the gaming industry often misunderstand.Paul shares insights from both the law‑enforcement and casino sides, including why most illicit funds enter casinos through spending, not laundering; how gambling addiction creates unique fraud and AML risks; and why observation and human intelligence matter as much as analytics. The conversation also explores public‑- private partnerships, casino typologies such as illegal sports betting and cash-intensive fraud, emerging risks highlighted in the National Money Laundering Risk Assessment, and how to move beyond “check‑the‑box” AML training.This episode offers a rare, practical look at how effective casino AML programs balance regulation, culture, and real‑world risk.
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In this week’s episode of This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman unpack a wide range of global financial crime and compliance developments shaping the risk landscape.
The conversation begins with the significance of Hungary’s election results and what a potential reversal of entrenched corruption could mean for democratic institutions and Ukraine. The episode also covers leadership changes at IRS‑CI, new OFAC sanctions targeting cartel‑linked money laundering and cash smuggling, and updated FinCEN FAQs tied to Geographic Targeting Orders.
Additional topics include New York’s crackdown on insurance fraud, emerging concerns around elder abuse and sextortion, rising money laundering prosecutions in Turkey following FATF scrutiny, and fresh FCA findings on weaknesses in CDD and EDD practices. The episode closes with a discussion of a reported proposal that could require U.S. banks to collect citizenship documentation—raising major operational, compliance, and debanking concerns. - Show more
