Log in/out

Our extensive knowledge at your fingertips

Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing

Over 20 years of articles and reference material

A page dedicated to global, regional, UK and US anti-money laundering developments and initiatives.

Browse the resource database or make a sub-selection:

Menu

Latest editions

Search

U

EBA’s 2025 Opinion on ML/TF risks flags 61% of breaches stem from weak risk frameworks and outdated due diligence, while poor RegTech deployment and governance gaps heighten vulnerabilities

August 4, 2025

The report highlights that many fintech firms still prioritise growth over robust AML/CFT controls, and although residual risks in traditional sectors like banking have improved, product‑ and service‑level risks are now overtaking customer risks. Calling for stronger governance, consistent application of the EU’s risk‑based approach, and alignment with upcoming AML reforms, the EBA urges national authorities and legislators to close compliance gaps…

FCA opens retail access to crypto ETNs from 8 Oct 2025 with stricter safeguards, while complex crypto derivatives remain banned to prevent misuse and protect consumers

August 1, 2025

Under the new rules effective from 8 October 2025, retail investors will be able to access ETNs but only those listed on FCA-approved, UK-based Recognised Investment Exchanges. The decision reflects the FCA’s recognition that the crypto market has matured, with products becoming more mainstream and better understood. To mitigate risks, the FCA has introduced enhanced oversight measures, including strict financial promotion…

US SEC launches an AI Task Force to embed responsible AI in its regulatory and enforcement functions – boosting innovation, accuracy, fraud detection, and predictive analytics through unified strategies

August 1, 2025

This initiative represents a significant shift toward integrating advanced artificial intelligence technologies into regulatory processes, enhancing the SEC’s ability to identify and respond to complex financial crimes more efficiently and accurately. By centralizing AI efforts and fostering collaboration across divisions, the task force will not only streamline internal operations but also set a new standard for responsible and effective AI governance…

US SEC’s Crypto Task Force hosts roundtables nationwide to engage directly with early-stage, smaller crypto firms – bringing fresh voices into the regulatory dialogue

August 1, 2025

By gathering insights from startups with limited resources and experience, the SEC aims to develop more effective, tailored regulations that address AML and compliance challenges specific to the evolving crypto landscape. This initiative reflects a broader effort to enhance transparency, foster constructive dialogue, and strengthen oversight at the grassroots level, ultimately helping to prevent fraud, ML…

NCA’s July 2025 SARs Booklet reports freezing £1M+ in suspect deposits, blocking £250K–£400K laundered via shell firms, and seizing student mule accounts transferring £10K–£14K each

August 1, 2025

NCA reports cases where over £1M in suspicious cash deposits triggered DAML referrals, AFOs and forfeiture of significant assets. It includes multiple examples of money mule detection involving students with rapid deposit‑withdrawal patterns and asset freezing exceeding £10k–£14k. NCA describes drug‑money laundering schemes involving spikes of hundreds of thousands via business accounts…

SRA’s updated sectoral risk assessment outlines key ML/TF threats facing legal service providers and reinforces that law firms must embed a risk-based approach aligned with regulatory expectations

July 31, 2025

This assessment, grounded in the UK Government’s National Risk Assessment and the SRA’s supervisory insights, identifies the most pressing money laundering and terrorist financing risks encountered by firms it regulates—including solicitors, tax advisers, and trust or company service providers—and emphasises that firms must integrate these findings into their firm-wide risk assessments as mandated under Regulation 18 of the MLR 2017.

CBUAE introduces the ‘Digital Dirham’ as legal tender, modernising payments via regulated channels with strict KYC, transaction limits, and full traceability to counter illicit finance

July 31, 2025

The Central Bank of the UAE’s 2025 report aims to outline the progress and strategic objectives behind the development of the Digital Dirham, a central bank digital currency designed to modernise the national payments infrastructure. It seeks to enhance financial inclusion, security, and efficiency while enabling greater transparency and resilience against financial crime in both retail and wholesale transactions…

US President’s WG on Digital Asset Markets unveils bold plans to make US the crypto capital – backing CFTC oversight, stablecoin rules, a CBDC ban, sharper AML rules and tax reforms to drive innovation

July 30, 2025

The mission of the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets is to develop a cohesive and forward-looking regulatory framework that promotes responsible innovation in digital financial technologies. It is also tasked with enhancing the United States’ strategic position in global digital finance through coordinated oversight, risk management, and the establishment of national digital asset reserves…

NECC 2024–25 Annual Report highlights major wins: 11,500 shell firms dismantled, £250 m+ in assets seized, 419 arrests via JMLIT, and stronger public–private action against fraud and illicit finance

July 30, 2025

The NECC also prioritised legislative input, research partnerships, and capability building to future‑proof the UK’s economic crime response, while strengthening asset denial measures and welcoming new leadership to drive illicit finance. It supported over 1,200 investigations, enabling 419 arrests and the restraint or seizure of more than £250 million…

OECD’s July 2025 CARF XML update streamlines global crypto tax reporting with error-aware, standardised data exchange ahead of 2026 enforcement

July 30, 2025

The document provides technical guidance on the updated XML schema for the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), facilitating standardised and automated exchange of crypto-asset tax information. Its aim is to ensure consistent, accurate, and efficient cross-border reporting by aligning data submission processes with global tax transparency standards.

GI‑TOC Research report maps East and Southern Africa as a major conduit for heroin, illicit gold, and wildlife trafficking, fueled by global crime networks, insurgents, and weak border controls

July 30, 2025

The report highlights the emergence of critical regional hubs and the complex cross-border illicit economies , spanning drugs, wildlife trafficking, illegal mining, and human smuggling that underpin these risks. This evolving landscape underscores the urgent need for coordinated enforcement and regulatory strategies to address the multifaceted financial crime challenges in the region…

Denmark proposes groundbreaking amendment to its copyright law, granting individuals legal rights over their face, voice, and likeness to tackle the misuse of AI-generated deepfakes

July 30, 2025

A first in Europe, this law aims to combat deepfake misuse and protect individuals from AI-generated impersonations. As deepfakes grow more advanced, banks must tighten defenses. The law encourages smarter onboarding with digital CDD and eKYC – balancing seamless client experience with stronger identity checks…

No results found.