AML Conversations

In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne unpack the latest developments in financial crime compliance. They discuss the U.S. Court of Appeals decision upholding the Corporate Transparency Act, new guidance from France’s TracFin on detecting shell companies, and FATF’s mutual evaluation of Belgium under its updated regime. The conversation also covers global civic space concerns, major enforcement actions in the U.S. and UK, IRS-CI’s annual report highlights, and the OCC’s conditional approval of crypto trust charters. Plus, breaking news on sanctions and fentanyl designations.

In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne discusses the evolving landscape of communication in the context of anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime prevention with experts Justin Cole (First Pitch Communication) and Joe McNamara (AML RightSource). They explore the paradigm shift in how communication is integrated into investigations, the importance of legal considerations, the role of data verification, and the impact of investigative journalism. The conversation also delves into the ethical implications of using AI in communication and the future challenges facing the financial crime prevention space.

Link to Justin's Article: https://www.amlintelligence.com/2025/10/insight-why-the-media-has-become-the-front-line-for-fighting...

In this episode of AML Conversations, host John Byrne sits down with Dr. Gabriel Velez, associate professor at Marquette University and author of Making Meaning of Justice and Peace: A Developmental Lens. They explore how peace education and restorative practices shape young people’s understanding of justice, belonging, and community—both in Colombia and Milwaukee. Dr. Velez shares insights on conceptualizing peace, the challenges of fostering optimism in turbulent times, and practical steps for encouraging youth engagement.

In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne dive into International Anti-Corruption Day and explore contrasting approaches to corruption and financial crime across the globe. From the UK’s ambitious anti-corruption strategy and new FCA tools to the Basel AML Index findings, AUSTRAC’s compliance updates, and EU fraud crackdowns, the discussion highlights global trends and challenges. The hosts also examine recent U.S. developments, including OCC guidance on crypto transactions and the newly released National Security Strategy, offering a perspective on what these changes mean for compliance professionals.

In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne unpack a pile of developments across the globe. From the EU’s decision to add Russia to its AML blacklist and phase out Russian gas imports, to major enforcement action against a crypto mixer, the conversation dives deep into the evolving financial crime landscape. They also cover Canada’s updated guidance on politically exposed persons, U.S. alerts on cross-border transfers, OCC’s changes for community banks, and a surprising OFAC penalty tied to real estate sanctions. Plus, insights on humanitarian access challenges and upcoming year-in-review discussions. Stay informed on what’s shaping compliance and risk management today.

In this special Thanksgiving edition of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne break from tradition to spotlight the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and its three 2025 plenaries. They explore key developments, including updates to FATF standards, mutual evaluations, financial inclusion initiatives, and the evolving global stance on virtual assets. The episode also covers jurisdictional changes in monitoring status, new guidance on asset recovery, and FATF’s forward-looking Horizon Scan addressing emerging tech threats like generative AI and deepfakes. Tune in for a comprehensive overview of FATF’s strategic direction and its impact on the global AML landscape.

In this episode of AML Conversations, Joe McNamara speaks with David Lutz, Associate Director of the AML RightSource Financial Crime Advisory group about the evolving Crypto landscape, recent milestones in the space, and how recent legislation has opened the door to further legitimacy and regulation. The cryptocurrency industry is experiencing its fintech moment - trading the freedom of the Wild West for legitimacy in the regulated financial system. With the GENIUS Act establishing the first federal framework for stablecoins and new EU travel rule requirements taking effect in 2026, crypto exchanges must now meet higher AML standards that align with the expectations of traditional banking partners.

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.