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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.
In this urgent 15-minute conversation, Stephan speaks with Ricki Allardice, one of the leaders of the Property Rights Defense Group, about South Africa's Draft Capital Flow Management Regulations 2026 — the most serious threat to Bitcoin self-custody the country has seen.Ricki breaks down exactly what the draft rules would do to private keys, self-custody, and everyday Bitcoiners, where the process stands right now, and what the community can still do before the 30 June 2026 public comment deadline.Timestamps:(00:00) - Overview of the Regulation Against Self Custody(04:07) - Public Consultation Process (05:49) - Can it be challenged?(07:20) - It's About Capital Controls(08:02) - AML, Sanctions, FATF (10:46) - What does it mean for Bitcoiners in South Africa?(12:22) - Safety or Security concern here?(14:22) - Call to Action and Support for Legal DefenseLinks: Site: propertyrightsdefense.orgX: https://x.com/PRDG_ZA Donate: https://btcpay386617.lndyn.com/apps/4TcSxV6dNFYzb1DBDthPL89Tjz72/crowdfund?ref=propertyrightsdefense.org Stephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack
Ray White speaks to Alexforbes CEO Dawie de Villiers about the financial services group's strong full-year results, which saw assets under management and administration grow to R733 billion and profits rise by 22% In other interviews, Steven Powell, Head of ENS' Forensics practice talks about South Africa’s fight against financial crime and whether recent revelations before the Madlanga Commission could undermine the country’s anti-money laundering credentials. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa Follow us on social media 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ray White speaks to Steven Powell, Head of ENS Africa's Forensics practice, about South Africa’s fight against financial crime and whether recent revelations before the Madlanga Commission could undermine the country’s anti-money laundering credentials. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa Follow us on social media 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia just gave Bitcoiners another reason to wake up: if you don't control your money, someone else will.In this first Sat Signal panel, Adam Hudson is joined by Sean Clarke, Will Wright AKA Crypto Will, and Bisher Khudeira from Stormrake to unpack what they see as a major shift for Australian crypto investors and Bitcoiners.They dig into the proposed changes to capital gains tax, AUSTRAC reporting, the FATF travel rule, Bitcoin mining, self-custody, SMSFs, bank controls, and why more Australians are starting to look for ways to protect their wealth outside the traditional system.Want to learn Bitcoin the safe and simple way?
Australia just gave Bitcoiners another reason to wake up: if you don't control your money, someone else will.In this first Sat Signal panel, Adam Hudson is joined by Sean Clarke, Will Wright AKA Crypto Will, and Bisher Khudeira from Stormrake to unpack what they see as a major shift for Australian crypto investors and Bitcoiners.They dig into the proposed changes to capital gains tax, AUSTRAC reporting, the FATF travel rule, Bitcoin mining, self-custody, SMSFs, bank controls, and why more Australians are starting to look for ways to protect their wealth outside the traditional system.Want to learn Bitcoin the safe and simple way?
After 14 years of socialist rule and a collapsed currency, Bolivia may provide an investment-free path to a Mercosur passport with regulated USDT custody and zero foreign-source tax. IMI contributor Edwin Hudepol covers what's changed under President Paz, what investor profile the country fits, and how the FATF grey-list and wealth-tax catches affect the country's outlook.Read Edwin Hudepol's full analysis here.Access a suite of powerful tools and the world's #1 private investor community as an IMI Sovereign. Use code SOV10 for 10% off your first month.
Crypto regulation in Q1 2026 reshaped the stablecoin and digital asset markets with the OCC's 376-page Genius Act proposed rule, the SEC's five-category crypto asset classification, and new AML data from FATF and Chainalysis. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, breaks it all down with Robert Musiala, Partner at Baker Hostetler and co-lead of their Web3 practice.The OCC introduced the PPSI framework that every future stablecoin issuer must follow, while at least 15 crypto-native companies raced to file trust charter applications. The SEC named 18 tokens as digital commodities, replaced the "decentralization" test with a central party control standard, and Chairman Atkins previewed up to three safe harbor proposals under a tentative Regulation CA. On the enforcement side, 84% of illicit crypto transactions in 2025 involved stablecoins, the DOJ seized $61 million in USDT, and North Korea expanded state-sponsored theft into remote IT worker schemes targeting US businesses.Find out more1️⃣ Map your Genius Act transition now; the 18-month implementation window is closing fast and companies that filed trust charters in late 2025 are already positioned.2️⃣ Vet every outsourced IT vendor accepting stablecoin payments for shell company ties to state-sponsored actors.3️⃣ Audit your tokens against the SEC's five-bucket test before the safe harbor proposals drop.4️⃣ Stress test your AML program against stablecoin-specific risks like peer-to-peer transfers, multi-hop wallet chains, and shell IT vendor payments flagged by the DOJ and FATF in Q1.5️⃣ Model your Q3 budget with and without yield revenue in case the OCC's related third-party restrictions survive.LINKSGuestRobert MusialaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-musiala/Baker Hostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com/people/robert-musialaBlockchain Monitor: https://www.blockchainmonitor.com/CompanyBaker HostetlerWebsite: https://www.bakerlaw.com/Web3 & Digital Assets Team: https://www.bakerlaw.com/practices/web3-digital-assetsLegal Resources: https://www.bakerlaw.com/insightsHostTedd Huff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teddhuff/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialFintech ConfidentialYoutube: https://youtube.com/@fintechconfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSUPPORTERSDFNS: Wallets as a service, API first, multi-chain, secured with MPC across 50+ blockchains - fintechconfidential.com/dfnsSkyflow: Zero trust data privacy vault for PCI, CCPA, GDPR, SOC 2 compliance - skyflowsecure.comHawk: AI tools for real-time payment screening and fraud prevention - gethawkai.comABOUTRobert Musiala is a Partner at Baker Hostetler where he co-leads the firm's Web3 practice. He authors The Blockchain Monitor, one of the longest-running legal blogs covering crypto regulation, enforcement, and policy developments. His practice spans both traditional financial institutions and crypto-native companies.Baker Hostetler is a national law firm with deep expertise in financial services, securities, and emerging technology law.Tedd Huff is the CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential. The show is produced by DD3 Media and brings you the people, tech, and companies that change how you pay and get paid.CHAPTERS00:00 Episode Highlights01:18 Welcome to Fintech Confidential01:27 Dfns: Wallets as a Service (sponsor)02:47 Show Intro And Guests05:30 Genius Act Rulebook07:38 Reserve Rules Explained13:08 Charter Rush Begins18:11 Banks Vs Crypto Score20:49 Deposit Flight And Yield25:58 Wyoming And SoFi Models29:38 SEC Five Bucket Guide32:49 Digital Commodities Line37:35 Munchee Vs Meg Prime39:21 Sky Flow: Building Fast and Secure (sponsor)40:23 Back To Atkins Agenda40:58 Atkins Next Moves43:21 Regulation CA Safe Harbors45:39 Stablecoins And Illicit Use50:25 Freezing Burning Reissuing54:13 Offshore Crackdown FATF56:24 North Korea Crypto Threats59:28 Q2 Watchlist OCC Yield01:05:11 Safe Harbor And CLARITY01:10:33 Advice For Builders Q201:13:20 Wrap Up And Sponsor01:14:08 Hawk AI - Realtime Fraud Monitoring (sponsor)01:14:53 Disclaimer
Welcome to episode 247 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, new UK sanctions target Russian drone manufacturing supply chains and migrant exploitation, and the FATF has published its mutual evaluation of Singapore. In the US, two individuals are sentenced for a genetic testing fraud, and in the UK Ultra Electronics has agreed a Deferred Prosecution Agreement for bribery failures. Finally, the FCA has cracked down on illegal financial promotions, the FSCS warns of increasingly sophisticated scam tactics, and in Moldova an OSCE initiative addresses corruption risks associated with virtual assets.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.
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.
A buncha Fat F@*K Cubs fans recap the Cubs 3-3 west coast road trip and preview the D'Bags series. Plus a couple spins of the B-Clock and Cubs news from a century and a half ago. Brought to you by Fanarchy and our Patreon supporters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jill Thomas speaks with Tristram Hicks about why cash seizure is one of the most powerful tools available to law enforcement and what it takes to build asset recovery systems that deliver at scale. As one of the lead practitioners behind the UK's Proceeds of Crime Act and an international capacity building adviser, Tristram explains what turns legislation into results, why financial DNA changes how investigators approach every crime, and what FATF's new asset recovery guidance means for practitioners worldwide.⏱️ Timestamps00:05 – Introductions01:41 – POCA: from dozens of cases to 5000+ a year11:45 – The cash seizure spark that changed UK practice16:12 – Incentivisation and why recycling assets changes minds23:10– Financial DNA: every financial transaction leaves a trace27:30 – How things used to be vs what we should be working towards33:20 – The need for statistics in asset seizure37:30 – The importance of cross agency reporting systems 40:30 – Magic wand: bring cash seizure powers inland
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.
Welcome to episode 243 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, new US sanctions targeting Iraqi militia commanders, procurement networks for Iranian missile technology, and facilitators of the conflict in Sudan. Deutsche Bank has self-disclosed potential breaches of Russian sanctions, and the EU has adopted a new directive aimed at standardising corruption offences and penalties across its membership. The FATF has made a commitment to addressing the global surge in fraud, and a Long Island business owner has been sentenced for COVID-19 fraud. Finally, the SEC has settled two separate insider trading cases, and the UK cyber agency has warned leadership of the rise of AI-driven threats to national infrastructure.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.
Attorney General Leslie Mondesi presents amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act to ensure FATF compliance, introducing "without delay" enforcement actions and shifting responsibilities to the Police Force.
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.
In this month's Regulatory 15/15 episode, Chris Capewell, Ayana Hull and Ellen O'Brien focus on recent developments in the regulatory laws of the British Virgin Islands including beneficial ownership, CRS2.0 and FATF greylisting.Episode resource slides: https://isu.pub/T6q1XwqTo read the 2026 BVI Regulatory Calendar, visit: https://isu.pub/MgRPtyFTo read the 2026 Cayman Islands Regulatory Calendar, visit: https://maples.com/regulatory-round-up/2026-cayman-islands-regulatory-calendar.SPEAKERS:Chris Capewell, Partner | +1 345 814 5666 | chris.capewell@maples.com | View bioAyana Hull, Partner | +1 284 852 3019 | ayana.hull@maples.com| View bioEllen O'Brien, Associate | +1 345 814 5534 | ellen.o'brien@maples.com | View bioThe contents of this podcast do not constitute legal advice and need to be taken as a general update only.Visit our Regulatory Round-Up Blog for the latest developments and insights in the regulatory landscape.RELATED SERVICES:Maples Group Regulatory and Financial Services AdvisoryWith a depth of experience across all regulated sectors, the Maples Group Regulatory and Financial Services team is positioned to address client needs and sensitivities. We have the largest dedicated Cayman Islands Regulatory and Financial Services team in the offshore market.Follow Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maplesgroup/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maplesgroup/Twitter: https://twitter.com/maplesgroupFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maplesgroup/Website: https://maples.com/podcasts/15-15Blog: https://maples.com/regulatory-round-up
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 UK's sanctions enforcement against Apple and a massive scam operation in Cambodia. The discussion also dives into the OECD's latest anti‑bribery report, FinCEN's proposed whistleblower award program, emerging healthcare fraud typologies, and renewed concerns over the weakening of the U.S. Corporate Transparency Act. Wrapping up, Elliot and John assess developments tied to FATF's mutual evaluation of the United States, nonprofit de‑risking, and new OFAC guidance on sham transactions—offering critical context for compliance professionals navigating a rapidly shifting risk environment.
Motivation, coordination and making the right choices has brought a remarkable turnaround in the financial crime fighting fortunes of Latvia. If you are involved in the fight against financial crime in Latvia then 2018, the year of the country's last FATF assessment, is a date that is both infamous and inspiring. That is certainly the case for Toms Platacis and Paulis Iljenkovs, Head and Deputy Head of the Latvian FIU, who join host Tom Keatinge for this latest episode of the STR podcast, to review Latvia's recently published FATF Mutual Evaluation Report. With 2018 etched in their memories, they reveal the steps they have taken to motivate public and private sector colleagues to move from 2018's near-death experience to an evaluation that places them at the top-of-the-class.
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 creative in financial crime detection, why sanctions compliance is no longer just a name-matching exercise, and how AI can be leveraged thoughtfully to manage growing complexity. The conversation explores Treasury's newly released national risk assessments, critical gaps in the U.S. regulatory framework, and what institutions should take away as the FATF mutual evaluation continues. John and Sarah also dig into the implications of recent court decisions affecting FinCEN's residential real estate rule, ongoing lobbying challenges, FINRA's growing leadership in AML enforcement, and why now is not the time for institutions to let their guard down—despite shifting regulatory priorities. This episode is a must‑listen for AML, compliance, and risk professionals looking for practical, unfiltered insights on where the industry stands—and where it's headed next. The views expressed in this podcast represent those of the speakers and not AML RightSource.
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 nonprofit financial access, particularly for humanitarian organizations operating in high‑risk and conflict environments. Ashleigh walks through the findings of the Shadow Report, including both positive developments—such as humanitarian carve-outs and improved risk-based language—and ongoing concerns around de-risking, executive actions, and the expanding use of counterterrorism authorities. John and Ashleigh also discuss recent Treasury risk assessments, the gap between policy and on‑the‑ground implementation, and emerging concerns about nonprofit investigations tied to domestic terrorism. The episode concludes with practical guidance for financial institutions on communication, due diligence, and balancing AML/CFT obligations with humanitarian imperatives as FATF assessors finalize the U.S. review.
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 collaboration, cryptocurrency investigations, fraud trends, sextortion, and human trafficking. Elliot and John also unpack major global and domestic developments—from wartime corruption risks and sanctions involving Iran and Russia, to FATF's new anti‑fraud toolkit and a federal court ruling striking down FinCEN's residential real estate AML rule. Additional topics include emerging concerns about insider trading and prediction markets, nonprofit investigations tied to domestic extremism, shifting counterterrorism resources, and new reporting on classified information and financial motives. The episode closes with reflections on public service and the legacy of former FBI Director Robert Mueller. As always, listeners are encouraged to review the source material referenced and draw their own conclusions.
In this month's Cayman Islands Regulatory 15/15 episode, Chris Capewell, Adam Huckle and Daniel Moore discuss recent updates on Tokenised Funds, Beneficial Ownership Guidance, AML/CFT, CIMA Enforcement and Supervisory Matters and FATF Reports on Virtual Assets.To read the 2026 Cayman Islands Regulatory Calendar, visit https://maples.com/regulatory-round-up/2026-cayman-islands-regulatory-calendar.SPEAKERS:Chris Capewell, Partner | +1 345 814 5666 | chris.capewell@maples.com | View bioAdam Huckle, Partner | +1 345 525 5377 | adam.huckle@maples.com | View bioDaniel Moore, Of Counsel | +1 345 936 5429 | daniel.moore@maples.com | View bioVisit our Regulatory Round-Up Blog for the latest developments and insights in the regulatory landscapeRELATED SERVICES:Maples Group Regulatory and Financial Services AdvisoryWith a depth of experience across all regulated sectors, the Maples Group Regulatory and Financial Services team is positioned to address client needs and sensitivities. We have the largest dedicated Cayman Islands Regulatory and Financial Services team in the offshore market.Follow Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maplesgroup/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maplesgroup/Twitter: https://twitter.com/maplesgroupFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maplesgroup/Website: https://maples.com/podcasts/15-15Blog: https://maples.com/regulatory-round-up
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 geopolitical threats. Elliot and John also discuss emerging insights from the IRS on the value of CTRs, the White House's new cybersecurity strategy, upcoming AMLA public hearings in the EU, and AUSTRAC's expanded compulsory examination powers. Additional topics include recent enforcement actions targeting illicit Iranian oil networks, covert Russian vessel-protection teams, and FATF's updated consolidated assessment ratings. A must‑listen for compliance professionals looking to stay current in a rapidly shifting environment.
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-enabled fraud, and the evolving risk-based approach. On the U.S. regulatory front, they cover the effective date of FinCEN's residential real estate reporting rule, the OCC's proposed stablecoin framework under the GENIUS Act, and the ongoing debate over rollbacks to the Corporate Transparency Act. Across the Atlantic, they examine the FCA's push to strengthen AML supervision for professional bodies. The episode also examines the liquidation of Swiss bank MBaer under U.S. enforcement pressure and amid concerns about recent counterintelligence cuts.
Adv. Pieter Smit, waarnemende direkteur van die Finansiële Intelligensiesentrum (FIS), gesels oor die riglyne aan kripto-batediensteverskaffers om die aanbevelings van die FATF toe te pas. Volg RSG Geldsake op Twitter
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 highlighted in a new report from Chainalysis, Cambodia's large-scale crackdown on fraud centers, and several key U.S. regulatory updates. These include FinCEN's new CDD “exceptive relief,” the rollout of a whistleblower portal, and the OCC's proposed changes to the bank appeals process. Elliot and John also discuss recent law enforcement actions, Supreme Court efforts to strengthen conflict-of-interest checks, and a Federal Reserve governor's insight into how AI may reshape the labor market.
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 troubling downward trends among high-scoring democracies, including the U.S. Elliot and John also explore the EU's proposed sanctions package targeting Russian crypto activity, the FTC's latest ransomware oversight report, new OFAC actions related to Hezbollah, recent enforcement in the crypto fraud space, and ongoing gaps in U.S. regulation of the antiquities market. Additional topics include global efforts to combat illicit gold trafficking, Jersey's move toward comprehensive modern slavery legislation, and seasonal warnings about romance‑investment scams.
The fourth hour of the Fan After Dark from January 16th, 2026
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.
For the ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plus For most Americans, losing access to a bank account sounds like a customer-service hassle—not a political problem. But what if your ability to get paid, pay bills, run a business, donate to a cause, or even shop online or just withdraw cash at an ATM can be shut off quietly, without a trial, without an explanation, and without a meaningful way to appeal? In this two-part episode, Ron Steslow is joined by economist Jorge Jraissati, President of the Economic Inclusion Group, to unpack the growing reality of debanking and the compliance machinery behind it. In this second episode, they go upstream: who writes the rules—and how do they spread? Ron and Jorge focus on FATF (the Financial Action Task Force), a powerful global standard-setter for AML/CFT that most people have never heard of, despite how much it shapes modern banking. Jorge explains FATF's enormous “soft power,” how gray/black lists raise the cost of cross-border finance, and why its opacity makes democratic accountability nearly impossible. They also dig deeper into “de-risking”, the lack of public data, and how AML/CFT allegations can escalate into asset freezes. Finally, they confront the “escape hatch” many people are turning to: permissionless money. Jorge argues Bitcoin has become a lifeline for the unbanked and debanked—while warning that technology can't substitute for defending due process and reforming the underlying system. Learn more about the Economic Inclusion Group: https://econinclusion.com/ Get in touch with Jorge: jorge@econinclusion.com Find our sponsor links and promo codes here: https://bit.ly/44uAGZ8 Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RON at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Send your questions and ideas to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at (703) 239-3068 Follow Ron and Jorge on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/JraissatiJorge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Epicenter - Learn about Blockchain, Ethereum, Bitcoin and Distributed Technologies
In this episode, recorded live at Buidl Europe 2026, host Sebastian Couture leads a panel with Ben Lakoff (Bankless Ventures), Richard Muirhead (Fabric Ventures), Aurora Orellana (G20 Strategies), and Matthew Arrow (Dark Forest). Together, they tackle the existential question facing the industry: can Cypherpunk values like self-custody and permissionless survive as multi-billion dollar institutions become the primary drivers of adoption?The discussion delves into the tension between individual sovereignty and the regulatory reach of organizations like the FATF, which they describe as a "Goliath" accountable to no one. They explore the concept of the "DeFi Mullet" a centralized user interfaces powered by decentralized backends and how privacy tech is becoming essential not for institutions seeking defensible competitive moats. Finally, the conversation looks at how global competition between jurisdictions will define the next decade of financial freedom and what it truly means to be a Cypherpunk in 2026. Topics00:00 Intro & Context04:15 Cypherpunk Values in an Institutional World09:30 Permissionless Deployment & Self-Custody15:00 The Regulatory Spectrum: KYC vs. Freedom21:45 The FATF & Global Financial Surveillance27:10 Jurisdictional Competition & Portability35:20 Selling Privacy to Institutions vs. Individuals42:15 The DeFi Mullet & Atomic Settlement49:00 Barriers to Entry: Legacy Mainframes & Career Risk55:30 What it Means to be a Cypherpunk in 2026LinksBen Lakoff on X: https://x.com/benlakoffRichard Muirhead on X: https://x.com/RichardMuirheadMatthew Arrow on X: https://x.com/mattarrow Bankless Ventures: https://bankless.ventures/Fabric Ventures: https://www.fabric.vc/Gnosis: https://gnosis.io/Sponsors: Gnosis: Gnosis has been building core decentralized infrastructure for the Ethereum ecosystem since 2015. With the launch of Gnosis Pay last year, we introduced the world's first Decentralized Payment Network. Start leveraging its power today at http://gnosis.io
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.
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.
FATF has rolled out their most comprehensive guidance on asset recovery and the entire digital asset industry should take notice. In this episode, Jim Lee (Global Head of Capacity Building, Chainalysis) talks with both, Aidan Larkin (Co-Founder & CEO, Asset Reality) and Hugo Hoyland (Chief Strategy Officer, Asset Reality) and leverages their transformative experiences and efforts toward developing efficient solutions for managing seized digital assets. They outline the significant challenges faced by investigators globally, they are spearheading efforts to streamline asset recovery processes through innovative platforms like Asset Reality and highlighting the best practices mentioned by the renewed focus from international bodies like the FATF in their guidance The trio discuss the importance of public private partnerships to bridge knowledge gaps and coordinate cross border recovery operations effectively and highlight partnerships with Operation Shamrock and the critical role that swift and capable asset management plays in the modern fight against financial crime. Minute-by-minute episode breakdown 2 | Challenges and Innovations in Global Asset Recovery 5 | FATF Guidance and Importance of Seizures and Forfeitures in Investigations 10 | Improving Global Asset Recovery Through Effective Management Practices 14 | Challenges and Strategies in Digital Asset Seizure and Management 19 | Solutions in Government Asset Seizure Management 25 | Importance of Public Private Partnerships in Law Enforcement 29 | Private Sector's Role in Asset Recovery and Law Enforcement 32 | Global Success in Digital Asset Seizures and Financial Crime Expertise 39 | Complexities of Crypto Asset Seizure and Forfeiture 43 | Government Strategies for Liquidating Digital and Physical Assets 46 | Improving Global Asset Recovery and Standardizing Seized Asset Data 51 | Operation Shamrock and Asset Recovery in Crypto Investigations Related resources Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key. Website: Asset Reality: One platform to seize and manage all assets Publication: FATF releases detailed guidance to help practitioners recover criminal assets Announcement: Asset Reality and Operation Shamrock Form Strategic Alliance to Build Law Enforcement Infrastructure to Seize & Manage Crypto Assets Article: Operation Destabilise: NCA exposes billion-dollar money laundering network that purchased bank to fund Russian war effort Blog: U.S., U.K., and Australia Target Russian Cybercrime Infrastructure Supporting Global Ransomware Operations; U.S. Targets Crypto Laundering of Global Drug Trafficking Network Blog: FATF Issues Comprehensive Guidance on Virtual Asset Recovery: What Law Enforcement Needs to Know YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain Speakers on today's episode Jim Lee ** Host** (Global Head of Capacity Building, Chainalysis) Aidan Larkin (Co-Founder & CEO, Asset Reality) Hugo Hoyland (Chief Strategy Officer, Asset Reality) This website may contain links to third-party sites that are not under the control of Chainalysis, Inc. or its affiliates (collectively “Chainalysis”). Access to such information does not imply association with, endorsement of, approval of, or recommendation by Chainalysis of the site or its operators, and Chainalysis is not responsible for the products, services, or other content hosted therein. Our podcasts are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors before making these types of decisions. Chainalysis has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material. Chainalysis does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material. Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Chainalysis. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Chainalysis employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy sits down with David Alexander “Alex” Scheer, founder and CEO of zkMe, a zero-knowledge identity network that lets users prove who they are - and meet KYC/AML requirements - without exposing their personal data. zkMe builds identity oracles that turn existing credentials (passports, bank accounts, credit scores, tax records and more) into reusable, privacy-preserving proofs using zero-knowledge technology. Alex shares how a career that started in mechanical engineering and aerospace, moved through automotive supply-chain consulting and software, and eventually led him to Shanghai, MiCA, and the decision to jump head-first into decentralized identity. We dig into why MiCA's early drafts convinced him that Web3 would need a decentralized identity primitive to survive, and how zkMe is now serving millions of verified users while staying fully privacy-first and compliant. Together we unpack what zero-knowledge proofs actually are (in human language), why Alex thinks ZK is more foundational than blockchains themselves, and how zk-based KYC can both meet FATF-level requirements and keep users pseudonymous until regulators really have grounds to pierce the veil. We explore the tension between regulators who are increasingly open to ZK approaches and compliance officers who've done things the same way for 40 years, as well as how stablecoins, self-custodial wallets and secondary markets are forcing a rethink of identity and risk.From open banking ZK credentials and under-collateralized lending, to AI agents, the “machine economy,” and the business model behind decentralized compliance, Alex explains where zkMe is growing next and why he sees ZK identity as an anti-cyclical bet on crypto's regulated future.
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 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.
Join us this week as we talk about the sort of true story of Emperor Peter and Catherine the Great. We talk about the good, the bad, the lengthy, and the ridiculously funny. Come take a listen and then you can join our discord using the links below to tell us what you thought of it!https://linktr.ee/chaoticallynerdy Intro and outro music is made by Alex Grohl, can find their music on spotify here! https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Mi50rMNTnDl8PVUi1YbpO?si=mVQPtZMeQzOFU3Wcg9g7vw We can be reached at chaoticallynerdy@gmail.com
In this conversation, Stephan Livera and Carel Van Wyk discuss the evolution of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange, focusing on the role of MoneyBadger in facilitating Bitcoin payments across South Africa. They explore the journey of integrating Bitcoin payments into major retailers, the technological innovations that have made this possible, and the implications for merchants and consumers alike. The discussion also touches on the broader context of Bitcoin's role in the global payment landscape and the ongoing debate about its function as a store of value versus a medium of exchange. They explore the economic challenges faced by South Africans, the regulatory landscape, and the importance of demonstrating Bitcoin as a medium of exchange. The discussion also touches on the implications of capital gains tax, the strategies for promoting Bitcoin adoption, and the potential for Bitcoin to serve as a viable alternative to traditional payment systems. Carel emphasizes the urgency of using Bitcoin as money and the need for a shift in mindset among both consumers and regulators.Takeaways:
Episode 197 with Omar Lababidi, CEO of Wafroex and Founder of Goldswarm, a premium West African honey brand that is redefining sustainable luxury while empowering thousands of smallholder farmers across Nigeria. With over twenty years of experience investing in, leading and scaling companies, Omar combines deep business expertise with a passion for innovation, sustainability and community development.In this episode, he shares how a single taste of honey in Benin in 2015 inspired a vision to elevate West African honey to the global stage, and how that vision has grown into Goldswarm the first Nigerian agricultural brand to export to the United States. From introducing advanced technologies such as honey DNA tracking to forging partnerships that protect biodiversity and support local beekeepers, Omar explains how Goldswarm is creating a blueprint for sustainable agribusiness in Africa.What We Discuss With OmarOmar's journey from a life-changing taste of honey in Benin to founding Goldswarm, a premium West African honey brand.Building Nigeria's first agricultural brand to export to the United States and redefining sustainable luxury.How Goldswarm's honey DNA tracking and innovation are transforming transparency, traceability, and trust in African exports.Empowering local farmers, protecting biodiversity, and promoting climate-smart agriculture across West Africa.Navigating export challenges and positioning Nigeria as a global hub for organic and sustainable agricultural products.Omar's vision for Africa's future in global trade and the rise of purpose-driven entrepreneurship across the continentVerto CornerIn this week's Verto Corner, Sankha Jinasena, Sales Manager for South Africa at Verto, discusses how South Africa's removal from the FATF grey list is creating new opportunities for businesses operating across borders. He explains how improved investor confidence and regulatory stability are opening doors for B2B payment providers, driving stronger partnerships and renewed commercial momentum. Sankha also shares what this shift means for companies looking to trade with South Africa, and how Verto is repositioning its value proposition to meet rising demand with greater speed, transparency and trust.Access the Strategy HandbookDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Using Solar Drying Innovation to Tackle Food Insecurity in Sudan: The Solar Foods Story? Make sure to check it out!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Omar:LinkedIn - Omar LababidDiscover how Verto's solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here
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 conversation also covers AMLA's growing role in EU-wide crypto oversight, the regulation of law firms, elder financial exploitation initiatives from the OCC, and the impact of government shutdowns on FinCEN operations.
At the ACAMS Las Vegas Assembly, Justine sat down with Oksana Ihnatenko, RUSI, and ACAMS Rising Professional of the Year. Their discussion includes Oksana's research and work to build public-private partnerships in Ukraine, how Ukrainians view current sanctions policy, and how Ukraine's reconstruction can be funded. Oksana Ihnatenko is a Researcher for the Supervising and Monitoring Ukraine's Reconstruction Funds (SMURF) project at the Centre for Finance and Security at RUSI, based in Kyiv. Her research focuses on Ukraine's adherence to FATF standards, fighting financial crime, anti-money laundering efforts, and issues surrounding reconstruction. You can read more here. https://www.rusi.org/people/ihnatenko
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 compliance-driven leadership shift, Iran's FATF ambitions, insider threat mitigation in Canada, and Nigeria's efforts to combat terrorist financing via crowdfunding. Domestically, they unpack major U.S. regulatory proposals, including redefining community banks, eliminating reputation risk as a supervisory focus, and evolving model risk management guidance.
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 controversial sanctions decisions, the EU's 19th sanctions package against Russia, DFS guidance on blockchain analytics, and FATF's mutual evaluation training. Plus, a look at corruption investigations and Antifa's domestic terrorism designation.
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.
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.
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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