AML Conversations
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.
Episodes
Fed Independence, Sanctions Lessons, and Global Financial Crime Risks
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 sh
Monthly Chat with Sarah Beth Felix
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 conver
Recent Trends in Due Diligence
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 Lat
From AML to AI - Denisse Rudich on What Regulators Are Really Doing with Artificial Intelligence
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
Global AML Shifts, Crypto Crackdowns, and the AI Governance Debate
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 effor
AI Trends in Financial Crime Prevention with Abhishek Mittal
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 essenti
Executive Orders, Crypto Access, & Global Crackdowns
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 institut
FinCEN Alerts, Crypto Clarity Act Showdown, and Global AML Crackdowns
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 c
Canada’s Crypto Crackdown, Global AML Shifts, and New Fronts in Financial Crime
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 e
Monthly Chat with Sarah Beth Felix
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 oft
Italy’s FATF Review, New Russia Sanctions, and the Growing Risk of Prediction Markets
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 crypt
Beneficial Ownership Battles, Crypto Regulation, and Global AML Standards
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 fr
Why Fintechs Are Turning to OCC Limited Purpose Trust Charters
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
AML in Gaming: Inside Casino Compliance, Cash Risk, and the Human Factor
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 b
Corruption Crackdowns, Sanctions, and New Compliance Pressures
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 change
Sanctions & Geopolitical Risk - What's Your Backup Plan?
AI is everywhere in financial crime compliance - but is it delivering on its promises?
In this episode of AML Conversations, host Joe McNamara and Mark Sully, Managing Director of Commercial Affairs for EMEA and APAC, dive into the escalating challenges of sanctions screening and geopolitical risk in financial crime compliance. They explore how rapidly shifting sanctions lists, surging alert volum
FinCEN’s AML Program Rule Overhaul, Stablecoins, and the 10-Year Legacy of the Panama Papers
In this week’s This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne break down FinCEN’s newly released notice of proposed rulemaking to modernize the AML/CFT program rule—its first major rethink in two decades. They explore what a risk-based refocus could mean in practice, including new requirements for risk assessments, changes to the four pillars, examiner discretion, and the unprecedented requirement
Unpacking the AML/CFT Program Rule: Key Changes and Industry Implications
AML RightSource's John Byrne sits down with Dan Stipano, partner at Davis Polk's Financial Institutions and Regulation Group and former Deputy Enforcement Director at the OCC, for an immediate reaction to FinCEN's newly proposed AML/CFT Program Rule. The conversation covers the genesis of the proposal and its key structural changes — including the bifurcation of program establishment and implement
Crypto & Digital Assets – What’s Your Backup Plan?
In this episode of AML Conversations, host Joe McNamara and Mark Sully, Managing Director of Commercial Affairs for EMEA and APAC, turn their focus to the unique compliance challenges facing crypto firms. They explore how crypto's speed and risk appetite create gaps between promised and delivered technology outcomes, why efficiency gains from AI are real but often overstated, and what "having a ba
Sanctions, Scams, and Scrutiny: Global Enforcement Signals Financial Institutions Can’t Ignore
In this episode, Elliot Berman and John Byrne break down a wide‑ranging set of regulatory and enforcement developments shaping the global financial crime landscape. The conversation covers major U.S. bank settlements tied to the Epstein litigation, a closely watched Capital One debanking case involving Trump‑affiliated entities, and key overseas actions—from Australia’s expanded AML regime to the
Monthly chat with Sarah Beth Felix
In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne sits down with Sarah Beth Felix—AML expert and author of Dirty Money Weekly—for a wide‑ranging discussion on the biggest AML, sanctions, and financial crime developments shaping the landscape in March 2026.
Drawing on insights from multiple industry conferences and recent regulatory activity, Sarah shares why banks of all sizes are becoming more cr
The FATF Shadow Report: Nonprofits, Financial Access, and the U.S. Mutual Evaluation
In this special episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne is joined by Ashleigh Subramanian Montgomery of the Charity & Security Network to discuss C&SN’s newly released Shadow Report on the U.S. FATF Mutual Evaluation and what it means for nonprofits, financial institutions, and regulators.
The conversation explores how U.S. government actions since the last FATF evaluation in 2016 have affected n
War, Sanctions, Fraud, and the State of Public‑Private Partnerships
In this milestone 300th episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne reflect briefly on the evolution of the podcast before diving into a wide‑ranging discussion of the most pressing developments in the AML, sanctions, and financial crime landscape.
The episode features key takeaways from the Fifth Annual AML Partnership Forum in Washington, DC, including insights on public‑private c
The AI Promise vs The Reality - What's Your Backup Plan?
AI is everywhere in financial crime compliance - but is it delivering on its promises?
In this episode of AML Conversations, host Joe McNamara sits down with Mark Sully, Managing Director of Commercial Affairs (EMEA & APAC), to cut through the hype surrounding AI in AML, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and KYC. Drawing on conversations with banks across the globe, Mark shares what co
War, Fraud, and Enforcement - What Compliance Teams Need to Watch
This week on This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman unpack a rapidly evolving risk landscape—from the ongoing war with Iran and its implications for terrorism threats, to new DOJ enforcement policies and global fraud trends reshaping financial crime compliance.
They discuss OFAC’s latest Russia-related license, concerns about the lack of updated DHS threat advisories, and the implications
Treasury’s Newest Risk Assessments, Cyber Strategy Updates, and Global AML Developments
In this week’s episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne break down a wide-ranging set of developments shaping the financial crime landscape. They begin with the U.S. Treasury’s three newly released national risk assessments—money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing—highlighting key findings on fraud trends, shell companies, NPO vulnerabilities, and geopoli
When Compliance Collides with Civil Society- How AML-CFT Pressures Are Impacting Nonprofits
In this timely and eye-opening conversation, John Byrne sits down with leaders from the Charity & Security Network, EarthRights International, and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee to explore how the current U.S. AML/CFT environment is reshaping the operating reality for nonprofits.
With the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) beginning its mutual evaluation of the United States, the st
Geopolitics, Crypto Risks, and AML Shake‑Ups: What’s Driving Compliance This Week
This week, Elliot and John unpack a whirlwind of global developments impacting financial crime compliance. They break down a major OCCRP report on how Russia, North Korea, and Iran are exploiting cryptocurrency for sanctions evasion and illicit finance—alongside new Chainalysis insights on post-strike crypto movements in Iran. The conversation explores FATF’s latest reports on stablecoins, cyber-
Reputation Risk, Russia, and Regulatory Shifts: The AML Landscape This Week
In this week’s episode, Elliot Berman and John Byrne cover a wide-ranging set of developments reshaping the global AML landscape. They open by marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine before diving into new regulatory, enforcement, and geopolitical stories affecting financial crime professionals.
John highlights the Federal Reserve’s request for comment on removing “reputati
AML Conversations Monthly Chat with Sarah Beth Felix
In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne sits down with Sarah Beth Felix—AML expert and author of Dirty Money Weekly—to break down the biggest storylines shaping financial crime compliance this month.
Sarah offers a practical, forward-looking take on the Epstein files and why community and midsize banks must rethink their approach to adverse media screening. She and John also unpack the c
FATF Plenary Outcomes, Crypto Crime Trends & Regulatory Developments
In this episode, Elliot Berman and John Byrne break down the major developments from the February FATF Plenary, including Kuwait and Papua New Guinea joining the Grey List and updates on evaluations for Austria, Italy, and Singapore. They also explore FATF leadership changes and the reiteration of Russia’s suspension.
The conversation moves into rising crypto-enabled human trafficking networks hi
FATF Plenary, CPI Findings, and AMLA’s Next Steps
In this week’s episode of This Week in AML, Elliot and John unpack a wide-ranging set of global developments impacting financial crime compliance. They preview key agenda items from the FATF Plenary in Mexico City, including new mutual evaluations and technology-focused initiatives. The conversation also examines Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, highlighting troublin
Terrorist Financing - How Technology and Youth Culture Are Changing the Risk Landscape
In this episode of Third Party Risk Perspectives, host Chris Sindik, Senior Director of Third-Party Risk and Due Diligence at Blue Umbrella, sits down with Sakshi Sharma, Assistant Manager and leader of Blue Umbrella’s monitoring team, to explore the fast-evolving world of terrorist financing.
Sakshi shares frontline insights into both traditional funding methods—such as counterfeit goods, drug t
From Sanctions to Seabeds: Global AML Shifts and Emerging Risks
In this week’s episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne cover a fast-moving landscape of regulatory, financial crime, and geopolitical developments across the U.S., EU, and beyond.
They discuss the latest releases of Epstein-related files and the surprising absence of financial‑transaction disclosures, a Wall Street Journal investigation into a major foreign investment tied to AI
Monthly Chat with Sarah Beth Felix
In this edition of AML Conversations, John Byrne sits down with financial crime expert Sarah Beth Felix, author of Dirty Money Weekly, for the first installment of a new monthly series. Together, they unpack some of the most pressing and misunderstood challenges in today’s AML landscape—from overlooked regulatory risks to the evolving reality of crypto-related crime.
Sarah Beth breaks down recent
Global AML Shakeups, Crypto Crime Surges, and Major Enforcement Moves
In this week’s episode, Elliot and John cover a fast-moving slate of anti–financial crime developments across the U.S. and around the globe. They break down former President Trump’s multibillion-dollar lawsuit against JPMorgan, evolving debates over U.S. regulatory burden and supervisory staffing at the Federal Reserve, and new legislative pushes to change AML reporting thresholds.
Internationall
AML in Focus: Cooperation, Capacity Gaps, and Emerging Financial Crime Risks
In this episode, Elliot Berman and John Byrne take a wide-ranging look at major developments shaping the AML and financial crime landscape worldwide.
The conversation begins in Europe, with updates on the transition to the EU’s new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), and early work to standardize suspicious activity reporting across EU member states. From there, the discussion turns to intern
Global AML Pressures, Policy Shifts, and the Expanding Fraud Landscape
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 conversati
FCPA - Off Again On Again - Maybe Both
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,
Geopolitics, Crypto Rules, AML Shifts, and Unusual International Moves
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 pr
Special Edition: 2025 Year in Review - July Through December
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 fi
Special Edition: 2025 Year in Review - January Through June
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 shifti
Navigating the AML Crossroads: 2025 in Review and What's Next
In this candid year-end conversation, John Byrne and Sarah Beth Felix dissect an unprecedented year in AML enforcement. Felix, President of Palmero Consulting and creator of "Dirty Money Weekly," describes what she sees as systematic dismantling of AML infrastructure despite stated priorities of combating fentanyl and transnational criminal organizations. With only four enforcement actions from tr
Corporate Transparency Act Upheld, FATF Updates, and Global AML Insights
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 co
The Evolving Landscape of Communications within AML
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 rol
Restorative Justice and Conceptualized Peace: Ideas for Improving Society
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 con
Global Anti-Corruption Efforts, the Basel AML Index, and U.S. Policy Shifts
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 chal
EU Blacklists Russia, Crypto Crackdowns, and U.S. Regulatory Shifts
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 per
Special Edition: FATF 2025 Plenary Highlights & Strategic Shifts
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
What Cryptos Are Focusing On In 2026
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 W
Unintended Consequences: How AML Standards Impact Nonprofits and Financial Inclusion
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 unin
FATF Insights, Sanctions Gaps, and Emerging Risk
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,
Sanctions in Flux: Dan Tannebaum on Global Enforcement, Evasion, and What’s Next
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 un
Global Financial Crime Trends: Pardons, Sanctions Shifts, and Rising Risks
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 cover
Cybercrime, Sanctions, and Global Compliance
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, a
FATF, Sanctions, Crypto, and Collaboration
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 conve
What It Takes To Be A Leader Behind Everest’s 2025 PEAK Matrix Leader Recognition
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 op
Thresholds, Cybersecurity, and Crypto: A Global AML Update
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
Sanctions, SARs, and Staffing: Global AML Challenges and Regulatory Trends
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
Beyond the Guard: Rethinking Physical Security in a Heightened Threat Environment
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
Global Shifts in AML Enforcement, Iran and FATF, and Regulatory Reform
In this episode of This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman cover a wide range of developments in the financial crime and compliance landscape. They look at international enforcement actions, including record AML fines for UK law firms and Switzerland’s updated typology report. The conversation spans topics such as life insurance vulnerabilities, cultural heritage protection, Rabobank’s comp
Financial Fragility in a Digital Age: A Conversation with Tom Vartanian
In this compelling episode, John Byrne welcomes banking law expert and author Tom Vartanian for his third appearance to discuss the evolving threats and challenges in financial technology, cybersecurity, and cryptocurrency regulation. Vartanian offers a sobering look at online scams, the fragility of the Internet, and the role of financial institutions in consumer protection. The conversation also
Human Trafficking, Compliance Costs, and Global AML Shifts
In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne unpack a range of pressing developments in the financial crime prevention space. They begin with reflections on the U.S. government shutdown and its ripple effects, then dive into the newly released Trafficking in Persons Report—highlighting the disturbing use of AI in human trafficking. The conversation continues with FinCEN’s rece
Crypto Compliance, Corruption Cases, and Controversial Sanctions
In this episode, John Byrne returns from the Missouri Bankers AML Conference to join Elliot Berman for a wide-ranging discussion on the latest developments in financial crime compliance. Topics include FinCEN’s proposed delay of investment advisor AML rules, the GENIUS Act’s digital asset regulation, and the Bank of Canada’s call for stablecoin oversight. The hosts also explore OFAC’s controversia
EU Crypto Supervision Battles, Underground Banking 2.0, and Swiss AML Reform Compromises
In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and Joe McNamara cover a wide range of global financial crime compliance updates. Topics include the U.S. Treasury’s initiative to simplify SAR filings, BIS entity list implications, FINTRAC’s new ID verification rules for Canadian real estate, and Russia’s barter-based sanctions evasion. The hosts also discuss crypto regulation developments in th
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 guidanc
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 d
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.
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
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
Mortgage Fraud, Money Laundering, and the Future of AML- A Conversation with Bob Simpson
In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne sits down with Bob Simpson, founder of Daylight AML, to explore the often-overlooked world of mortgage fraud and its intersection with anti-money laundering (AML) efforts. Simpson shares insights from decades of investigative experience, highlighting typologies such as occupancy misrepresentation, cash purchases, and property flipping as vehicles fo
Global Risks, Digital Shifts, and the Future of Financial Integrity
In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne cover a wide range of pressing global and domestic issues shaping the financial crime prevention landscape. From the humanitarian toll of economic sanctions and corruption risks in Ukraine’s reconstruction, to Australia’s cybercrime trends and the evolving U.S. stablecoin regulatory framework, the conversation dives deep into the in
Executive Order on Banking Access, Paxos Settlement, and Russian Sanctions Gaps
In this episode, John Byrne and Elliot Berman unpack a series of significant developments in banking, compliance, and enforcement.
They begin with the White House’s new executive order on “Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans,” which aims to prevent what some call “debanking.” While positioned as a fairness measure, John and Elliot warn that it could weaken banks’ ability to make independe
The Intersection of AML and Human Trafficking
Shelby Katona has spent over a decade at AML RightSource leading complex investigations across alternative investment banks, traditional financial institutions, crypto platforms, and fintech companies. This diverse experience has positioned her and her team as specialists in one of the most critical—and challenging—areas of financial crime: human trafficking detection and prevention.
In this conv
Cultural Racketeering, Crypto Kiosks, and the De-Banking Debate
In this week's TWIA episode, John Byrne and Joe McNamara cover critical developments in financial crimes prevention across multiple jurisdictions.
Cultural Racketeering Crisis Insights from a recent Atlantic Council program reveal Russia's systematic assault on Ukraine's cultural heritage: 200 million books destroyed, 35,000 artifacts stolen, and 2 million artifacts lost. Russian museum officials
Synthetic Identity Fraud- The Hidden Threat Behind the Data
Synthetic identity fraud is on the rise, and it’s more complex and dangerous than ever. In this episode, host Elliot Berman is joined by Amy Petric, Ross Yellon, and Adam Gunselman to break down how synthetic IDs are created, where they’re being used, and why they’re so hard to detect.
You’ll hear real-world examples of fraud in credit cards, auto loans, and fintech platforms, along with insights
Payment Fraud: Trends, Tactics, and Detection – Session 1
In this episode of our special series on payment fraud, Elliot Berman is joined by Nikki Siko, Adrianna Wolfe, and Patrick Haney to explore the evolving landscape of financial fraud. From the surprising resurgence of check fraud to the rise of ACH scams, push payment fraud, and social engineering tactics, this conversation dives deep into the methods fraudsters use—and how financial institutions a
FCPA Rollbacks, OCC Risk Tolerance, and Crypto Compliance Gaps
In this week's episode, Joe McNamara and John Byrne examine significant shifts in the regulatory landscape, starting with a tribute to compliance leader Anna Rentschler. They dive into concerning changes to FCPA enforcement guidance that critics say abandons universal ethical standards, the OCC's unusual LinkedIn post signaling increased risk tolerance for banks, and growing threats to the Corpora
Investigations, Bank Records, and Cooperation: The Keys to Following the Money
David Tyree, Senior Advisor for Financial Crime Detection and AML for Valid 8, shares his views on the most essential ways to utilize bank data gleaned from his decades at DEA to his current work.
Treasury Postpones AML Rule, Crypto Crime Hits Midyear High, and Russian Universities Teach Sanctions Evasion
This week, John Byrne and Joe McNamara discuss Treasury's decision to postpone the investment advisor AML rule from 2026 to 2028 and reopen the comment process, drawing criticism from anti-corruption groups who warn it sends the wrong signal during the US's ongoing FATF evaluation. The hosts review Chainalysis's midyear crypto crime report showing $2.17 billion already stolen in 2025, with North K
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