Regulatory Ripples: FinCEN Testimony, OCC Guidance, and Global AML Shifts
In this week’s episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne unpack the latest regulatory developments. They begin with FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki’s recent testimony before the House Financial Services Committee, highlighting key takeaways on beneficial ownership data, SAR/CTR streamlining, and real estate’s role in money laundering. The conversation then shifts to new FinCEN guidance on geographically targeted MSB reporting and financially motivated sextortion.
John and Elliot also dive into the OCC’s controversial statements on SARs and debanking. On the international front, they explore new Wolfsberg Group guidance on stablecoin issuers, FATF’s collaboration with Interpol, and Transparency International UK’s push for beneficial ownership transparency in offshore financial centers.
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16:38
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16:38
NGO’s and the Struggle to Assist the Vulnerable in 2025 - A Conversation with Ashleigh Subramanian-Montgomery
In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne speaks with Ashleigh Subramanian-Montgomery, Acting Director of the Charity & Security Network, about the complex intersection of counterterrorism policy, financial regulation, and humanitarian work. They explore the implications of recent sanctions changes in Syria, the unintended consequences of FATF Recommendation 8, and the challenges posed by de-risking and debanking practices. Ashleigh shares insights on the gendered and societal impacts of sanctions, the limitations of FATF’s new reporting mechanism, and the devastating effects of foreign aid cuts. The conversation closes with a hopeful look at cross-sector collaboration and donor engagement in support of civil society.
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39:06
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39:06
SARs, Seizures, and Systemic Shifts: Global Financial Crime Updates
In this week’s episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne cover a wide range of breaking developments in the financial crime compliance space. From congressional scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein’s financial records and FinCEN’s website overhaul to the DOJ’s seizure of fraudulent ID marketplaces, the conversation highlights the growing intersection of policy, enforcement, and technology.
They also explore FATF’s new National Risk Assessment Toolkit, the UK’s sharp rise in fraud prosecutions, and the landmark “Failure to Prevent Fraud” offense now in effect. Plus, updates on FINTRAC’s enforcement actions in Canada, and FinCEN’s advisory on Chinese money laundering networks.
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16:33
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16:33
Banking on Change: Lisa Arquette on Risk, Regulation, and Resilience
In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne sits down with Lisa Arquette, recently retired Deputy Director of Operational Risk at the FDIC, to reflect on her decades-long career in financial regulation. From the oil crisis in Texas to the 2008 financial meltdown and the evolving challenges of AML, sanctions, and fraud, Lisa shares her unique perspective on how banking has transformed—and what lies ahead. The conversation covers the Corporate Transparency Act, reputational risk, humanitarian banking access, and the implications of recent executive orders on fair banking. A must-listen for professionals navigating the intersection of compliance, policy, and innovation.
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38:13
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38:13
AI, Fraud, and Global Risk: AML Insights from Around the World
Elliot Berman and John Byrne return with a global roundup of AML developments. They begin with reflections on the Wolfsberg Group’s latest guidance on suspicious activity monitoring, emphasizing innovation and model validation. The Basel Institute’s working paper on collective anti-corruption action highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration.
The episode also covers a UK report forecasting a surge in synthetic identity fraud, a Ponzi scheme involving fake AI investment tools, and a comprehensive look at the evolving stablecoin landscape. Canada’s 2025 national risk assessment is discussed, with insights into NPO risks, fraud trends, and the country’s role in global trade.
Additional topics include a local elder fraud case in Wisconsin, a Dutch bank’s challenge to an AI-related AML fine, and upcoming AML webinars and interviews. The hosts close with a tribute to workers ahead of Labor Day and a reminder of the importance of vigilance in financial crime prevention.
AML Conversations is dedicated to inform professionals and those interested in anti-money laundering about conversations happening in the government, private sector, and internationally. Throughout the series John Byrne, AML RightSource Vice Chairman, will interview industry experts or participate in live programming or panel discussions related to the industry.
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