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In this week's episode of This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman examine Canada's newly released FATF mutual evaluation and what it may signal as the AML community awaits the upcoming U.S. assessment. They discuss FinCEN's plans to amend customer due diligence requirements related to immigration status verification, highlighting the operational and compliance challenges that institutions may face. The conversation also explores escalating concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, including congressional calls for stronger oversight, emerging state-level initiatives, and recent reports of AI-enabled fraud targeting financial institutions. Additional topics include proposed stablecoin regulations under the GENIUS Act, new tools for measuring corruption, sanctions targeting criminal organizations, cybersecurity lessons from the reported FBI data breach, and outgoing SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce's critique of AML and KYC frameworks.
Sean flies solo this week for a deep dive into two of Marvel's biggest '80s crossover events: Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars (1984) and Secret Wars II (1985). The toy deal that started it all, the editorial gamble that followed, and why one series is beloved while the other gets dragged — Sean's got opinions on all of it.Episode HighlightsA little show history — Sean traces the origin of the "Sean Geek" persona back to the Rum Powered Reviews channel and the Meet the Geeks webcomic.Why Secret Wars exists at all — The surprising, toy-driven business deal behind Marvel's first-ever massive crossover event, and the company Marvel was racing to compete with.The making of a maxi-series — Jim Shooter's hands-on approach as writer and editor-in-chief, the art team behind it, and why pulling together every major Marvel hero and villain was a bigger challenge than anyone expected.The highs and the misfires — Sean breaks down which characters got great moments, which got badly mishandled, and one lasting piece of Spider-Man costume history that came out of the series.Listener mailbag — Comic collector Tony Griggs sounds off on tie-in bloat, and School of Hip host Heath McCoy gives his unfiltered take on both series and how they stack up against a certain rival crossover from DC.Secret Wars II: ambition meets chaos — The sequel's infamous tie-in sprawl, its unconventional lead character, and why some of the best storytelling happened everywhere except the main series.Chris Claremont and John Byrne save the day — How a couple of Marvel's best writers turned a difficult crossover assignment into some genuinely great comics in their own titles.The Sean Geek rewrite — If he'd been in the room, here's how Sean would have restructured Secret Wars II from the ground up.Looking ahead — A teaser for a future episode on the very different, much more acclaimed 2015 Secret Wars event.Patreon thank-yous — Shoutouts to supporters including Ronald George Moore (Manitoba Money Shot Podcast), Sam Thompson (Witch Police Radio), Ruby (Living Through Extinction), Tony Griggs, Corey Morissette, Kevin Brown, Danny Pabst, Duane, and new patron Andrew (Head Full of Radio / Soupful of Radio).Comics ReferencedMarvel Super Heroes Secret Wars (1984)Secret Wars II (1985) and its many tie-in issues across the Marvel lineSecret Wars (2015)Crisis on Infinite Earths (DC, mentioned for comparison)Support the ShowBecome a Patreon supporter for early episode access, video versions, and the chance to pitch topics for future episodes.Have thoughts on Secret Wars or Secret Wars II? Let Sean know — your comment might get read on a future episode.Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/seangeekpodcastWe are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://bonelesspodcasting.com/ Merch:Tee Public: https://www.teepublic.com/seangeekpodcastRed Bubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/seangeekpodcast/shop@seangeekpodcast on Twitter, Instagram and FacebookHands down, Secret Wars I was the pop-culture sandbox where Marvel dumped its coolest toys and biggest egos and watched fireworks happen — and I gush about it like a kid in a candy aisle. I walk you through the origin story of the event: how Jim Shooter and Marvel teamed with Mattel to essentially build a 12-issue crossover whose primary job was to sell action figures. I explain what a "maxi-series" is (think a limited-run event with a defined beginning and end) and why having so many heavy-hitter characters in one place was innovative and risky back in 1984. I share my own personal memory of hunting down issues in Moncton, trading comics with friends, and the way certain character moments — like the Black Costume for Spider-Man, Galactus' motivations, and the Molecule Man's surprising emotional arc — stuck with me years later. Then I shift into critique mode: the good, the awkward, and the “what were they thinking?” moments. I point out how the series sold like gangbusters yet received mixed critical response because of uneven writing and jarring characterizations (ahem, Rhodey/Rhodes dialogue and odd turns for Colossus). I also explain why flashbacks were necessary in an era before the internet and ubiquitous comic shops, but how they became cumbersome in collected reads. Throughout, I zoom in on toy-line decisions, artistic highs (Mike Zeck, Bob Layton moments) and lows, and why Secret Wars I mattered beyond nostalgia — it changed how publishers approached crossover storytelling and merchandising, for better and worse. I throw in a few jokes about cheap action-figure bodies and He-Man deja vu, because nostalgia deserves a wink.Takeaways:I learned the original Secret Wars (1984) was essentially a big Marvel–Mattel marketing move — a 12‑issue maxi‑series built to sell action figures, where the comic was a massive hit but the toy line hilariously flopped.We talk about how Secret Wars essentially invented the modern crossover concept: jimmy‑rubbing top selling heroes and villains together into one eventful maxi‑series that changed how comics were published and marketed thereafter.I'll be honest — a lot of the character work felt inconsistent: questionable dialogue (looking at you, Rhodey), weird relationship choices like Colossus cheating, and endless flashbacks that made the story feel clunkier than it needed to be.Secret Wars II suffered from execution problems: the Beyonder was given human form and the plot got fragmented across roughly 35 tie‑in issues, meaning crucial scenes happened off‑panel and readers needed a PhD in crossovers to follow along.I absolutely loved Owen Reiss (Molecule Man) — his emotional growth and romance with Volcana are genuinely touching highlights, showing how grounding character moments can rescue a sprawling, messy event.We point out that some tie‑ins actually worked — great creators like Chris Claremont (X‑Men) and John Byrne (Fantastic Four) wove the Beyonder into their own arcs smartly, proving tie‑ins can shine when handled with purpose.If I were running the event, I'd slow the roll: hire a dedicated writer/artist team, keep the core emotional beats in the main series (not scattered off‑panel), and avoid tie‑in overload so the story reads like an event, not a scavenger hunt.
In this week's episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne examine how workforce reductions at the OCC could affect bank supervision at a time when new national bank charters are on the rise. They also discuss the OCC's updated cybersecurity supervision framework and its implications for financial institutions. The conversation then turns global, highlighting a new Egmont Group report on strategic intelligence, the role of Financial Intelligence Units in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, and lessons organizations can apply to their own compliance programs. Additional topics include emerging state-level AI regulation in New York and California, and allegations that a Kremlin-linked fintech network used forged documentation to move billions through the global financial system.
In this episode of AML Conversations, host John Byrne sits down with former federal prosecutor, 9/11 Commission staff member, and former Department of Homeland Security Inspector General John Roth to discuss the evolution of terrorist financing controls, the challenges facing anti-money laundering professionals, and the critical role inspectors general play in promoting accountability across government. Drawing on his work co-authoring the 9/11 Commission's terrorist financing monograph and his experience at DHS, Roth reflects on how AML and CTF frameworks have changed since 9/11, why financial institutions have made significant progress, and why emerging threats such as cryptocurrency, prediction markets, and changes to beneficial ownership transparency continue to present challenges. The conversation then turns to government oversight and Roth's recent work on restoring the independence of inspectors general. He explains why independent watchdogs are essential to uncovering waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct, and shares his concerns about the removal of inspectors general, reduced oversight capacity, and the importance of congressional engagement and public awareness.
Will and Kevin Hines host Screw It, We're Just Gonna Talk About Comics, one of our very favorite comics podcasts. Check out the entire Screw It family of audio entertainment at https://screwitpodcasts.com, and then join our Patreon at https://screwitpodcast.com
This month, Duke's Fuqua School enrolled its smallest MBA class since the pandemic. Meanwhile, Harvard Business School killed off one of its most iconic traditions. We explore the common thread. Covering all that matters in Business Education: https://poetsandquants.com/
Joe McNamara sits in for Elliot Berman this week alongside John Byrne. Joe and John discuss the Senate vote that failed to advance the Clarity Act, the interagency proposal to rescind and replace third-party risk management guidance, and the CJEU ruling on Latvia's public shareholder disclosure law and what it signals for beneficial ownership transparency. They also cover the DOJ indictment of a Russian intelligence services network, the Manhattan DA's seizure of 12 deepfake websites and the payment infrastructure behind them, Transparency International's analysis of seven years of EU rule of law reporting, and OFAC's designation of VTB Bank under Operation Economic Outcast. They close with CSIS's look at the terrorism landscape 25 years after 9/11, the shift toward lone actor threats, and the underused potential of 314(a) and 314(b) information sharing. Resources mentioned in this episode: Senate cloture vote on the Clarity Act: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/15/senate-cloture-vote-on-clarity-act-fails-dealing-regulatory-setback-... Proposed interagency third-party risk management guidance: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/15/2026-18859/proposed-third-party-risk-management... CJEU ruling on Latvian shareholder disclosure (Case C-798/24): https://cyprus-mail.com/2026/09/13/european-court-decides-on-public-access-to-shareholder-informatio... DOJ release on the Russian intelligence services network indictment: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/members-russian-intelligence-services-network-charged-conspiring-fina... Manhattan DA seizure of 12 deepfake websites: https://manhattanda.org/manhattan-d-a-s-office-seizes-domains-of-12-illegal-websites-selling-ai-gene... Transparency International, Anti-Corruption Gaps Are Leaving Democracy in Europe Exposed: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/anti-corruption-gaps-leaving-democracy-europe-exposed Treasury designation of VTB Bank under Operation Economic Outcast: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0629/ Riley McCabe, CSIS, Adapting to the New Terrorism Landscape 25 Years After 9/11: https://www.csis.org/analysis/adapting-new-terrorism-landscape-25-years-after-911 ProPublica reporting on the Trump Jr. wedding financing: https://www.propublica.org/article/donald-trump-jr-wedding-bankrolled-russian-oligarch-umar-kremlev-...
Legal marketing veterans John Byrne (Gould & Ratner) and Toni Wells (Bespoke Marketing Partners) join Kathryn Rubino to trace how legal marketing evolved from an afterthought into a real career path, why "outcomes" is replacing "value" as AI reshapes the billable hour, and why DEI progress for business professionals inside law firms still lags behind the progress made for attorneys. Key Takeaways Legal marketing has shifted from something people fell into to a career path people choose intentionally, driven in large part by the growth of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA). Services marketing, and legal marketing especially, is about selling an experience and a relationship, not a product you can hand someone. AI and the shakiness of the billable hour are pushing firms toward marketing outcomes instead of vague "value," a shift John Byrne calls overdue and still far from complete. Strong client service, not just new business, is the real driver of law firm revenue: at Byrne's firm, 80% of income is recurring business from existing clients. Business professionals in law firms, especially those from underrepresented groups, often have less access to mentorship and informal "on-the-job" knowledge than attorneys do, leaving a real gap in advancement opportunities. Links and Resources Toni Wells, Bespoke Marketing Partners: https://www.bespokemarketingpartners.com/about John Byrne, Gould & Ratner: https://www.gouldratner.com/bio/john-m-byrne Keywords legal marketing, Legal Marketing Association, LMA, DEI, legal industry, law firm business development, chief business development officer, Above the Law, billable hour, value versus outcomes, AI in law firms, client service, services marketing, professional development, law firm mentorship, legal industry diversity, business professionals in law firms, law firm leadership, Gould & Ratner, Bespoke Marketing Partners Episode Highlights [00:08:00 - 00:09:00] John Byrne argues the industry is finally shifting from selling "value" to selling outcomes, thanks to AI and pressure on the billable hour. [00:12:00 - 00:13:00] John Byrne explains why client service, not new business, is the real engine of law firm revenue. [00:14:00 - 00:16:00] John Byrne breaks down how risk-averse lawyers can talk about outcomes without overpromising results. [00:22:00 - 00:24:00] Toni Wells on why mentorship gaps hit business professionals from underrepresented groups especially hard.
Is the Master's in Management actually worth it right now? And what can we glean from the FT's recent MiM ranking?Covering all that matters in Business Education: https://poetsandquants.com/
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, American Potential host David From sits down with John Byrnes, Strategic Director for Concerned Veterans for America, to remember the day that changed America and reflect on its lasting impact. John was a college student and National Guard soldier in New York City when the attacks began. He recalls hearing the sirens racing toward Lower Manhattan, watching the first tower collapse, and immediately reporting to his armory. By that evening, John and his fellow soldiers were providing security near Ground Zero, where he would spend nearly two weeks alongside police officers, firefighters, and other first responders during the rescue and recovery efforts. John also shares how 9/11 changed the direction of his own life, eventually leading to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He and David reflect on the thousands of lives lost, the Americans who answered the call to serve, and the extraordinary unity that swept across the country in the days and weeks following the attacks. Twenty-five years later, John looks back at the lessons of that day, the decisions America made in its aftermath, and why remembering our history remains essential to the country's future.
Twenty-five years after the attacks of September 11, 2001, John Byrne sits down with Dennis Lormel, who led the FBI's Financial Crimes Program on 9/11 and stood up the Bureau's first Terrorist Financing Operations Section (TFOS) in its aftermath. Dennis shares his firsthand account from inside FBI headquarters that morning, the plan he wrote that night for a centralized financial investigation, and the unprecedented cooperation from banks and government agencies that followed. The conversation covers the warning signs that preceded the attacks, the three-week passage of the PATRIOT Act, the findings of the 9/11 Commission and its terrorist financing monograph, FATF's special recommendations, and the unintended consequences for charities. Dennis closes with an assessment of the threat landscape in 2026 and a call for the proactive, imaginative use of financial intelligence. As this episode marks both the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the 25th anniversary of counter-terrorist financing, one theme carries throughout: never forget.
This week, John Byrne and Elliot Berman examine a wave of regulatory and enforcement developments shaping the AML landscape. Topics include new U.S. Treasury sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector, FinCEN's renewal of Southwest Border Geographic Targeting Orders, guidance on SAR confidentiality, and growing concerns over digital asset scams and cryptocurrency regulation. They also discuss FATF's latest reports on underground banking networks, money-laundering risks in the gambling sector, and AUSTRAC's enforcement actions against remittance and crypto firms. In recognition of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the conversation turns to the lasting impact the attacks had on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and public-private partnerships. John and Elliot reflect on how the Patriot Act transformed financial crime prevention, why collaboration between financial institutions and law enforcement remains essential, and the importance of ensuring future generations understand the role AML professionals play in protecting the financial system.
Skipper Gavin Rees led London Business School to second place in the 2025-26 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. In this mini-episode, he tells Business Casual's Pola Lem about the leadership lessons he gleaned in this high-stakes environment. Covering all that matters in Business Education: https://poetsandquants.com/
Hugh discusses memories of 9/11 as we approach the 25th anniversary of the attacks, and talks with Rich Lowry, James Lileks, Bret Baier, Alex Gray, John Byrnes, Byron York, Robert C. O'Brien, and Matt Continetti.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can applicants strike the right tone when they describe their achievements? We go through some top tips – and what not to do to alienate your file reader.Covering all that matters in Business Education: https://poetsandquants.com/
John Byrne and Elliot Berman discuss a busy week in the AML, sanctions, and compliance landscape. Topics include AUSTRAC's enforcement push under Australia's new AML laws and its investigation into Western Union, fresh guidance on politically exposed persons from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and the FBI's Art Crime Team's recovery of Egyptian cultural artifacts. They also examine growing concerns surrounding prediction markets, conflicting federal court rulings involving Kalshi and Polymarket, new Treasury sanctions and proposed Section 311 action against a UAE-based bank, and the OCC and FDIC's significant changes to bank examination standards.
Can working professionals do the full-time MBA without dropping their jobs? Columbia is the most recent business school to bet yes.
In this week's episode of This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman break down Treasury's renewed sanctions campaign against Iran and discuss what it could mean for global trade, enforcement efforts, and China's role in the sanctions landscape. They also examine the U.S. decision to remove Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list, a move that could pave the way for reintegration into the global financial system and future engagement with FATF standards. Additional topics include Singapore's new Social Media Code of Practice aimed at reducing financial scams on major platforms, Europol's warning about increasingly violent museum heists, updates from OCCRP on corruption and money laundering investigations, and the FDIC's efforts to streamline the deposit insurance application process for new banks. Plus, a look at recent anti-corruption research from the Basel Institute on Governance and upcoming AML-focused educational events.
Last autumn, elite business schools enrolled their largest combined class in six years – yet admissions plateaued. What can students expect this year?
In this episode of This Week In AML, Joe McNamara fills in for Elliot Berman and joins John Byrne for a packed week of AML news on both sides of the Atlantic. The conversation opens with the fallout from Treasury and FinCEN's final rule eliminating domestic beneficial ownership reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act, then moves to Transparency International's guidance for EU member states that have not yet published a national anti-corruption strategy. Ireland, one of the six late adopters named in that report, has now released its first national AML/CFT/CPF strategy, and John walks through its five strategic goals and three pillars ahead of AMLA supervision and FATF evaluation. The hosts also cover the UN Security Council's 38th Monitoring Team report on ISIL, AMLA's warning that money laundering in the EU property sector could deepen the housing crisis, and the OCC's conditional approval of a national trust bank charter for World Liberty Trust Company, along with the sharp objections raised by Senator Elizabeth Warren and others over conflicts of interest. Stateside, they close on Treasury: an unreleased internal report on the risks of an AI bubble, and the department's public request for comment on GENIUS Act implementation. John rounds out the episode with a $165 million crypto Ponzi indictment reported by OCCRP. Links Referenced Transparency International, Good Practices for National Anti-Corruption Strategies in EU Member States: https://knowledgehub.transparency.org/helpdesk/good-practices-for-national-anti-corruption-strategie... Ireland Department of Finance, Ireland's First National Anti-Money Laundering Strategy: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/press-releases/t%C3%A1naiste-and-minister-for-finance-si... UN Security Council, 38th Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (S/2026/651): https://docs.un.org/en/S/2026/651 AML Intelligence, AMLA Urges Crackdown on Money Laundering in EU Property Sector: https://www.amlintelligence.com/2026/08/news-amla-urges-crackdown-on-money-laundering-in-eu-property... OCC, Conditional Approval for World Liberty Trust Company (CD 1385): https://www.occ.gov/topics/charters-and-licensing/interpretations-and-decisions/2026/cd1385.pdf NOTUS, Treasury Internal Report Warns of the Dangers of an AI Bubble: https://www.notus.org/economy/treasury-internal-report-warning-dangers-ai-bubble?utm_source=content_... U.S. Treasury, Request for Public Comment on GENIUS Act Implementation: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0605
John Byrne is joined by Sarah Beth Felix, author of Dirty Money Weekly, for their monthly conversation on financial crime developments. They start with FinCEN's final rule ending Corporate Transparency Act reporting and what it means in practice: the detection burden for shell companies shifts back to financial institutions, the CDD rule remains in force, and beneficial ownership data belongs in SAR backup documentation to support law enforcement. Sarah Beth shares practical red flags for spotting shell companies, from formation mill documents to companies with no online presence and unexplained revenue. The conversation then turns to the Wise enforcement action and why a clean exam history is the wrong benchmark for a compliance program, including the OCC's pointed finding that leadership lacked financial crime expertise at the board level. They also discuss the Capital One litigation and the safety risks of demands to identify individual investigators, and close on the operational obstacles AML teams face in responding to the executive order on credit risk and illegal immigration, where citizenship indicators are buried across lending and deposit systems that financial crime teams rarely see.
All Things are new again this week as we review John Byrne's recent redux revisiting of his X-men run post Dark Phoenix Saga with "X-Men: Elsewhen Vol.1" by Marvel Arts! Plus we talk about both the current state of Marvel's Mightiest Mutants and the lasting impact of those classic stories from the early 80s! Host: Andy Larson Co Hosts: Chad Smith & JA Scott Get all of your comic book supplies at 10% off by using Promo Code LCSPOD at Checkout: www.bcwsupplies.com Click to get all your Last Comic Shop Podcast gear & support the shop!
Foreign students in the US are facing new, stricter visa rules limiting their time in the country. Plus, the Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for working in the US after graduation.
Once again, we've brought our cohort Brian Linnen (Permanent Record Podcast) into the fray, as he himself suggested this episode's topic! We delve into the second-ever comics miniseries, The Untold Legend Of The Batman by John Byrne and Jim Aparo. This is an alternate look back at the Batman's mysterious origin and pre-history (pre Crisis, of course) and it's an interesting take on the then 40 year old character. We had a lot of fun dissecting this series with our old friend Brian and you will too if you dare to listen! Check out Brian and Sarah Linnen's Permanent Record Podcast: https://www.permanentrecordpodcast.com/
In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne break down FinCEN's final rule eliminating beneficial ownership reporting requirements for millions of small businesses and discuss what the move means for AML compliance, transparency, and financial crime prevention. The conversation also explores the renewal of FinCEN's Minnesota Geographic Targeting Order and the growing debate over whether the U.S. is experiencing a true fraud crisis, including insights from Jonathan Rusch's recent analysis of federal fraud enforcement efforts. Beyond the U.S., the hosts examine OCC concerns that led to the rejection of a European fintech's national bank charter application, the Luxembourg FIU's new authority to freeze fraud-linked payments, developments surrounding European beneficial ownership registries, Russia's reported sanctions-evasion payment network, and Australia's enforcement action against a major cryptocurrency ATM operator. The episode concludes with a discussion of a new de-risking resource for nonprofits.
At Terrificon, three legendary X-Men writers Chris Claremont, Louise Simonson, and Fabian Nicieza came together for a wide-ranging conversation about the history, evolution, and controversies surrounding Marvel's mutantsaWhat do they tink of the recent eras? John Byrne's new 3 volume story, and more.
One ranking does things very differently. This week we talk about the Princeton Review Ranking – why it's unusual and how it can be useful for MBA applicants.
Episode #586! X-Men Elsewhen, Gilt Frame and The Chilling Archives of Horror Comics! Years in the making, John Byrne's X-Men Elsewhen Vol. 1 is finally here. Scott brings it to the table this week. DL has the Margie & Matt Kindt who-done-it Gilt Frame. Also this week Scott has the hard to find DC hardcover The Private Files of The Shadow by Michael Wm. Kaluta. Speaking of hard to find, DL has two volumes of The Chilling Archives of Horror Comics. The Worst (Best) of Eerie Publications and Tom Sutton's Creepy Things are reviewed this week. Check it out!
This week on This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman examine FinCEN's record-setting $125 million enforcement action against UBS, the largest civil money penalty ever imposed against a broker-dealer for Bank Secrecy Act violations. They discuss what made the case significant, the consequences of repeated compliance failures, and the lessons financial institutions should take from the enforcement action. The conversation also covers FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki's departure for Citibank and what the appointment of Acting Director Jenna Casanova could mean for future enforcement priorities. John and Elliot then explore Senator Ron Wyden's report on financial institutions' handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related accounts, including proposed changes to suspicious activity reporting requirements and concerns about SAR confidentiality. They also review Capital One's defense of account closures tied to AML obligations and the broader debate surrounding claims of "debanking." Internationally, the hosts discuss the FCA's planned overhaul of transaction reporting requirements in the UK, ongoing challenges in accessing beneficial ownership registries across the European Union, and Transparency International's push for stronger global anti-corruption measures.
We discuss the trends in this year's b-school application questions and drill into the details at numerous top programs.
In this episode of This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman unpack several significant developments across the AML, sanctions, fraud, and compliance landscape. They begin with the U.S. Senate's overwhelming bipartisan vote to advance new Russia and Iran sanctions legislation, then turn to FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki's recent congressional testimony, including her emphasis on fraud prevention, BSA modernization, SAR guidance, and the industry's ongoing uncertainty about AML priorities and effectiveness standards. The conversation also explores Transparency International's 2025 achievements in advancing anti-corruption reforms worldwide and raises important questions about whether corruption will remain a formal U.S. AML priority. John and Elliot review FinCEN's new alert on financial student aid fraud, discuss the continued role of shell companies in fraud schemes, and examine a House Financial Services Committee report on scams and fraud. Additional topics include Treasury's review of the SDN List, the growing industry around sanctions delisting petitions, the closure of crypto exchange BitMEX despite presidential pardons for its founders, the OCC's denial of Wise US's national trust charter application due to AML compliance concerns, and new reporting linking crypto-to-cash storefronts to money laundering activity.
In this episode of AML Conversations, host John Byrne welcomes Tess Davis, Executive Director of the Antiquities Coalition, for a timely discussion on the intersection of cultural heritage crime and financial crime. From the looting of museums and archaeological sites in conflict zones such as Ukraine and Sudan to the exploitation of the global art market for money laundering and sanctions evasion, Tess explains why antiquities trafficking is far more than a cultural issue—it is a financial crime issue. The conversation explores the Rome Statement on Art Market Integrity, the growing role of law enforcement agencies like the Manhattan District Attorney's Antiquities Trafficking Unit, and bipartisan efforts in the United States to bring the art market under the AML regulatory framework. Tess also shares real-world examples of how stolen artifacts are laundered into legitimate collections and outlines key red flags financial institutions should understand when assessing risks tied to art and antiquities transactions. This episode offers valuable insights into a rapidly evolving threat landscape and the collaborative efforts underway to combat it.
We dig into the truth and perceptions behind the narrative of hiring cooldown in the MBB. Plus, this week we have a guest host.
In this week's episode of This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman discuss the renewed push for a bipartisan U.S. sanctions bill targeting Russia and compare its approach to the European Union's existing sanctions framework. They also examine new guidance from federal banking agencies on lending to non-work authorized. The conversation explores a notable difference in the Federal Reserve's proposed AML program rule, highlights key findings from Europol's latest EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report, and reviews a Transparency International report examining the illicit finance risks associated with cryptocurrency and stablecoins. John and Elliot also discuss developments involving a high-profile IRS lawsuit and Florida's proposed designation of certain organizations as terrorist entities.
TERRIFICON Mitch and artist/writer JERRY ORDWAY are just back from the 3 hour Odyssey - no not the Honda Mini-Van - the new Christopher Nolan movie - hear them go on and on about it - plus they chat about the new smash graphic novel by JOHN BYRNE - "Elsewhen" - Plus Mitch and Jerry do Jon Bernthal impressions.See the guys on August 7-9 at TERRIFICON at Mohegan Sun! #theOdyssey #terrificon
X-Men! Wolverine! Odysseus! Athena! Byrne! Damon! A tale of 2 Odyssey's! Rob does a deep, non-spoiler discussion of Christopher Nolan's adaption of Homer's The Odyssey as well as John Byrne's personal Odyssey to reunite with the franchise that he helped launch into the pop culture stratosphere!
Which factors should MBA couples consider when deciding whether to apply together? And how should they communicate that in their applications?
In this week's episode of This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman unpack a wide-ranging set of developments shaping the financial crime compliance landscape. They discuss the evolving geopolitical environment, including sanctions activity involving Iran, Russia, and North Korea, and examine new reports highlighting how cryptocurrencies are being used to evade international sanctions. The conversation also explores the rise and risks of meme coins, recent SEC efforts to combat retail investor fraud, FINRA's independent review of its enforcement program, and the Federal Reserve's proposed AML program rule. John and Elliot further discuss policymakers' growing interest in AI governance, including questions surrounding financial crime prevention, customer identification, and responsible adoption of emerging technologies. Whether you're focused on AML, sanctions, fraud prevention, regulatory policy, or AI in compliance, this episode delivers timely insights on the trends reshaping financial crime risk management.
After taking a week off for Book Club, we are back with a whole lot to talk about. Get comfortable, loyal listeners! Supergirl hit the theaters last month, and we all have had a chance to watch it - some more than once!. Here are our thoughts about the Maid of Steel, what we liked and what we didn't like. Be sure to share your thoughts on the movie with us. X-Men Elsewhen hit the comic book stores last month. Picking up where he left off in 1980, John Byrne gives us his take on everyone's favorite mutant team. Have you read this yet? Just when we thought there could not be more demand for Absolute Batman, DC Comics announced an upcoming animated movie of Abs Bats! Hope you held onto your first prints. Have you started reading JLA: The Nail yet? Join us at the start of August for our next WCPE Book Club discussion. We have our weekly Pick 3 choices, sponsored by our friends at Clint's Comics. Plus, we have a new trivia question. We would love to hear your comments on the show. Let us know what you've been reading or watching this week. Contact us on our website, Facebook, Instagram, or by email. We want to hear from you! As always, we are the Worst. Comic. Podcast. EVER! and we hope you enjoy the show. The Worst. Comic. Podcast. EVER! is proudly sponsored by Clint's Comics, 815 N Noland Road in Independence, Missouri. Whether it is new comics, trade paperbacks, action figures, statues, posters, or T-shirts, the friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you find exactly what you need. You should also know that Clint's Comics has the most extensive collection of back issues in the metro area. If you need to find a particular book to complete a title's run, head to Clint's or check out their website at clintscomics.com. Tell them that the Worst. Comic. Podcast. EVER! sent you.
Is Disney getting ready to outsource all Marvel Comics to... WEBTOON?! That's the rumor, and Deadpool co-creator Rob Liefeld seems to think this will happen soon as well. While we can't sign off on the WEBTOON angle, we can corroborate that Disney has been thinking about outsourcing Marvel since at least 2016 or 2017. And with the recent layoffs, and John Byrne's X-Men success at Abrams... well? Watch the podcast episodes on YouTube and all major podcast hosts including Spotify. CLOWNFISH TV is an independent, opinionated news and commentary podcast that covers Entertainment and Tech from a consumer's point of view. We talk about Gaming, Comics, Anime, TV, Movies, Animation and more. Hosted by Kneon and Geeky Sparkles. Get more news, views and reviews on Clownfish TV News - https://more.clownfishtv.com/ On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ClownfishTV On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4Tu83D1NcCmh7K1zHIedvg On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clownfish-tv-audio-edition/id1726838629 MORE CLOWNFISH TV - Official Merch Store: http://ClownfishMinus.com Facebook - https://facebook.com/ClownfishTV X - https://x.com/ClownfishTVcom Clownfish TV subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ClownfishTVOfficial/ Disclaimer: This series is produced by Clownfish Studios and WebReef Media, and is part of ClownfishTV.com. Opinions expressed by our contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of our guests, affiliates, sponsors, or advertisers. ClownfishTV.com is an unofficial news source and has no connection to any company that we may cover. This channel and website and the content made available through this site are for educational, entertainment and informational purposes only. These so-called “fair uses” are permitted even if the use of the work would otherwise be infringing. #Comics #DCComics #Marvel #Podcast #Commentary #News #Reaction #Gaming #Comedy #Entertainment #Hollywood #PopCulture #Tech #Anime #FYP Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Siskoid and the Irredeemable Shag's coverage of Marvel Team-Up continues with issue #60 (August 1977) by Chris Clarement, John Byrne and Dave Hunt, starring Spider-Man and the Wasp! It's "A Matter of Love... and Death!". Listen to the Team-Up below, or subscribe to FW Team-Up on Apple or Spotify! Relevant images and further credits at: FW Team-Up Supplemental This podcast is a proud member of the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST NETWORK! Visit our WEBSITE: https://fireandwaterpodcast.com/ Like our FACEBOOK page: https://www.facebook.com/FWPodcastNetwork Use our HASHTAG online: #FWPodcasts Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fwpodcasts Subscribe via iTunes as part of the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST NETWORK. And thanks for leaving a comment!
In this episode of AML Conversations, host John Byrne sits down with longtime DOJ prosecutor and anti-corruption expert Jonathan Rusch to unpack a rapidly shifting enforcement landscape. From the scaling back of DOJ anti-corruption resources to the growing use of presidential pardon power in bribery cases, Rusch offers a candid assessment of what these changes signal for accountability in the U.S. and globally. He also breaks down why anti-corruption still matters—highlighting its economic, political, social, and legal impacts—and what happens when those guardrails weaken. Drawing on his experience at the Justice Department and in the private sector at a major global bank, Rusch shares practical insights for financial institutions navigating today's environment: balancing deregulation pressures, evolving expectations around “de-banking,” and the enduring realities of laws such as the FCPA. The conversation closes on a note of cautious optimism—exploring what resilience looks like for compliance professionals, regulators, and institutions committed to maintaining integrity in uncertain times.
We take a look at Stanford's new MBA application tool and the reasons why candidates overthink certain essay questions.
This week we talk a bit about the work of classic comics artist and writer John Byrne, from xmen to next men and everything in between. Theres also a fun delve into a one and done spider team up book that everyone should pick up from a back issue bin, and Dan marks his return to the show by asking if we would still read comics if they were digital only. All that and a bunch of great comic recommendations, stuff to check out an also shampoo talk! Great stuff to check out: John Byrne, Spider-Man, Red Sonja, American Nature #4, Mystic, Matt Bunce, Eamonn Clarke, Mega City Book Club, Zinezilla Arts Fair, Comics Assemble, She, Pat Mills, The Gods and Monsters of Headgrave, Death Metal Duck, Black Panel Press, Justin Heggs, Cam Hayden, Corpse Knight, Terrobytes, Mad Cave Comics, Ode to Kirahito, Osamu Tezuka
First, we take a moment and raise our glasses as we honor our friend KJ Eldridge. From there we cover a slew of books, including a First Issue-O-Rama with Jonathan Ball and GMB Chomichuk's The Eye Collector from Image; Blüdwire by Paul Allor, Ermitis Blanco, and Brittany Peer; 100 Bullets: The US of Anger by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso; and Blood of the Wolf Man by Joshua Williamson, Leomacs, and Pip Martin. Plus, Lorena Alvarez's The Nightlights Collection: a Trilogy of Tales; John Byrne's X-Men: Elsewhen; Paul Chadwick's Concrete: Stars Over Sand; The Twilight Zone by Gabriel Hardman; Absolute Green Lantern; and more!
In this week's episode of This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman examine major developments shaping the financial crime compliance landscape. They discuss newly released presidential financial disclosures, FATF's priorities under new President Giles Thomson, and a new FATF report on terrorist financing risks tied to social media, messaging apps, and streaming platforms. The conversation also covers the Rome Statement on Art Market Integrity, Binance's licensing challenges under the EU's MiCA framework, FinCEN and FBI actions targeting cartel-linked fuel theft and human smuggling networks, and the UK's evolving crypto asset regulatory regime. Additional topics include Europol's latest assessment of organized crime networks, the SEC's enforcement action against Merrill Lynch for SAR reporting failures, and the potential business and regulatory implications of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision affecting independent federal agencies. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming AML RightSource content, including a discussion on AI and financial compliance.
For more than four decades, Ralph Macchio has been one of the guiding hands behind some of Marvel Comics' greatest stories. Rising from an editorial assistant to Editor Emeritus, Ralph helped shape generations of readers' experiences, overseeing everything from The Avengers, Daredevil, and Spider-Man to Marvel's acclaimed line of graphic novels and collected editions. Along the way, he worked with legendary creators including Frank Miller, Walt Simonson, John Byrne, Roger Stern, Mark Gruenwald, and countless others.Today, Ralph joins us to look back on his remarkable career. We'll talk about breaking into Marvel in the Bronze Age, the evolution of the Marvel Bullpen, the creators and characters that defined his tenure, preserving Marvel history through its collected editions, and the lessons he learned from spending a lifetime helping tell some of comics' greatest stories.
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.
We have a lot to talk about this week. Get comfortable, loyal listeners! DC Comics announced last week that they are releasing a new Legion of Super-Heroes book just in time for John's birthday in September. Marvel Comics is clearing the deck for the release of the Midnight books on October 7. There's been a lot of discussion, angst, and drama around John Romita Jr's cover for Amazing Spider-Man #1000. John Byrne has a new X-Men book out this week. Heather Antos is recommending that you don't buy it. Cullen went to Washington State Comic Con over the weekend, while John and Jerry stopped in at Garage Con. Next week is our WCPE Book Club discussion on Spider-Man Blue from Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale. You still have time to read this and join in on our conversation. We have our weekly Pick 3 choices, sponsored by our friends at Clint's Comics. Plus, we have a new trivia question. We would love to hear your comments on the show. Let us know what you've been reading or watching this week. Contact us on our website, Facebook, Instagram, or by email. We want to hear from you! As always, we are the Worst. Comic. Podcast. EVER! and we hope you enjoy the show. The Worst. Comic. Podcast. EVER! is proudly sponsored by Clint's Comics, 815 N Noland Road in Independence, Missouri. Whether it is new comics, trade paperbacks, action figures, statues, posters, or T-shirts, the friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you find exactly what you need. You should also know that Clint's Comics has the most extensive collection of back issues in the metro area. If you need to find a particular book to complete a title's run, head to Clint's or check out their website at clintscomics.com. Tell them that the Worst. Comic. Podcast. EVER! sent you.
This week on This Week in AML, Elliot Berman and John Byrne unpack major developments shaping the financial crime landscape. They discuss FinCEN's guidance expanding Section 314(b) information-sharing to include fraud and what it means for financial institutions. The conversation also covers new CFPB guidance on lending and immigration-related risks, increased IRS scrutiny of nonprofits, and enforcement actions from the UK and New Zealand. Plus, they explore growing concerns about the future of U.S. anti-financial crime leadership, the challenges of beneficial ownership transparency, and ongoing investigations tied to high-profile cases.