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The Clock is Ticking! Get Ready - The countdown to the New FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule compliance is on! Are you ready for December 1?
The Roman Storm trial ended with one guilty verdict, raising big questions about what comes next for developers and open-source protocols. To unpack the implications, I'm joined by Peter Van Valkenburgh, Executive Director of Coin Center. Coin Center is hosting their annual dinner on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.Timestamps:➡️ 00:00 – Introduction➡️ 01:00 – Explaining the Roman Storm verdict➡️ 03:00 – FinCEN's 2019 guidance➡️ 07:40 – Implications for future regulatory guidance➡️ 14:20 – First Amendment and due process defenses ➡️ 21:30 – Future of peer-to-peer crypto➡️ 27:40 – Coin Center's six-month policy review➡️ 35:30 – The President's Working Group Report➡️ 38:50 – Why crypto must be more than an investmentSponsor: This episode is brought to you by Day One Law, a boutique corporate law firm helping crypto startups navigate complex legal challenges. Visit dayonelaw.xyz to get in touch, or subscribe to their free newsletter for crypto legal updates.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice.
Banking on Fraudology is part of the Fraudology Podcast Network. In this eye-opening episode of Banking on Fraudology, host Hailey Windham dives deep into five recent fraud cases that every financial institution needs to know about. From a $70,000 account drain to a multi-branch fraud attempt, each story serves as a masterclass in what to do - and what not to do - when it comes to protecting customers and institutions from increasingly sophisticated scams.Windham breaks down a troubling case where a 74-year-old man had to go public just to get reimbursed after malware-enabled hackers drained his account. She explains why relying too heavily on device matching for authentication can backfire, and offers practical advice for layering security measures. The episode also covers FinCEN's recent industry-wide meeting on digital asset fraud, highlighting the critical need for collaboration between banks, regulators, and law enforcement to stay ahead of global fraud networks.Listeners will gain invaluable insights into improving fraud prevention processes, from handling fake ID attempts and implementing "pause point" forms for risky transactions, to enhancing cross-branch communication. Windham's engaging storytelling and actionable takeaways make this a must-listen for anyone in banking, fintech, or fraud prevention. Whether you're a seasoned fraud fighter or new to the field, you'll come away with strategies you can implement immediately to strengthen your institution's defenses. Don't miss this chance to stay ahead of the latest fraud trends - tune in now and join the fight against financial crime.About Hailey Windham:As a 2023 CU Rockstar Recipient, Hailey Windham, CFCS (Certified Financial Crimes Specialist) demonstrated unbounding passion for educating her community, organization and credit union membership on scams in the market and best practices to avoid them. She has implemented several programs within her previous organizations that aim at holistically learning about how to prevent and detect fraud targeted at membership and employees. Windham's initiatives to build strong relationships and partnerships throughout the credit union community and industry experts have led to countless success stories. Her applied knowledge of payments system programs combined with her experience in fraud investigations offers practical concepts that are transferable, no matter the organization's size. Connect with Hailey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-windham/ https://dailyhodl.com/2025/08/10/bank-of-america-refuses-to-reimburse-customer-after-hackers-hit-account-drain-70000-report/https://www.fincen.gov/news/news-releases/readout-fincen-convenes-public-private-partnership-promote-innovation-andhttps://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/police-investigate-fraud-colorado-banks-88k-debt-boulder-account/
Hello, and welcome to episode 178 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we look at actions by OFAC targeting a narco-terrorist network and expanding sanctions against a cartel, including a "narco-rapper," alongside an OFSI license extension for payments to sanctioned banks. We also address money laundering failures by Paxos, Poland's limited progress in anti-corruption efforts, and a whistleblower's revelations about UK government-sanctioned bribery in arms deals. Furthermore, the episode outlines fraud cases, including confiscation orders against investment fraudsters in the UK, a guilty plea in a New Zealand Ponzi scheme, and a FinCEN summit aimed at tackling fraud in the digital assets ecosystem.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.
Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. With special guests: Avichal Garg, Managing Partner at Electric Capital, and Tomasz K. Stańczak, Co-Executive Director at the Ethereum Foundation. This week we get into one of the most pivotal moments in Ethereum's history — from the Tornado Cash verdict and its chilling implications for developers, to Wall Street's growing embrace of ETH through the launch of ETHZilla. The crew unpacks how this trial could redefine developer liability, why Ethereum's narrative is shifting toward institutional adoption, and what the next decade could look like for the world's most versatile blockchain. Whether you're here for the legal drama, the market moves, or the inside scoop from Ethereum's top builders and investors, this episode delivers the sharp analysis, big-picture context, and unfiltered hot takes you've come to expect from The Chopping Block. Show highlights
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 are personally complicit, prompting President Zelenskyy to issue sanctions against museum directors. Experts highlight AI's growing role in tracking stolen cultural property. Regulatory Updates FinCEN delays the investment advisor AML rule until 2028, citing deregulatory priorities despite acknowledging ongoing illicit finance risks. The President's working group releases digital asset market recommendations, while FinCEN warns about crypto kiosks being used for scams targeting older adults. International Developments The IMF's Canada financial stability assessment raises concerns about banking oversight gaps. New UK guidance addresses Russian sanctions evasion, while a British solicitor faces fines for AML failures in an Azerbaijan-linked property deal, highlighting ongoing gatekeeper compliance debates. The De-Banking Controversy Analysis of the proposed executive order targeting banks for alleged political discrimination. John Byrne challenges "Operation Choke Point 2.0" claims, emphasizing that banks make legitimate risk-based decisions considering credit worthiness and regulatory requirements. Discussion includes potential implications for suspicious activity reporting. Additional Coverage John Oliver's examination of deferred prosecution agreements in corporate crime cases provides context on this controversial prosecutorial tool's AML applications.
Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. With special guests: Avichal Garg, Managing Partner at Electric Capital, and Tomasz K. Stańczak, Co-Executive Director at the Ethereum Foundation. This week we get into one of the most pivotal moments in Ethereum's history — from the Tornado Cash verdict and its chilling implications for developers, to Wall Street's growing embrace of ETH through the launch of ETHZilla. The crew unpacks how this trial could redefine developer liability, why Ethereum's narrative is shifting toward institutional adoption, and what the next decade could look like for the world's most versatile blockchain. Whether you're here for the legal drama, the market moves, or the inside scoop from Ethereum's top builders and investors, this episode delivers the sharp analysis, big-picture context, and unfiltered hot takes you've come to expect from The Chopping Block. Show highlights
Welcome to BanklessTV, featuring Peter Van Valkenburgh from Coin Center and David Morris of The Rage, freshly back from the SDNY courtroom with the inside scoop on the Roman Storm verdict. In this episode we unpack the split decision—how Storm beat the money-laundering and sanctions-evasion counts yet was found guilty on the hot-button “unlicensed money-transmission” charge—and what that single conviction means for every non-custodial developer in crypto. Peter breaks down the legal tightrope between FinCEN guidance and DOJ prosecution, outlines three clear appeal paths (including the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act), and explains why Roman's case could still become a rallying point for financial-privacy legislation. David shares firsthand color from the trial: jury deadlocks, high-stakes witness drama, and the emotional moment Storm walked free to see his daughter. Join us to hear why this verdict is both a wake-up call and an opportunity, what Congress, the courts, and the next administration might do next, and how the outcome could reshape DeFi, privacy tech, and open-source innovation for years to come. ------
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In episode 3 of Bitcoin Politics, special guest Amanda Tuminelli — Executive Director and CLO of the DeFi Education Fund — breaks down the legal battle over Tornado Cash, and the high-stakes implications for Bitcoin developers and privacy-preserving technology.From courtroom strategy to the fight for clear developer protections in the CLARITY Act and Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA), this conversation explores the implications that various trial outcomes may have on the crypto ecosystem and open source development.Tuminelli offers expert legal analysis of the Tornado Cash, why the DOJ's shift away from FinCEN guidance threatens innovation, and how Congress might be gutting key protections in upcoming crypto legislation.Recorded 8/25/2025 in conversation with Frank Corva, Bitcoin Magazine Political Correspondent
Any donation is greatly appreciated! 47e6GvjL4in5Zy5vVHMb9PQtGXQAcFvWSCQn2fuwDYZoZRk3oFjefr51WBNDGG9EjF1YDavg7pwGDFSAVWC5K42CBcLLv5U OR DONATE HERE: https://www.monerotalk.live/donate TODAY'S SHOW: This episode of Monero Talk featured a discussion with Arctic (Francisco) on key developments in Monero and the broader crypto ecosystem. Arctic shared updates on his work optimizing scaling for full chain membership proofs, addressing concerns about increased transaction sizes and verification times. They discussed the Samurai Wallet case, where developers pled guilty to money transmission violations tied to fees sent to operators, reinforcing existing FinCEN guidance rather than creating new law. The main topic centered on the emerging “Cubic” cryptocurrency, which uses Monero merge-mining under the guise of “proof of useful work.” Arctic warned that if Cubic amasses significant hash rate, it could threaten Monero's network security, similar to the 2018 ASIC attack, and suggested countermeasures like miner education and potential token sell-offs. The conversation also contrasted proof of stake's flaws with proof of work's resilience and concluded with updates on Monero's full chain membership proofs—expected around 2026—which aim to improve fungibility despite larger transaction sizes and longer verification times, mitigated through parallel processing and hardware optimizations. TIMESTAMPS: (00:01:02) Arctic joins – updates on scaling work and personal projects. (00:03:55) Samurai Wallet case – Money transmission fees, legal implications, and Tornado Cash parallels. (00:22:51) Clarity Act – Regulatory protections for decentralized cryptocurrencies. (00:23:29) Sterlingov case – Chain analysis validity and implications for Monero delisting. (00:27:21) Transition to main topic – Cubic mining attack and proof of useful work concept. (00:32:59) Historical context – 2018 Bitmain ASIC attack and community defense. (00:40:21) Monitoring hash rates – Early indicators of potential attacks. (00:43:09) Encouragement to mine at home – Defensive community mining efforts. (00:44:01) History of Kryptonote and Bytecoin – Early Monero origins and attacks. (00:48:02) Merge mining attacks – Risks and prevention approaches. (00:54:29) Proof-of-Stake discussion – Short-selling risks and vulnerabilities. (01:03:28) Preventing future attacks – Community awareness and decentralized pools. (01:07:14) Full Chain Membership Proofs (FCMP) – Fungibility upgrade, scaling challenges, and verification improvements. (01:10:49) Efficiency contests and progress – Ongoing optimizations for FCMP GUEST LINKS: Purchase Cafe & tip the farmers w/ XMR! https://gratuitas.org/ Purchase a plug & play Monero node at https://moneronodo.com SPONSORS: Cakewallet.com, the first open-source Monero wallet for iOS. You can even exchange between XMR, BTC, LTC & more in the app! Monero.com by Cake Wallet - ONLY Monero wallet (https://monero.com/) StealthEX, an instant exchange. Go to (https://stealthex.io) to instantly exchange between Monero and 450 plus assets, w/o having to create an account or register & with no limits. WEBSITE: https://www.monerotopia.com CONTACT: monerotalk@protonmail.com ODYSEE: https://odysee.com/@MoneroTalk:8 TWITTER: https://twitter.com/monerotalk FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MoneroTalk HOST: https://twitter.com/douglastuman INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/monerotalk TELEGRAM: https://t.me/monerotopia MATRIX: https://matrix.to/#/%23monerotopia%3Amonero.social MASTODON: @Monerotalk@mastodon.social MONERO.TOWN: https://monero.town/u/monerotalkAny donation is greatly appreciated!Any donation is greatly appreciated!
Send us a textFinCEN will simply not go away. We thought it was over last year when the government halted the requirement to file your business entity disclosures. But now the anti-money laundering portion of FinCEN requirements for cash transactions involving a corporate entity purchasing property must provide a 120 plus item disclosure which will cost your clients hundreds of dollars and hours of time.Erice Lybrand joins us to discuss this never-ending nightmare statute. Don't forget to like us and share us!Gary* Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.
La Asociación de Bancos de México dijo que, de la mano de Hacienda, pidieron a la FinCEN el aplazamiento de las sanciones a las instituciones financieras y celebraron los 45 días de gracia. En una carta dirigida a Lula, Trump anunció el incremento de aranceles a las importaciones de Brasil en represalia por el juicio contra el exmandatario brasileño Jair Bolsonaro, su aliado político. Capítulos 00:00 - Introducción 00:37 - Sanciones a CI Banco e Intercam 01:32 - Juicio a Bolsonaro y aranceles
In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman is joined by Joe McNamara to unpack efforts across North America to combat fentanyl trafficking—including Treasury's designation of Mexican financial institutions and Canada's new FinTRAC intelligence unit, FATF's latest update on virtual assets and VASPs, he OCC's report on key risks in the federal banking system, FinCEN's change on TIN collection under the CIP rule, and other issues affecting the financial crime prevention community.
En entrevista con Pamela Cerdeira, para MVS Noticias, Peniley Ramírez, columnista de Reforma habló de lo que Estados Unidos sabe sobre Cibanco, Intercam y Vector Casa de Bolsa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
¿Bancos en la mira? FinCEN revela detalles sobre lavado de dinero en México, ¿Premio o castigo? López-Gatell será representante de México ante la OMS, Requerimientos del INE: ¿una amenaza a la libertad de expresión?, Privacidad en riesgo: Nuevas leyes en México permiten acceso ilimitado a datos personales.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman is joined by Jennie Jonas to unpack FinCEN's 2024 Year in Review, BSA modernization efforts, and key takeaways from recent FATF reports. They also explore global fraud trends, regulatory shifts in the EU and UK, and the evolving role of digital currencies in financial crime prevention, and other issues affecting the financial crime prevention community.
Quién lo iba a decir: Empezamos semana al borde de la Tercera Guerra, la batalla política entre México y EU, y hora entre la UIF y FinCEN.
Send us a textWhether you know it or not, you are using AI every day in your real estate practice. So today I will examine the increasing role of AI in real estate but also examine the legal and ethical implications that comes with its use. Everyone should be embracing this technology like we did with the internet in the 90s and social media in the 2010s. But we also need to understand that the SC Real Estate Commission has already issued a guidance letter about legal problems that can arise through the use of AI.Don't forget to like us and share us!Gary* Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.
FinCEN has officially dropped the hammer: a sweeping nationwide rule goes into effect December 1, 2025, requiring title professionals to report the real owners behind all-cash entity purchases of residential real estate. In this episode, Zina and Crosby walk you through the why, what, and how—giving you a clear roadmap to stay compliant and confident. If you've ever handled a deal involving an LLC, trust, or shell company, you need this breakdown before the deadline hits. What you'll learn from this episode Why FinCEN is targeting real estate and why it affects all agent s, not just banks How the GTO pilot evolved into a permanent nationwide mandate Transactions are covered under the new rule Who is responsible for filing and what must be reported Civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance and how to avoid them Practical steps to integrate reporting into your existing title workflows Resources mentioned in this episode American Land Title Association FinCEn US Department of the Treasury Connect With UsLove what you're hearing? Don't miss an episode! Follow us on our social media channels and stay connected. Explore more on our website: www.alltechnational.com/podcast Stay updated with our newsletter: www.mochoumil.com Follow Mo on LinkedIn: Mo Choumil Stop waiting on underwriter emails or callbacks—TitleGPT.ai gives you instant, reliable answers to your title questions. Whether it's underwriting, compliance, or tricky closings, the information you need is just a click away. No more delays—work smarter, close faster. Try it now at www.TitleGPT.ai. Closing more deals starts with more appointments. At Alltech National Title, our inside sales team works behind the scenes to fill your pipeline, so you can focus on building relationships and closing business. No more cold calling—just real opportunities. Get started at AlltechNationalTitle.com. Extra hands without extra overhead—that's Safi Virtual. Our trained virtual assistants specialize in the title industry, handling admin work, client communication, and data entry so you can stay focused on closing deals. Scale smarter and work faster at SafiVirtual.com.
Please enjoy this encore of Hacking Humans. On Hacking Humans, Dave Bittner, Joe Carrigan, and Maria Varmazis (also host of N2K's daily space podcast, T-Minus), are once again sharing the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and criminal exploits that are making headlines to help our audience become aware of what is out there. First we start off with some follow up, our hosts share some more information on VIN swapping, and a clarification on bank participation in FinCEN. Maria shares a telling tale about a Bethesda couple loosing $367,000 in gold bars to a sophisticated scam involving fake officials and elaborate deceptions, but a police sting led to the arrest of a suspect, highlighting a growing nationwide trend of elderly victims targeted by gold bar fraud. Joe's story comes from KnowBe4 and is on DavidB, their VP of Asia Pacific, thwarting a sophisticated social engineering attack via WhatsApp by recognizing inconsistencies in the impersonator's behavior and verifying directly with the colleague they claimed to be. Dave's story comes from the FBI on how criminals are exploiting generative AI to enhance fraud schemes, including using AI-generated text, images, audio, and video to create convincing social engineering attacks, phishing scams, and identity fraud, while offering tips to protect against these threats. Our catch of the day comes from a listener who received an urgent email from someone claiming to be an FBI agent with a rather dramatic tale about intercepted consignment boxes, missing documents, and a ticking clock—but let's just say this "agent" might need some better training in both law enforcement and grammar. Resources and links to stories: “VIN swap scam costs Las Vegas man $50K, new truck" FinCEN Gold bar scammers claimed hackers could fund Russian missiles, police say Real Social Engineering Attack on KnowBe4 Employee Foiled Criminals Use Generative Artificial Intelligence to Facilitate Financial Fraud You can hear more from the T-Minus space daily show here. Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at hackinghumans@n2k.com.
AFFLECK & BERNTHAL THROW DOWN!! The Accountant 2 Full Reaction Watch Along: / thereelrejects Start your online business with a $1 per-month trial when you visit https://www.shopify.com/rejects! At LONG LAST Tara & John join forces with Greg forThe Accountant 2 Reaction, Recap, Commentary, Analysis, & Spoiler Review!! When former FinCEN director Raymond King (J.K. Simmons, Whiplash, Spider-Man) is found dead with the message “FIND THE ACCOUNTANT” scrawled on his arm, deputy director Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Arrow, The Woman King) turns to the only person who can help: Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck, Argo, Gone Girl), the autistic forensic accountant and trained marksman. Christian and his non-speaking partner Justine (voice by Alison Wright, The Crown)—a team backed by Harbor Neuroscience's tech-savvy autistic children—piece together King's clues: an old family photo, a Salvadorean arrival in L.A., and a trafficking ring's shadowy reach. Christian enlists his estranged brother Braxton Wolff (Jon Bernthal, The Punisher, The Devil All the Time) in a brutal ambush on a key pimp—one of the film's most talked-about kills—while assassin Anaïs / Edith Sanchez (Daniella Pineda, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Narcos) emerges as both hunter and hunted. In a shocking mid-film reveal, Medina learns Anaïs is the missing mother from King's photo, leading to a memory-jarring fight where Christian intervenes just in time. The stakes skyrocket when Christian discovers Anaïs's autistic son Alberto (Yael Ocasio) is held at a Juárez camp destined for a mass grave. In a pulse-pounding raid—complete with hacked Border Patrol drones and a showdown against enforcer Cobb (Grant Harvey, Buzzcut)—the Wolff brothers storm the compound and rescue the children in one of 2025's standout action set-pieces. The finale in Costa Rica sees Anaïs confront mastermind Burke (Robert Morgan) in a rain-soaked duel that closes her chapter and frees her family. Join Greg Alba, Tara Erickson & John Humphrey as they dissect every twist, kill sequence, and emotional beat in this must-see sequel! Follow Tara Erickson: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaraErickson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taraerickson/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thetaraerickson Intense Suspense by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Support The Channel By Getting Some REEL REJECTS Apparel! https://www.rejectnationshop.com/ Follow Us On Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/ Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reelrejects?lang=en Twitter: https://x.com/reelrejects Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ Music Used In Ad: Hat the Jazz by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Happy Alley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... POWERED BY @GFUEL Visit https://gfuel.ly/3wD5Ygo and use code REJECTNATION for 20% off select tubs!! Head Editor: https://www.instagram.com/praperhq/?hl=en Co-Editor: Greg Alba Co-Editor: John Humphrey Music In Video: Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Ask Us A QUESTION On CAMEO: https://www.cameo.com/thereelrejects Follow TheReelRejects On FACEBOOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/thereelrejects Follow GREG ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegregalba/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/thegregalba Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stephan & Matt discuss the ‘Save Our Wallets' campaign, which aims to protect non-custodial wallets from regulatory challenges posed by the U.S. government. He highlights the legal risks developers face due to broad interpretations of regulations and the potential consequences of future administrations. The importance of advocacy for legislative change, user engagement, and improving user experience in Bitcoin transactions are emphasized. Additionally, the conversation touches on the implications of AML and FATF regulations, the evolution of wallet technologies, and the need for research into Miner Extractable Value (MEV) in Bitcoin. They also discuss various aspects of Bitcoin and Ethereum, focusing on the implications of MEV (Miner Extractable Value), the risks of mining centralization, and the importance of investing in solutions rather than relying on consensus changes. They explore the challenges posed by private order flow, the philosophical differences in Bitcoin development, and the future of Bitcoin Core and node adoption.Takeaways
This week, John and Elliot discuss the updated Enforcement Guide from the Financial Conduct Authority, the changes to the EU money laundering blacklist, the latest on the trafficking of Syrian antiquities, FinCEN's Advisory on Iranian illicit oil smuggling, and other issues affecting the financial crime prevention community.
FCA Guidelines, EU Blacklist, Syrian Antiquities, and a FinCEN Advisory by AML RightSource
In this timely roundtable, Lisa and Hemma sit down with Mary Inman and Liz Soltan, two powerhouse advocates in the whistleblower legal space, to unpack the DOJ's newly revised Corporate Whistleblower Awards (CWA) Pilot Program and its implications for the compliance community. We also explore what makes whistleblowing work, how to support internal and external reporters, and why this moment may mark a turning point for global whistleblower engagement. Highlights: Mary and Liz break down the newly added DOJ priority areas How the CWA Pilot Program could evolve into a DOJ equivalent of the SEC whistleblower program Why organizational justice and psychological safety must be embedded into internal reporting systems. How tips must result in asset forfeiture to trigger awards Why we need a speak-up culture, not just a hotline Resources DOJ's May 2025 Criminal Division White-Collar Enforcement Plan Revised DOJ Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program: DOJ Announcement Speech by Matthew R. Galeotti at the SIFMA AML and Financial Crimes Conference Link to speech Whistleblowing Study by Stephen Stubbens and Kyle Welch Whistleblower Partners LLP: Mary Inman, Liz Soltan Biographies Mary Inman Partner, Whistleblower Partners LLP Mary Inman is a seasoned attorney with over 30 years of experience representing whistleblowers under various U.S. programs, including the False Claims Act, SEC, CFTC, IRS, FinCEN, and NHTSA/DOT. After spending three years in London, she now focuses on international whistleblowers exposing misconduct with ties to the U.S.. She assists clients in bringing claims to foreign regulators such as the Ontario Securities Commission and the Canada Revenue Agency. Mary is renowned for her expertise in healthcare, tech, and financial services fraud. She has represented high-profile whistleblowers like Frances Haugen (Facebook) and Tyler Shultz (Theranos), and co-authored The Tech Workers' Handbook, a guide for tech industry whistleblowers. Her advocacy extends to testifying before global governmental bodies, including the European Commission and UK Parliament, championing the effectiveness of U.S. whistleblower programs. Mary holds a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and has clerked for judges in both the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals. Outside of her legal work, she enjoys participating in her husband's YouTube channel and spending time in northern Maine. Liz Soltan Associate, Whistleblower Partners LLP Liz Soltan is an associate at Whistleblower Partners LLP, focusing on cases involving financial fraud, anti-money laundering, and sanctions evasion. Her notable work includes representing a foreign whistleblower in a FinCEN sanctions violation case concerning illegal sales to Russia. Liz also contributed to the landmark Medicare Advantage risk adjustment fraud case, United States ex rel. Poehling v. UnitedHealth Group, Inc. Before joining Whistleblower Partners, Liz served as a Skadden Fellow at Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, where she was part of a team that secured $712 million in emergency food stamp benefits for 650,000 households during the COVID-19 pandemic. She earned her J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School, where she led the Wage and Hour Practice Group at the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau and successfully argued a workers' rights case before Massachusetts' highest court. Liz completed her undergraduate studies at Cornell University, graduating summa cum laude with a major in History and a minor in Spanish. Residing in Brooklyn, Liz maintains strong ties to her Philadelphia roots. She enjoys participating in a fiction-only book club, exploring historical sites, and spending time with her husband, son, and their two cats, Alex Trebek and Vanna White.
Max & Q discuss the ongoing legal battle involving the Samourai Wallet developers, who are facing charges from the US government. They explore the recent developments, including the revelation that the prosecutors withheld critical evidence that could potentially dismiss one of the charges. This evidence, from FinCEN, indicated that Samourai Wallet's noncustodial design did not qualify as a money service business, contradicting one of the charges. They also touch on the implications of the Blanche memo, which suggests a shift in how the DOJ approaches crypto-related cases.Our second major topic is the controversy surrounding the op_return limit in Bitcoin transactions. Max & Q explore the arguments for and against removing the 80-byte limit, with proponents arguing for network efficiency and harm reduction, while opponents fear blockchain bloat and a shift away from Bitcoin's financial focus. They discuss the implications of these changes on the network, including potential impacts on fee estimation and miner centralization. IMPORTANT LINKS https://freesamourai.comhttps://p2prights.org/donate.htmlhttps://ungovernablemisfits.comVALUE FOR VALUEThanks for listening you Ungovernable Misfits, we appreciate your continued support and hope you enjoy the shows.You can support this episode using your time, talent or treasure.TIME:- create fountain clips for the show- create a meetup- help boost the signal on social mediaTALENT:- create ungovernable misfit inspired art, animation or music- design or implement some software that can make the podcast better- use whatever talents you have to make a contribution to the show!TREASURE:- BOOST IT OR STREAM SATS on the Podcasting 2.0 apps @ https://podcastapps.com- DONATE via Paynym @ https://paynym.rs/+misfit- DONATE via Monero @ https://xmrchat.com/ugmf- BUY SOME STICKERS @ https://www.ungovernablemisfits.com/shop/FOUNDATIONhttps://foundation.xyz/ungovernableFoundation builds Bitcoin-centric tools that empower you to reclaim your digital sovereignty.As a sovereign computing company, Foundation is the antithesis of today's tech conglomerates. Returning to cypherpunk principles, they build open source technology that “can't be evil”.Thank you Foundation Devices for sponsoring the show!Use code: Ungovernable for $10 off of your purchaseCAKE WALLEThttps://cakewallet.comCake Wallet is an open-source, non-custodial wallet available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux.Features:- Built-in Exchange: Swap easily between Bitcoin and Monero.- User-Friendly: Simple interface for all users.Monero Users:- Batch Transactions: Send multiple payments at once.- Faster Syncing: Optimized syncing via specified restore heights- Proxy Support: Enhance privacy with proxy node options.Bitcoin Users:- Coin Control: Manage your transactions effectively.- Silent Payments: Static bitcoin addresses- Batch Transactions: Streamline your payment process.Thank you Cake Wallet for sponsoring the show!(00:00:00) INTRO(00:00:41) THANK YOU FOUNDATION(00:01:38) THANK YOU CAKE WALLET(00:02:43) Stag Lyfe(00:10:06) BOOSTS(00:22:23) Samourai Wallet Case Review(00:35:21) OP_RETURN Discussion(00:59:25) Business on Air
Seth for Privacy, VP at Cake Wallet, joins us to discuss the ongoing Samurai Wallet legal case and its implications for Bitcoin privacy. Seth explains how the DOJ's prosecution of Samurai developers threatens the entire crypto privacy landscape, despite FinCEN's admission that self-custodial wallets shouldn't be regulated as money services. He breaks down Bitcoin's current privacy limitations, highlighting promising technologies like Silent Payments and Payjoin V2, while candidly addressing why Monero offers superior privacy by design. Are we re-living through the same cryptography battle we fought in the 90s? Follow our guests: @Sethforprivacy Notes: - Samurai indicted April 24, 2024, despite self-custody - 98% conviction rate in Southern District of NY - DOJ hid key FinCEN evidence from defense - Silent Payments gives one reusable static address - Payjoin V2 coming to Cake Wallet this week - Bitcoin privacy tools fighting transparent design Timestamps 00:00 Start 01:04 Samurai wallet legal case 06:30 Jurisdiction & charges 11:59 How significant is this case? 16:28 Arch Network 17:00 Current privacy on BTC 19:47 Silent payments 21:54 Payjoin V2 24:43 Privacy tech limits of BTC 27:42 Privacy soft forks 32:51 Future of oh-chain privacy 37:31 OP_RETURN debate -
Seth for Privacy breaks down the Samurai Wallet legal case, Bitcoin's current privacy limitations, and solutions like Silent Payments and Payjoin V2. He discusses the government's attack on privacy tools and why Monero offers better privacy by default.You're listening to Bitcoin Season 2. Subscribe to the newsletter, trusted by over 7,000 Bitcoiners: https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.comSeth for Privacy, VP at Cake Wallet, joins us to discuss the ongoing Samurai Wallet legal case and its implications for Bitcoin privacy. Seth explains how the DOJ's prosecution of Samurai developers threatens the entire crypto privacy landscape, despite FinCEN's admission that self-custodial wallets shouldn't be regulated as money services. He breaks down Bitcoin's current privacy limitations, highlighting promising technologies like Silent Payments and Payjoin V2, while candidly addressing why Monero offers superior privacy by design. Are we re-living through the same cryptography battle we fought in the 90s?Follow our guests: @SethforprivacyNotes:- Samurai indicted April 24, 2024, despite self-custody- 98% conviction rate in Southern District of NY- DOJ hid key FinCEN evidence from defense- Silent Payments gives one reusable static address- Payjoin V2 coming to Cake Wallet this week- Bitcoin privacy tools fighting transparent designTimestamps00:00 Start01:04 Samurai wallet legal case06:30 Jurisdiction & charges11:59 How significant is this case?16:28 Arch Network17:00 Current privacy on BTC19:47 Silent payments21:54 Payjoin V224:43 Privacy tech limits of BTC27:42 Privacy soft forks32:51 Future of oh-chain privacy37:31 OP_RETURN debate-
58 crypto wallets have made millions on Trumpcoin while 764,000 have lost moneyFEATURING:Ben Arc (https://twitter.com/Arcbtc)Victoria Jones (https://twitter.com/satoshis_page)Thomas Hunt (https://twitter.com/MadBitcoins)THIS WEEK: Since when does bitcoin acquiesce to flash in the pan business models ?https://twitter.com/djbooth007/status/1919517956398252118?s=46Source: Twitter/XRemoving Bitcoin's Guardrailshttps://blog.bitmex.com/removing-bitcoins-guardrails/Source: Blog BitmexOP_RETURN shitcoinery intensifies. To do this, these folks need to both find AND pay miners willing to mine these shitcoin transactions. https://twitter.com/fractalencrypt/status/1920139895164613040?s=46Source: Twitter/XOP_RETURN debate is novel due to how factions are split.1) Ruthlessly rational technical folks who understand the dynamics of the network and don't want to play unending subjective games.2) Ideological folks upset by how others use the network who want to play those games.https://twitter.com/lopp/status/1920474177930195408?s=46A quiet change in Bitcoin Core just blew open a years-long battle.https://twitter.com/simpleminingio/status/1920172025072791814?s=46Source: Twitter/XIs Bitcoin about to go parabolic? BTC price targets include $160K nexthttps://cointelegraph.com/news/is-bitcoin-about-to-parabolic-btc-price-160k-nextSource: Cointelegraph$45 million stolen from Coinbase users in the last week — ZachXBThttps://cointelegraph.com/news/45-million-stolen-coinbase-users-last-week-zack-xbtSource: CointelegraphTrump crypto adviser David Bailey raises $300M for Bitcoin investment firmhttps://cointelegraph.com/news/trump-advisor-david-bailey-nakamoto-bitcoin-fundSource: CointelegraphPump.fun Hits Back at Report That Claimed 98% of Memecoins on the Platform Are Fraudulenthttps://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/05/07/98-of-tokens-on-pump-fun-have-been-rug-pulls-or-an-act-of-fraud-new-report-saysSource: CoindeskJUST IN:
‘As we start to piece this all together, we found that there were certain trends and typologies that were very similar in terms of how China was working with Russia, as well as how China was working with Iran, and then just kind of shaping out this broader network of actors.' In the latest episode of the Sanctions Space Podcast – recorded at the ACAMS Hollywood Assembly - Justine is joined by Kimberly Donovan, director of the Economic Statecraft Initiative within the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center. They discuss geopolitical trends and the interrelation with sanctions compliance - including the emergence of an ‘axis of evasion' network utilizing techniques such as barter trade to circumvent sanctions restrictions - and how modern financial crime fighters need to increase their understanding of the evolving geopolitical environment in order to build it into their programs. Prior to joining the Atlantic Council, Kimberly served in the federal government for fifteen years, most recently as the acting associate director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network's (FinCEN) Intelligence Division and FinCEN's chief of staff and senior advisor to the director. Read Kimberly's full bio here. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/kimberly-donovan/
The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: Much from the 89th Texas Legislature including: Burrows Blocks Effort Limiting Scholarship Program to US Citizens – ridiculous ruling Following Trump, Texas may recognize Gulf of America ‘Stopping Foreign Adversaries' Land Grabs' Bill Passes House Committee Year-Round Daylight Saving Time Bill Passes Texas House Bill could introduce air conditioning in Texas' sweltering prisons Texas House committee hears proposals to give AG Ken Paxton's office more power [to return powers taken away by a court ruling] McConaughey champions bill to create Texas film incentive fund Texas lawmakers consider barring counties from mailing unsolicited voter registration forms – only a moron could be opposed to what this bill does. Gov't should be neutral to the idea of voting, not working itself and funding others to turn out voters. Requiring voters to prove citizenship spurs concern that eligible Texans won't be able to cast ballots – same arguments used against Voter I.D. which turned out to be untrue. Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Lubbock County Commissioner Jason Corley joins with TPPF, others, in suing overreaching Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) rulemaking.ICE is reversing termination of international students' legal status, lawyer says. The whole thing has been an example of why conservatives should always be leery of government work, even the government actions you support. It's been a disaster that makes the original intent look terrible. Don't trust government to anything but that which it must do and then expect incompetence.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com
This week, John and Elliot discuss the SEC's statement on offerings and registrations of securities in the crypto asset markets, the UK requirement for identity verification for corporate directors and controlling owners, FinCEN's renewal of geographic targeting orders relating to residential real estate, FCA's updated Financial Crime Guide, and other items impacting the financial crime prevention community.
In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turner speaks with whistleblower attorney and former SEC official Andrew Feller. Feller is currently Senior Special Counsel at the leading whistleblower firm Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto, where as co-Chair of the firm's Securities and Commodities Whistleblower Group, he represents whistleblowers who seek to report fraud and other legal violations to financial regulators including the SEC, CFTC, DOJ, IRS, and FinCEN. Prior to joining Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto, Feller investigated and litigated securities fraud matters as Senior Counsel in the SEC's Division of Enforcement.Turner and Feller discuss his career and why he decided to representwhistleblowers. Drawing on Feller's firsthand experience as both an attorney for SEC whistleblowers and an SEC official, they discuss the successes and importance of the SEC Whistleblower Program and the key role whistleblowers play in fighting fraud.Feller explains why the bipartisan SEC Whistleblower Reform Act of 2025 is a critical bill which would strengthen the SEC Whistleblower Program. The National Whistleblower Center is calling for the passage of the SEC Whistleblower Reform Act and has created an Action Alert allowing individuals to write to members of Congress calling for the bill's passage. Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon. Subscribe on your favorite platform!
This week, John and Elliot discuss FinCEN's Financial Trend Analysis, on fentanyl-related illicit finance, the OCC's disclosure of an email breach, the Department of Justice's announcement of a change in focus of its policy on prosecuting crypto crime, the fines against Revolut Bank, the increase in real estate by oligarchs in New York, and other items impacting the financial crime prevention community.
This week, John and Elliot discuss Transparency International's Opacity in Real Estate Ownership Index, FinCEN's alert on bulk cash smuggling by Mexican cartels, IRS-CI's release of 2024 BSA metrics, and its CI-FIRST initiative, Congressional hearings by a House Financial Services subcommittee, and other items impacting the financial crime prevention community.
Did you hear about the guy who owned last year's top-performing funds? Yeah, it's too bad he bought them this year, though.There's a lot of evidence to suggest that buying and holding index funds will pay off in the long run. Benji Bailey joins us today to make the case with some impressive numbers.Benji Bailey is Vice President of Investments and Senior Fixed Income Manager at Praxis Mutual Funds, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.The Importance of Indexes in InvestingTo understand index funds, we can view them like guideposts in a national park. Just as signs direct visitors to scenic views and help them stay on the right path, indexes serve as essential benchmarks for investors. These benchmarks, such as the S&P 500 for large-cap stocks or the Bloomberg Aggregate for bonds, allow investors to measure their progress toward financial goals.Without these guideposts, investors risk straying off course, possibly realizing too late that their portfolio has been heading in the wrong direction. Publicly available indexes provide a crucial check-in, ensuring investments align with long-term objectives.Many investors believe they can outperform the market by actively trading stocks. However, research suggests otherwise. A study published in The Journal of Finance found that individuals who frequently traded stocks underperformed compared to those who traded less.Over a six-year period:The market returned approximately 18% annually.Less active traders saw returns of around 16.4%.The most active traders only achieved 11.4%, underperforming by over 6%.This trend highlights the dangers of excessive trading. Warren Buffett summarized it well: “The stock market is designed to transfer money from the active to the patient.” The Bible echoes this wisdom in Proverbs 13:11: “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”Active vs. Passive Mutual FundsA key distinction in investing is the difference between active and passive mutual funds:Active funds: Managed by professionals who handpick a smaller set of stocks, hoping to outperform the market.Passive funds: Designed to mirror an index, holding a broad range of stocks for stable, long-term growth.According to Morningstar, over the past 15 years, only 9% of actively managed large-cap funds outperformed their passive counterparts—meaning 91% of active funds underperformed. This data suggests that passive investing can be a more reliable strategy for many investors.Aligning Investments with Faith ValuesMany faith-driven investors worry that traditional index funds may include companies whose values don't align with their beliefs. Praxis Mutual Funds addresses this concern by screening out companies involved in industries such as:AlcoholTobaccoGamblingAbortion-related businessesHowever, the more companies an investor removes from an index, the greater the potential for volatility in returns. For example, removing just one company from the S&P 500 would have little impact, but excluding half of the index's stocks would significantly increase volatility.Praxis Mutual Funds utilizes an optimized equity index strategy to balance faith-based values with financial performance. Instead of replicating an index, Praxis screens out objectionable companies and uses a software-driven approach to reallocate funds into a diversified mix that closely tracks the market's performance.This method allows faith-based investors to remain aligned with their values without sacrificing reasonable returns.The Role of Patience in InvestingMarket volatility can make investing an emotional challenge. Many investors instinctively buy when the market is high and sell when it's low—precisely the opposite of what leads to long-term success.Historical data shows that the S&P 500 has had an average annual return of around 10% over the past 97 years, but actual yearly returns rarely fall near that average. Investors who stay the course and focus on long-term gains are more likely to benefit from market growth.The Bible encourages this patient approach in Ecclesiastes 11:2: “Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” Diversification and patience are essential principles for wise investing.Making a Positive Impact Through InvestingBeyond screening out specific companies, Praxis Mutual Funds takes an active role in making a positive impact through:Proxy voting: Ensuring shareholder influence aligns with faith values.Shareholder engagement: Advocating for ethical corporate practices.Community development investing: Allocating 1% of funds to microfinance and social impact projects.Faith-based investing is about more than avoiding harmful industries; it's also about using investment dollars to create meaningful, Christ-centered change in the world. Whether through index funds or faith-based investment strategies, the goal is to align financial decisions with biblical principles.As Proverbs 21:5 reminds us: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” A well-planned investment strategy, guided by faith and patience, can lead to lasting financial fruitfulness.For those interested in learning more about faith-based investing, Praxis Mutual Funds provides a wealth of information at PraxisInvests.com.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:As the executor of my deceased relative's estate, do I need to report my role to FinCEN, similar to reporting the controlling party of a company?I'm 85, and I draw Social Security. I used to do side jobs, and when I filed my taxes because of the side jobs, my CPA told me I don't need to file taxes anymore since I'm on Social Security. Now I'm hearing they're talking about cutting taxes on Social Security, so I'm confused. Do I still need to file taxes if Social Security is my only income?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazinePraxis Mutual FundsNeither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions (Volume 7) (New Studies in Biblical Theology) by Dr. Craig BlombergWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
In this episode, we catch up after a longer-than-usual break and dive into some exciting updates and announcements. We discuss the launch of the Passport Core in stealth mode, a sleek new version of the beloved Passport hardware wallet, now available for order. We also touch on the sold-out status of the classic colorway and the manufacturing timelines for new orders. Additionally, we explore the innovative rugged box case for the Passport Core, crafted by Black Coffee, and celebrate Foundation's fifth anniversary, reflecting on the company's growth and future aspirations.They also discuss into personal projects and community events, including a new Nostr educational website and the upcoming Bitcoin Beach retreat in Wales. In the news segment, we cover a range of topics from a BitAxe block mining success story to regulatory updates from FinCEN and the EU, as well as a tragic plane crash involving a figure linked to The Pirate Bay. We wrap up with updates on various Bitcoin and Lightning projects, including new releases from Zeus, Phoenix, Ronin Dojo, and more, alongside a discussion on the practicality of running Linux on Graphene OS phones.AOBPassport dark mode now available to order (or will be by the time we release this)New Passport cases by BCFoundation turned 5 yesterday!Q has a new websiteMax AOBNoBS Bitcoin taking a breakNEWSAnother BitAxe blockFINCEN Surveillance limit loweredMan held in contempt for refusing to surrender 119.65BTCNo, the EU is not stealing anyone's savingsPirate Bay co-founder dies in plane crashSamourai defense analysisUPDATES/RELEASESZeus v0.10.0Phoenix v2.5.0 + 2.5.1RoninDojo v2.2.0Ashigaru v1.1.1Ashigaru code reviewNunchuk Android 1.9.64Q OS group wallet testingOrange Surf GridLinux on GrapheneOSSimplex v6.3Nym VPN releasedLN SIM expands to cover all of EuropeUnderrated privacy tools on LNIMPORTANT LINKS https://freesamourai.comhttps://p2prights.org/donate.htmlhttps://ungovernablemisfits.comVALUE FOR VALUEThanks for listening you Ungovernable Misfits, we appreciate your continued support and hope you enjoy the shows.You can support this episode using your time, talent or treasure.TIME:- create fountain clips for the show- create a meetup- help boost the signal on social mediaTALENT:- create ungovernable misfit inspired art, animation or music- design or implement some software that can make the podcast better- use whatever talents you have to make a contribution to the show!TREASURE:- BOOST IT OR STREAM SATS on the Podcasting 2.0 apps @ https://podcastapps.com- DONATE via Paynym @ https://paynym.rs/+misfit- DONATE via Monero @ https://xmrchat.com/ugmf- BUY SOME STICKERS @ https://www.ungovernablemisfits.com/shop/FOUNDATIONhttps://foundation.xyz/ungovernableFoundation builds Bitcoin-centric tools that empower you to reclaim your digital sovereignty.As a sovereign computing company, Foundation is the antithesis of today's tech conglomerates. Returning to cypherpunk principles, they build open source technology that “can't be evil”.Thank you Foundation Devices for sponsoring the show!Use code: Ungovernable for $10 off of your purchaseCAKE WALLEThttps://cakewallet.comCake Wallet is an open-source, non-custodial wallet available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux.Features:- Built-in Exchange: Swap easily between Bitcoin and Monero.- User-Friendly: Simple interface for all users.Monero Users:- Batch Transactions: Send multiple payments at once.- Faster Syncing: Optimized syncing via specified restore heights- Proxy Support: Enhance privacy with proxy node options.Bitcoin Users:- Coin Control: Manage your transactions effectively.- Silent Payments: Static bitcoin addresses- Batch Transactions: Streamline your payment process.Thank you Cake Wallet for sponsoring the show!
Beyond IP, the role of geolocation data in combating AML and fraud. John Byrne sits down with David Briggs, CEO and Co-Founder of GeoGuard and GeoComply, to discuss the limitations of IP addresses and the role that advanced geolocation data can play in AML and in fighting other types of financial fraud, FinCEN's recent guidance on encouraging innovative responses to COVID-19 fraud, and how to improve the BSA/AML data analysis infrastructure.
This week, John and Elliot discuss the Geographic Targeting Orders issued by FinCEN, a letter from two senators to the US Treasury about the Corporate Transparency Act, a new report on the looting of Latin American antiquities by cartels, legislation introduced combat debanking, and other items impacting the financial crime prevention community.
What happens when the US government considers creating a cryptocurrency reserve? In this episode, Blake and David dive into Trump's surprising announcement about establishing a crypto strategic reserve and the immediate market reaction. They explore this proposal's potential consequences and skepticism, from security vulnerabilities to valuation challenges.You'll also hear about PwC Israel's $2.8 million fine for exam cheating, Connecticut's push to create alternative CPA licensure pathways, and how accounting firms are expanding into legal services. They also dissect the outcry over federal employees being asked to submit weekly accomplishment reports and break down Citigroup's jaw-dropping $81 trillion transfer error caused by poor software design.Whether you're tracking regulatory changes, interested in the evolution of professional services firms, or simply fascinated by the intersection of finance and technology, this episode delivers insights into the forces reshaping the accounting profession today.Sponsors Bluevine - http://accountingpodcast.promo/bluevine (Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking Services provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC.) CPA.com - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cpaChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Welcome (00:29) - Crypto's Legitimacy and Trump's Announcement (01:44) - Crypto Market Reactions and Speculations (04:07) - Personal Updates and Hiking Adventure (05:36) - Crypto Reserve Concerns and Security Issues (08:00) - PWC Fined for Cheating Scandal (11:42) - Top Collegiate Accounting Programs (16:52) - FinCEN and Beneficial Ownership Reporting (17:59) - Fyre Festival 2 Announcement (20:46) - CPA Licensure Pathways and Reforms (25:33) - Accounting Firms Expanding into Legal Services (30:45) - Consulting Firms and Government Contracts (36:30) - Government Spending and Nonprofits (37:49) - Consulting Costs and Middlemen (40:18) - The Penny Debate (41:53) - Federal Employee Accountability (58:46) - Elon Musk's OpenAI Offer (01:03:50) - Citigroup's $81 Trillion Error (01:07:36) - Self-Driving Cars and AI (01:10:11) - Conclusion and CPE Message Show NotesTrump names cryptocurrencies in strategic reserve, sending prices uphttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-cryptocurrency-strategic-reserve-includes-xrp-sol-ada-2025-03-02/ Crypto's biggest hacks and heists after $1.5 billion theft from Bybithttps://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/cryptos-biggest-hacks-heists-after-15-billion-theft-bybit-2025-02-24/ PCAOB Sanctions PwC Israel for Quality Control Violations Related to Widespread Improper Answer Sharinghttps://pcaobus.org/news-events/news-releases/news-release-detail/pcaob-sanctions-pwc-israel-for-quality-control-violations-related-to-widespread-improper-answer-sharing CPA Success Index: Ranking the top collegiate accounting programshttps://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/cpa-success-index-ranks-top-collegiate-accounting-programs FinCEN Not Issuing Fines or Penalties in Connection with Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Deadlineshttps://www.fincen.gov/news/news-releases/fincen-not-issuing-fines-or-penalties-connection-beneficial-ownership Fyre Festival 2 tickets are on sale for up to $1.1 million after founder served prison time for defrauding investors of the first eventhttps://fortune.com/2025/02/26/fyre-festival-2-tickets-billy-mcfarland-prometheus-pass-music-lineup/ Progress: Tracking the conversation in all licensing jurisdictionshttps://www.mncpa.org/involvement/legislative/broadening-pathways-to-cpa/national/ Aprio Aims to Enter Legal Industry by Combining with Law Firm in Arizonahttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/02/13/aprio-aims-to-enter-legal-industry-by-combining-with-law-firm-in-arizona/156043/ McKinsey Estimates Advisor Shortage of 100,000 by 2034https://www.wealthmanagement.com/wealth-management-industry-trends/mckinsey-estimates-advisor-shortage-of-100-000-by-2034 Saudi Wealth Fund Blocks PwC from Advisory Work for One Yearhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-28/saudi-wealth-fund-blocks-pwc-from-advisory-work-for-one-year A message from SecVA Doug Collinshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8Z_RkqSAzo Everyone Hates Pennies, Except This Guyhttps://www.wsj.com/business/mark-weller-penny-defender-trump-d543a9de?mod=business_lead_pos1 Federal workers get a new email demanding their accomplishmentshttps://www.npr.org/2025/03/01/g-s1-51490/federal-workers-new-email-accomplishments Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Proceeds with Tariffs on Imports from Canada and Mexicohttps://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-proceeds-with-tariffs-on-imports-from-canada-and-mexico/ Sam Altman Rejects Elon Musk's Offer To Buy OpenAI Control—And Mocks Xhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2025/02/10/sam-altman-rejects-elon-musks-offer-to-buy-openai-control-and-mocks-x/ Former U.S. Senator Robert Menendez Sentenced To 11 Years In Prison For Bribery, Foreign Agent, And Obstruction Offenses
BOI Reporting Fines Canceled for U.S. Citizens & Businesses! Big news for U.S. business owners! The Treasury Department has announced that U.S. citizens and domestic businesses will not face fines or penalties for failing to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports after new deadlines are set.Last week, FinCEN confirmed that updated BOI reporting deadlines will be announced no later than March 21. However, Treasury has now clarified that they will not enforce penalties or fines associated with the BOI!This decision comes as part of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and is being positioned as a win for reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that this move aligns with President Trump's goal of fostering economic growth by cutting unnecessary red tape.What does this mean for you?No fines or penalties for U.S. businesses and beneficial owners.A significant shift in compliance obligations under the CTA.Stay tuned for more updates as the final rule changes are announced!Need Help Setting Up An LLC? Please check out my law firm here: https://kkoslawyers.com/ Grab my FREE Ultimate Tax Strategy Guide HERE! Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute demo to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification. You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the most significant tax & legal event of the year: Tax and Legal 360 Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away! Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!
In a major regulatory shift, the U.S. Treasury Department has suspended enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)—a law that required LLCs, corporations, and other business entities to report their beneficial ownership to FinCEN. This decision eliminates the risk of steep fines and criminal penalties for real estate investors and business owners. Treasury officials also announced plans to limit the rule to foreign reporting companies only, a move aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on American businesses. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what this means for real estate investors, business owners, and the future of financial transparency rules. Tune in now to stay ahead of the latest real estate and investment news! 00:00 Breaking News 00:20 Corporate Transparency Act 01:12 Changes to CTA 01:38 Proposed Rule Making 02:13 Real Estate Investors and Business Owners LINKS JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realty.realwealth.com/join-now/ SYNDICATIONS: Wild Pine San Antoniohttps://realwealth.com/wildpine FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS Real Estate News: Real Estate Investing Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/REN Source: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0038
FinCEN announces additional BOI relief and timeframe for additional guidance, IRS announces dirty dozen tax scams for 2025 and more.
Harsha & Stephan discuss the challenges Bitcoin businesses face regarding regulation, particularly the tightening KYC and AML requirements. Harsha highlights the implications of these regulations on the Bitcoin ecosystem and the role of custodians. The discussion also touches on the evolving regulatory landscape, the impact of political administrations on crypto regulation, and the future of stablecoins. Harsha emphasizes the need for clarity in regulations and the importance of maintaining a balance between compliance and the freedom that Bitcoin offers. The conversation also highlights the challenges developers face in creating tools that respect user privacy while navigating regulatory landscapes. They conclude by exploring the potential future of Bitcoin upgrades and the importance of lobbying for less restrictive regulations to foster industry growth.Takeaways
This week, John and Elliot discuss the results of the February FATF Plenary, GAO reports on BOI, and Assessing Progress on Countering Criminal Activity, new sanctions issued by the UK and EU against Russia, the latest on the requirement to file BOI with FinCEN, priorities of the Acting Comptroller of the Currency, and other items impacting the financial crime prevention community.
In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen explain FinCEN's BOI requirement and what it means for LLCs and corporations. With compliance deadlines approaching fast, they provide expert guidance on how to file properly and avoid costly fines.Here are some of the highlights:Mark and Mat discuss the recent developments, including the overturning of a previous injunction and the reinstatement of BOI enforcement by FinCEN.Mat provides the new deadline for filing the BOI in 2025.Mat details the information required for the BOI, including the name of the business, tax ID, EIN, and the names and home addresses of owners and those with substantial control.Importance of listing all owners, including those who own 25% or more and those with control through trusts or other entities.Context of the policy behind the BOI, aiming to prevent money laundering and other illegal activities by requiring transparency in business ownership.The process of filing the BOI through the FinCEN website or using their law firm's services, which can help simplify the process.Discussion on the exceptions to filing the BOI, including entities with more than 25 employees or $5 million in revenue.Mark and Mat strongly urge filing even if the entity has not been active, as non-use does not exempt the requirement. Grab my FREE Ultimate Tax Strategy Guide HERE! Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute demo to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification. You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the most significant tax & legal event of the year: Tax and Legal 360 Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away! Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!
Send us a textThe episode dives into the updates surrounding the BOI report, which requires LLC owners to report beneficial ownership information to FINCEN. Here we discuss the BOI updates as of today!• Introduction of the BOI report and its purpose • Current status, with no legal obligations to file now • Importance of monitoring updates closely • Recommendations for proactive filing and seeking clarity • Encouragement to share the episode for awarenessCreate a STAN Store - Click here to try it out!Here's where you can find us! Follow along on Instagram for lots of free content for business owners daily!Shop our business guides!Our Instagram PageOur family page