The Latest FinCrime Central Opinions
A closer look at the legal framework behind digital asset services
Digital asset platforms often highlight strong compliance postures, yet questions remain around jurisdictional risk assessments, oversight of KYC tools, use case monitoring, and transaction surveillance. Enhanced transparency could improve trust across the ecosystem.
The Need for Consortium Validation in the Age of Fraud-as-a-Service
Consortium validation offers AML specialists a powerful approach to stopping financial crime fueled by repeaters and Fraud-as-a-Service.
When the Tool Betrays the Task: Facing AI’s Unreliable Outputs
AI can mislead, by inventing quotes, copying exclusive content, or failing to verify facts. This article explains how that happened at FinCrime Central, the lessons learned, and the current need for better human oversight in publishing.
Complex Trade Documents: A $2 Trillion Gateway Fueling Money Laundering Risks in Trade Finance
Complex trade finance documentation poses severe risks, becoming a critical gateway for money laundering due to regulatory and procedural variations.
How Free Trade Zones Make It Easier for Trade-Based Money Laundering
Free Trade Zones attract significant trade but are increasingly exploited for trade-based money laundering due to weak oversight and regulatory gaps.
AML fines Europe: a costly wake-up call for PSPs end EMis
Europe’s €36 million in AML fines last year highlights the urgent need for stronger controls and a proactive compliance culture.
85% of Firms Eye Digital Banks Amid KYC Frustrations
Corporate Digital Identity is revolutionizing KYC processes, addressing client frustrations, and driving the shift towards digital-first banking solutions.
AI in AML: Is Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizing Compliance For Real?
Discover how AI in AML and compliance software is transforming financial crime prevention with automation and predictive analytics.
How Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) Are Misused for Money Laundering
Discover how EMIs are misused for money laundering, including the rental of EMI licenses and methods used to obscure illicit funds.
US Designation of Cartels as Terrorist Organizations Increases Risk of Doing Business in Mexico
Recent US actions targeting cartels in Mexico raise the risks for businesses exposed to criminal organizations. Enhanced sanctions enforcement creates new compliance challenges.
Cover-Up #6: Bank of Cyprus, the EBRD, and the Blessing of Putin and Trump
In this article, whistleblower John Christmas examines the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's (EBRD) role in protecting Putin-linked money laundering operations through its stake in Bank of Cyprus, and its connections to Trump.
In the Shoes of a Money Launderer: 11 Techniques to Open Bank Accounts Anonymously
Money launderers use synthetic identities, account takeovers, and other techniques to open hundreds of bank accounts without revealing their real identities.
Cover-Up #5: Danske Bank’s Estonian branch, successful whistleblowing, but the wrong people got punished
Danske Bank's Estonia branch was at the center of a massive laundering scheme, linked to Russian and Azerbaijani Laundromats, with connections to high-profile figures like Putin's family and the EBRD.
How FATF Grey Listing Impacts Economies and Why a Warning System Could Be the Solution
FATF grey listing may harm financial inclusion, but a warning system could provide a more balanced path to improving AML/CFT frameworks
Cover-Up #4: Citadele Bank Latvia, Parex Bank’s successor, and the EBRD’s involvement
Citadele Bank was created in 2010 as Parex Bank’s successor, but its financial dealings, secret government guarantees, and ties to past corruption raise concerns about transparency, stability, and political influence.
The Ultimate Guide to KYC Solutions: Build vs. Buy for Banks
KYC solution strategies for banks: build vs. buy, compliance automation, and client onboarding optimization in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
