AML Conversations

In this episode, Elliot Berman and John Byrne discuss a fast-moving week across the global financial crime landscape. They unpack the Charity & Security Network’s shadow report ahead of the U.S. FATF evaluation, the UK’s proposed updated “debanking” rules, and recent European regulatory developments—from Poland’s MONEYVAL review to the Dutch Central Bank’s call for proportionality.

The conversation also covers international efforts against cultural property trafficking, Sweden’s new red‑flag guidance for funds transfer providers, FinCEN’s geographic targeting order in Minneapolis, and the White House’s announcement of a new DOJ Division for National Fraud Enforcement. Elliot and John also discuss upcoming legislative conversations around raising CTR and SAR thresholds.

In this episode of AML Conversations, Elliot Berman is joined by Christopher Sindik, Senior Director of Third‑Party Risk and Due Diligence at Blue Umbrella, for a deep dive into the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the recent deferred prosecution agreement involving Tigo Guatemala, Millicom, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Elliot and Christopher break down how the misconduct unfolded, why the joint‑venture structure created an environment ripe for corruption, and what lessons compliance professionals can draw from the case. The conversation explores practical strategies for strengthening third-party risk management, including intrinsic and acquired risk factors, enhanced controls for high‑corruption jurisdictions, and the critical role of data analytics and AI in detecting anomalies.

They also discuss the importance of tone from the top, resource allocation for compliance programs, whistleblower protection, and how companies can ensure that legitimate services are properly documented and auditable. The episode highlights how proactive self-disclosure and robust compliance frameworks can significantly impact outcomes in enforcement actions.

In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne unpack a fast‑moving start to 2026 across the financial crime, regulatory, and geopolitical landscape. They discuss the U.S. military’s recent operation in Venezuela and its potential sanctions implications, FinCEN’s holiday‑week rule changes—including the extension of AML/SAR requirements for investment advisers and new guidance preparing the industry for the residential real estate reporting rule—and the OCC’s renewed warning about voluntary SAR misuse.

The conversation also explores brewing crypto legislation in the U.S., the implementation of the OECD’s Crypto‑Asset Reporting Framework in the EU and UK, and the Netherlands’ new €3,000 cash‑transaction ban. International stories include a troubling investigation into U.S.-registered aircraft ending up in drug‑trafficking networks and FIFA’s controversial decisions involving Russian clubs amid global sanctions.

In this second part of our year-in-review series, Elliot Berman and John Byrne examine the major developments from July to December 2025. From Treasury’s delay of the investment advisor rule and the adoption of the GENIUS Act to the staggering $2 billion in crypto theft, the conversation covers critical shifts in financial crime prevention. They discuss staffing cuts at the State Department, EU fintech risk assessments, FATF’s new national risk assessment toolkit, and the humanitarian toll of sanctions. Other highlights include AMLA’s growing role in EU crypto oversight, AUSTRAC’s crackdown on casino compliance, and global enforcement trends. Plus, insights on OCC’s testimony signaling regulatory priorities for 2026 and FATF’s report on combating online child exploitation. Stay informed as we close out a turbulent year in compliance.

In this special year-end episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne look back at the first half of 2025—a period marked by sweeping changes and global challenges. From the surge in executive orders and controversial pardons in the U.S. to the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act and FATF updates, the discussion covers key developments shaping compliance. They explore DOJ’s shifting enforcement priorities, OCC’s growing influence on crypto and banking charters, debates over the Corporate Transparency Act, and the rising costs of AML compliance. Plus, insights on human trafficking detection, cybersecurity threats, and the resurgence of check fraud. This is your comprehensive recap of a chaotic year in financial crime prevention.