Resources

AI in AML: Why the Promise and the Reality Rarely Arrive on the Same Timeline

joseph.mcnamara@amlrightsource.com (Joe McNamara) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:45:01 GMT

Financial institutions are investing heavily in AI for compliance. Many are discovering that the gap between what was promised and what gets delivered is wider than anticipated, and that gap carries real regulatory risk.

AML Conversations: Why Fintechs Are Turning to OCC Limited Purpose Trust Charters

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:18:32 GMT

In this episode ofAML Conversations, Elliot Berman is joined by Jennie Jonas, Senior Vice President of Financial Crime Advisory, to discuss the recent surge in fintechs pursuing OCC limited-purpose trust charters.

They explore what’s driving this trend, how limited trust charters differ from full bank charters, and why these structures are especially attractive for fintechs operating in payments and digital assets. The conversation also dives into common misconceptions, the reality of “bank‑grade” AML and governance expectations, and what fintechs should prepare for before—and after—receiving a charter.

From compliance program design and OCC examination rigor to risk governance, board expectations, and the future evolution of charter authorities, this episode offers practical insight for fintechs considering a charter and for institutions working with chartered fintech partners.

AML in Gaming: Inside Casino Compliance, Cash Risk, and the Human Factor

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:00:01 GMT

Casinos operate at the intersection of entertainment, cash, and compliance—making AML in gaming fundamentally different from banking. In this episode, John Byrne sits down withPaul Camacho, Vice President of Compliance at Yamava’ Resort & Casino and former IRS‑CI Special Agent in Charge, to unpack what AML professionals outside the gaming industry often misunderstand.

Paul shares insights from both the law‑enforcement and casino sides, including why most illicit funds enter casinos throughspending, not laundering; how gambling addiction creates unique fraud and AML risks; and why observation and human intelligence matter as much as analytics. The conversation also explores public‑- private partnerships, casino typologies such as illegal sports betting and cash-intensive fraud, emerging risks highlighted in the National Money Laundering Risk Assessment, and how to move beyond “check‑the‑box” AML training.

This episode offers a rare, practical look at how effective casino AML programs balance regulation, culture, and real‑world risk.

AML Conversations: Sanctions & Geopolitical Risk – What’s Your Backup Plan?

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

AI is everywhere in financial crime compliance - but is it delivering on its promises?

In this episode of AML Conversations, host Joe McNamara and Mark Sully, Managing Director of Commercial Affairs for EMEA and APAC, dive into the escalating challenges of sanctions screening and geopolitical risk in financial crime compliance. They explore how rapidly shifting sanctions lists, surging alert volumes, and dual-use goods are straining compliance teams - and what institutions are doing about it. From list management and false positive reduction to augmenting analyst workflows with AI, the conversation maps out a pragmatic path forward that balances technology adoption with operational reality.

AML Conversations: Unpacking the AML/CFT Program Rule: Key Changes and Industry Implications

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:59:59 GMT

AML RightSource's John Byrne sits down with Dan Stipano, partner at Davis Polk's Financial Institutions and Regulation Group and former Deputy Enforcement Director at the OCC, for an immediate reaction to FinCEN's newly proposed AML/CFT Program Rule.

The conversation covers the genesis of the proposal and its key structural changes — including the bifurcation of program establishment and implementation, the formal incorporation of national AML priorities, and the clarification of the US-based compliance officer requirement. Most notably, the two dig into what may be the rule's most consequential provision: FinCEN's unprecedented new role as a gatekeeper over federal banking agency supervisory and enforcement actions.

They also touch on a separate final rule from the OCC, the Fed, and the FDIC that eliminates reputational risk from the supervisory framework and what that means for banks' account decisions going forward.

AMLA Explained: A Plain-Language Introduction

Vesna McCreery — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The regulatory landscape for anti-money laundering in Europe is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. A new central authority is taking shape - one with a broader reach, a more unified rulebook, and a more ambitious mandate than anything that has come before it. Understanding what this authority is, how it came to be, and what makes it genuinely novel is essential for any organisation operating in or with the European market.

AML Conversations: Crypto & Digital Assets – What’s Your Backup Plan?

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode of AML Conversations, host Joe McNamara and Mark Sully, Managing Director of Commercial Affairs for EMEA and APAC, turn their focus to the unique compliance challenges facing crypto firms.

They explore how crypto's speed and risk appetite create gaps between promised and delivered technology outcomes, why efficiency gains from AI are real but often overstated, and what "having a backup plan" actually looks like in a 24/7, never-sleeping market.

The conversation also touches on the growing convergence of crypto, stablecoins, and traditional finance - and what that means for governance and oversight.

AML Conversations: Monthly Chat with Sarah Beth Felix

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:00:02 GMT

In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne sits down with Sarah Beth Felix—AML expert and author of Dirty Money Weekly—for a wide‑ranging discussion on the biggest AML, sanctions, and financial crime developments shaping the landscape in March 2026.

Drawing on insights from multiple industry conferences and recent regulatory activity, Sarah shares why banks of all sizes are becoming more creative in financial crime detection, why sanctions compliance is no longer just a name-matching exercise, and how AI can be leveraged thoughtfully to manage growing complexity. The conversation explores Treasury’s newly released national risk assessments, critical gaps in the U.S. regulatory framework, and what institutions should take away as the FATF mutual evaluation continues.

John and Sarah also dig into the implications of recent court decisions affecting FinCEN’s residential real estate rule, ongoing lobbying challenges, FINRA’s growing leadership in AML enforcement, and why now is not the time for institutions to let their guard down—despite shifting regulatory priorities.

This episode is a must‑listen for AML, compliance, and risk professionals looking for practical, unfiltered insights on where the industry stands—and where it’s headed next. The views expressed in this podcast represent those of the speakers and not AML RightSource.

AMLA - The Future of Compliance in the EU

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:00:00 GMT

AMLA is moving from concept to reality, and this session brought three senior compliance practitioners together to examine what that transition looks like from the inside. Drawing on direct experience across ING, NatWest, and the broader European regulatory landscape, the panel explored AMLA's three-part mandate: directly supervising 40 of the highest-risk cross-border institutions, indirectly overseeing national regulators across all 27 member states, and establishing a unified rulebook through regulatory technical standards.

The conversation examined the live data collection exercise currently engaging 500 institutions, through which AMLA will determine its initial supervisory cohort, and what that process signals about the authority's direction of travel.

AML Conversations: The FATF Shadow Report: Nonprofits, Financial Access, and the U.S. Mutual Evaluation

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:00:05 GMT

In this special episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne is joined by Ashleigh Subramanian Montgomery of the Charity & Security Network to discuss C&SN’s newly released Shadow Report on the U.S. FATF Mutual Evaluation and what it means for nonprofits, financial institutions, and regulators.

The conversation explores how U.S. government actions since the last FATF evaluation in 2016 have affected nonprofit financial access, particularly for humanitarian organizations operating in high‑risk and conflict environments. Ashleigh walks through the findings of the Shadow Report, including both positive developments — such as humanitarian carve-outs and improved risk-based language — and ongoing concerns around de-risking, executive actions, and the expanding use of counterterrorism authorities.

John and Ashleigh also discuss recent Treasury risk assessments, the gap between policy and on‑the‑ground implementation, and emerging concerns about nonprofit investigations tied to domestic terrorism. The episode concludes with practical guidance for financial institutions on communication, due diligence, and balancing AML/CFT obligations with humanitarian imperatives as FATF assessors finalize the U.S. review.

AML Conversations: The AI Promise vs. Reality – What’s Your Backup Plan?

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:00:02 GMT

AI is everywhere in financial crime compliance - but is it delivering on its promises?

In this episode of AML Conversations, hostJoe McNamarasits down withMark Sully, Managing Director of Commercial Affairs (EMEA & APAC), to cut through the hype surrounding AI in AML, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and KYC. Drawing on conversations with banks across the globe, Mark shares what compliance leaders areactuallyexperiencing as they attempt to roll out AI-driven solutions.

Together, Joe and Mark explore the growing gap between AI’s promised efficiency gains and the operational realities banks face today - from data readiness and regulatory constraints to delayed implementations and rising alert volumes. The conversation emphasizes a critical question many institutions overlook:what happens when AI doesn’t arrive on time or perform as expected?

Listeners will gain practical insight into:

Why AI is not a silver bullet for compliance challenges
The risks of betting everything on a single technology rollout
How leading institutions are building contingency plans to stay compliant
What “successful” AI adoption really looks like for teams and headcount
Why starting with the use case - not the technology - is essential

Whether you’re mid-implementation, evaluating AI solutions, or planning your next compliance investment, this session offers a grounded, real-world perspective on how to pursue innovation without putting your program at risk.

AML Conversations: When Compliance Collides with Civil Society: How AML/CFT Pressures Are Impacting Nonprofits

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:00:02 GMT

In this timely and eye-opening conversation, John Byrne sits down with leaders from theCharity & Security Network,EarthRights International, and theUnitarian Universalist Service Committeeto explore how the current U.S. AML/CFT environment is reshaping the operating reality for nonprofits.

With the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) beginning its mutual evaluation of the United States, the stakes for civil society have never been higher. The guests unpack Recommendation 8, the rise of de-risking, expanding state and federal investigations, and how banks’ compliance decisions—sometimes based on misinformation—can delay humanitarian assistance, hinder environmental advocacy, and even jeopardize lives.

From faith-based organizations facing surprise information demands to environmental groups navigating criminalization and “eco‑terrorism” labels, this episode exposes the real-world consequences when financial regulations drift from a risk-based approach. The discussion closes with concrete takeaways for AML/CFT practitioners, emphasizing communication, due diligence, and the need for a deeper understanding of nonprofit missions.

Strengthening Your AML Program - Strategic Approaches to SAR Filing

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:04:03 GMT

Explore strategic approaches to strengthening your AML program through effective and defensible Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filing. Attendees will gain insights into how regulators and law enforcement view SAR quality, timeliness, and narrative clarity, and why these elements matter beyond basic compliance.

The session will address common challenges institutions face in identifying, escalating, and documenting suspicious activity amid evolving risks and resource constraints. Speakers will share practical guidance on aligning SAR practices with your institution’s risk profile and enterprise-wide AML framework. Attendees will also learn how to enhance collaboration across compliance, investigations, and business teams to improve decision-making and consistency. Real-world examples will illustrate best practices, common pitfalls, and emerging trends shaping SAR expectations today.

This session is designed for AML and compliance professionals seeking to elevate SAR filing from a procedural task to a strategic risk management tool.

AML Conversations: Monthly Chat with Sarah Beth Felix

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:15:55 GMT

In this episode ofAML Conversations, John Byrne sits down with Sarah Beth Felix—AML expert and author of Dirty Money Weekly—to break down the biggest storylines shaping financial crime compliance this month.

Sarah offers a practical, forward-looking take on the Epstein files and why community and midsize banks must rethink their approach to adverse media screening. She and John also unpack the confusion surrounding the administration’s de-risking Executive Order, the impact of FinCEN’s recent CDD “exceptive relief,” and the optics behind the agency’s decision to rescind its advisory on the St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship‑by‑Investment program.

They dive deeper into IRS‑CI’s newly released data proving the value of BSA reporting—and what rising CTR/SAR thresholds could mean for law enforcement. To close, Sarah responds to emerging rumors that banks should be required to capture and track customer citizenship status, explaining why such a shift would have massive operational implications.

This is a must-listen for AML professionals navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape and looking for actionable insight, context, and clarity.

AML RightSource Establishes International Advisory Board to Strengthen Global Financial Crime Leadership

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:30:02 GMT

London, UK / New York, NY - 17 February 2026: AML RightSource, the leading specialist in financial crime managed services and advisory, today announced the formation of its International Advisory Board, chaired by Vesna McCreery, AML RightSource.

Terrorist Financing - How Technology and Youth Culture Are Changing the Risk Landscape

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:00:01 GMT

In this episode ofThird Party Risk Perspectives, hostChris Sindik, Senior Director of Third-Party Risk and Due Diligence at Blue Umbrella, sits down withSakshi Sharma, Assistant Manager and leader of Blue Umbrella’s monitoring team, to explore the fast-evolving world of terrorist financing.

Sakshi shares frontline insights into bothtraditional funding methods—such as counterfeit goods, drug trafficking, charity fraud, and illicit oil sales—and thenext-generation tacticsreshaping the threat landscape. Together, they discuss how terrorist groups now exploit social media, online gaming, digital payments, deepfakes, and AI-powered propaganda to recruit vulnerable youth, launder money, and spread misinformation.

Listeners will learn:

How modern online platforms enable covert recruitment and financial flows
Why deepfakes and AI increase the effectiveness of terrorist propaganda
How scammers manipulate youth culture through “easy money” schemes
What organizations and individuals can do to stay vigilant
Why awareness, skepticism, and strong internal controls are more critical than ever

This is an essential conversation for compliance professionals, risk leaders, parents, and anyone navigating today’s hyperconnected world.

AML Conversations: Monthly Chat with Sarah Beth Felix

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:00:00 GMT

In this edition ofAML Conversations, John Byrne sits down with financial crime expertSarah Beth Felix, author ofDirty Money Weekly, for the first installment of a new monthly series. Together, they unpack some of the most pressing and misunderstood challenges in today’s AML landscape—from overlooked regulatory risks to the evolving reality of crypto-related crime.

Sarah Beth breaks down recentFINRA enforcement actionsand explains why traditional financial institutions shouldn’t assume that regulation elsewhere means reduced risk at home. John and Sarah Beth also explore the shifting tone of U.S. supervision, including why banks considering staff or training cuts could be setting themselves up for trouble.

The conversation then turns to the political and operational complexities ofde-risking/de-banking,and a deep dive into emerginghealthcare-related fraud typologies.

A candid, insightful, and highly practical conversation—perfect for AML professionals, financial crime investigators, compliance leaders, and anyone navigating the fast-changing world of regulatory risk.

Human Trafficking 2026 – The Global Challenges Continue

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:00:01 GMT

Human trafficking generates an estimated $150 billion in illegal profits annually worldwide. Financial institutions play a crucial role in identifying and stopping these crimes, but the challenge requires constant vigilance and updated knowledge.

This webinar brings together seasoned practitioners who understand the real-world challenges you face. You'll walk away with actionable guidance you can implement immediately to enhance your AML program's effectiveness in this critical area.

The Art of Concealment: Freeports and Money Laundering

Ashilee Schreiber — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:45:00 GMT

Freeports, while legal and economically beneficial, have become a critical blind spot in the fight against global money laundering. Their unique legal status, coupled with their appeal to the ultra-wealthy, has created an environment ripe for abuse. As the financial and art worlds become increasingly interconnected, freeports serve as both a tool and a symbol of the power of money; a system that all but encourages wealth to be hidden, moved, and laundered with minimal oversight.

FCRA – Off Again, On Again – Maybe Both

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:00:00 GMT

In this episode of AML Conversations, Elliot Berman is joined by Christopher Sindik, Senior Director of Third‑Party Risk and Due Diligence at Blue Umbrella, for a deep dive into the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the recent deferred prosecution agreement involving Tigo Guatemala, Millicom, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Elliot and Christopher break down how the misconduct unfolded, why the joint‑venture structure created an environment ripe for corruption, and what lessons compliance professionals can draw from the case. The conversation explores practical strategies for strengthening third-party risk management, including intrinsic and acquired risk factors, enhanced controls for high‑corruption jurisdictions, and the critical role of data analytics and AI in detecting anomalies.

They also discuss the importance of tone from the top, resource allocation for compliance programs, whistleblower protection, and how companies can ensure that legitimate services are properly documented and auditable. The episode highlights how proactive self-disclosure and robust compliance frameworks can significantly impact outcomes in enforcement actions.

Financial Crime Compliance: Year in Review

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:25:59 GMT

Session Overview
AML RightSource's expert panel reviewed the most significant developments in financial crime compliance during 2025, examining both domestic and global challenges while looking ahead to 2026. The conversation covered regulatory changes, emerging risks, and practical strategies for compliance professionals navigating an evolving landscape.

AML Conversations: Navigating the AML Crossroads: 2025 in Review and What's Next

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:00:04 GMT

In this candid year-end conversation, John Byrne and Sarah Beth Felix dissect an unprecedented year in AML enforcement. Felix, President of Palmero Consulting and creator of "Dirty Money Weekly," describes what she sees as systematic dismantling of AML infrastructure despite stated priorities of combating fentanyl and transnational criminal organizations. With only four enforcement actions from traditional federal banking agencies compared to FINRA's 20+ penalties, the landscape has shifted dramatically.

The discussion explores Treasury's proposal to give FinCEN veto authority over banking agency BSA decisions -a move Felix warns could create massive bottlenecks. They examine troubling patterns in recent OFAC sanctions penalties where entities disregard guidance while violations flow through traditional banks. Felix shares skepticism about AI replacing the "hyper suspicious" human judgment essential to AML work, noting AI tools consistently fail basic sanctions questions.

The conversation addresses the stark gap between U.S. and European cryptocurrency regulation, with America applying 40-year-old money service business laws to digital assets while the EU has comprehensive frameworks like MiCA. Looking ahead to 2026, Felix urges AML officers to use reduced regulatory scrutiny strategically - eliminating legacy policies that waste time while remembering everything missed now can trigger future enforcement. She emphasizes focusing on cartels and foreign terrorist organizations, which now carry criminal liability for banking officers, and proactively auditing customer sanctions programs.

AML Conversations: The Evolving Landscape of Communications within AML

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:00:05 GMT

In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne discusses the evolving landscape of communication in the context of anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime prevention with experts Justin Cole (First Pitch Communication) and Joe McNamara (AML RightSource). They explore the paradigm shift in how communication is integrated into investigations, the importance of legal considerations, the role of data verification, and the impact of investigative journalism. The conversation also delves into the ethical implications of using AI in communication and the future challenges facing the financial crime prevention space.

Link to Justin's Article: https://www.amlintelligence.com/2025/10/insight-why-the-media-has-become-the-front-line-for-fighting...

AML Conversations: Restorative Justice and Conceptualized Peace: Ideas for Improving Society

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:00:00 GMT

In this episode of AML Conversations, host John Byrne sits down with Dr. Gabriel Velez, associate professor at Marquette University and author of Making Meaning of Justice and Peace: A Developmental Lens. They explore how peace education and restorative practices shape young people’s understanding of justice, belonging, and community—both in Colombia and Milwaukee. Dr. Velez shares insights on conceptualizing peace, the challenges of fostering optimism in turbulent times, and practical steps for encouraging youth engagement.

AML Conversations: What Cryptos Are Focusing On In 2026

jmcnamara@amlrightsource.com (AML RightSource) — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:00:01 GMT

In this episode of AML Conversations, Joe McNamara speaks with David Lutz, Associate Director of the AML RightSource Financial Crime Advisory group about the evolving Crypto landscape, recent milestones in the space, and how recent legislation has opened the door to further legitimacy and regulation. The cryptocurrency industry is experiencing its fintech moment - trading the freedom of the Wild West for legitimacy in the regulated financial system. With the GENIUS Act establishing the first federal framework for stablecoins and new EU travel rule requirements taking effect in 2026, crypto exchanges must now meet higher AML standards that align with the expectations of traditional banking partners.