AML Conversations

AML RightSource

AML Conversations is dedicated to inform professionals and those interested in anti-money laundering about conversations happening in the government, private sector, and internationally. Throughout the series John Byrne, AML RightSource Vice Chairman, will interview industry experts or participate in live programming or panel discussions related to the industry.

  1. Canada’s Crypto Crackdown, Global AML Shifts, and New Fronts in Financial Crime

    9 HR AGO

    Canada’s Crypto Crackdown, Global AML Shifts, and New Fronts in Financial Crime

    In this episode of This Week in AML, John and Elliot cover a wide range of financial crime and compliance developments from around the globe. John opens by honoring the Foley Foundation's annual Freedom Awards dinner, recognizing the organization's vital work advocating for American hostages and journalist safety. The conversation then turns to Canada, with updates on a newly introduced bill to establish a Financial Crime Agency, a proposed ban on crypto ATMs, and recent FinTrac monetary penalties across the real estate, banking, and precious metals sectors. Internationally, they cover the FCA's preparations for the UK's new crypto asset regime taking full effect in 2027, Denmark's FSA referral of Nordea Bank to police over customer due diligence failures, and Europol's launch of a new EU anti-scam intelligence sharing platform. Back in the U.S., John highlights new research from the Anti-Corruption Data Collective on suspicious win rates in prediction market defense and military sectors, the retirement and recognition of Guy Fico, the passing of RICO statute architect Bob Blakey, and the Manhattan DA's return of over 650 antiquities to India. The episode closes with updates on the DOJ's decision to drop its investigation into Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, concerns over judicial nominees, and a preview of the AML Partnership Forum's upcoming May 28th webinar on financial access challenges domestically and globally.

    20 min
  2. Monthly Chat with Sarah Beth Felix

    1 DAY AGO

    Monthly Chat with Sarah Beth Felix

    In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne is joined by Sarah Beth Felix, author of Dirty Money Weekly, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving state of AML and BSA reform. Recorded at the close of April, the conversation examines FinCEN’s proposed AML program rule, with a critical look at how concepts like “effectiveness,” “risk-based approach,” and “reasonably designed” are used—and often left undefined. Sarah and John also dig into FinCEN’s latest annual report, ongoing challenges with SAR data and form design, and what proposed changes could mean for enforcement consistency and regulatory bottlenecks. The episode explores emerging issues, including the PACE Act, AML model validation, and what meaningful modernization of the Bank Secrecy Act should prioritize ahead of an upcoming congressional hearing on BSA reform.

    28 min
  3. Italy’s FATF Review, New Russia Sanctions, and the Growing Risk of Prediction Markets

    1 MAY

    Italy’s FATF Review, New Russia Sanctions, and the Growing Risk of Prediction Markets

    In this episode of This Week in AML, Elliot and John unpack a busy week in global financial crime and enforcement. They start with Italy’s latest FATF mutual evaluation, exploring what regulators praised, where weaknesses remain, and what it might signal for other jurisdictions. The conversation then shifts to the EU’s newly adopted Russia sanctions package, including expanded financial and crypto restrictions and fresh anti-circumvention tools. They also highlight key investigations and enforcement actions from France, Moldova, Switzerland, and the OCCRP’s latest reporting. In the U.S., the discussion turns to prediction markets, as the CFTC sues New York over regulatory authority, and a controversial DOJ case involving alleged insider betting raises thorny questions about national security, ethics, and enforcement priorities. The episode closes with updates on DOJ staffing cuts, recent indictments, and transparency litigation tied to the Epstein files.

    17 min
  4. Beneficial Ownership Battles, Crypto Regulation, and Global AML Standards

    24 APR

    Beneficial Ownership Battles, Crypto Regulation, and Global AML Standards

    In this week’s episode of This Week in AML, with Elliot traveling, Joe McNamara joins John Byrne to break down a busy week in global compliance news. The big domestic story is the Corporate Transparency Act, where the House Financial Services Committee passed a bill to repeal the CTA for domestic entities - but only by a single vote. The hosts unpack what that means, where the legislation goes from here, and why a separate threat to withhold FinCEN's entire budget adds another layer of uncertainty to an already complicated picture. North of the border, Canada's FINTRAC has rolled out updates to its administrative monetary penalty framework, including a notable elevation of certain compliance program violations from serious to very serious. Internationally, Transparency International had a busy week - launching a new Anti-Corruption Resource Center, announcing the EU's first Anti-Corruption Directive, and publishing a working paper on professional enablers implicated in illicit financial flows from Africa. AMLA is also moving forward with two public consultations on risk assessment and compliance standards, with hearings scheduled for May 20th and May 28th. Across the pond, the FCA is pressing ahead with the UK's crypto regulatory regime, targeting October 2027 for full implementation - with rules expected this summer and firm authorization applications opening in September 2026. The episode closes with a look at FATF's latest ministerial declaration, a heads-up on OCCRP's coverage of the CTA repeal, and a walkthrough of FinCEN's 2025 Year in Review - a document the hosts recommend as essential reading for any BSA professional. Plus, a preview of AML RightSource's upcoming May webinar on global financial access and a recent AML Conversations episode featuring former IRS CI Special Agent in Charge Paul Camacho.

    18 min
  5. Why Fintechs Are Turning to OCC Limited Purpose Trust Charters

    22 APR

    Why Fintechs Are Turning to OCC Limited Purpose Trust Charters

    In this episode of AML 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.

    31 min
  6. AML in Gaming: Inside Casino Compliance, Cash Risk, and the Human Factor

    20 APR

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

    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 with Paul 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 through spending, 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.

    31 min
  7. Corruption Crackdowns, Sanctions, and New Compliance Pressures

    17 APR

    Corruption Crackdowns, Sanctions, and New Compliance Pressures

    In this week’s episode of This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman unpack a wide range of global financial crime and compliance developments shaping the risk landscape. The conversation begins with the significance of Hungary’s election results and what a potential reversal of entrenched corruption could mean for democratic institutions and Ukraine. The episode also covers leadership changes at IRS‑CI, new OFAC sanctions targeting cartel‑linked money laundering and cash smuggling, and updated FinCEN FAQs tied to Geographic Targeting Orders. Additional topics include New York’s crackdown on insurance fraud, emerging concerns around elder abuse and sextortion, rising money laundering prosecutions in Turkey following FATF scrutiny, and fresh FCA findings on weaknesses in CDD and EDD practices. The episode closes with a discussion of a reported proposal that could require U.S. banks to collect citizenship documentation—raising major operational, compliance, and debanking concerns.

    16 min
  8. Sanctions & Geopolitical Risk - What's Your Backup Plan?

    13 APR

    Sanctions & Geopolitical Risk - What's Your Backup Plan?

    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.

    11 min
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About

AML Conversations is dedicated to inform professionals and those interested in anti-money laundering about conversations happening in the government, private sector, and internationally. Throughout the series John Byrne, AML RightSource Vice Chairman, will interview industry experts or participate in live programming or panel discussions related to the industry.

Information

  • Creator
    AML RightSource
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    500
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    AML Conversations

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