Sanctions and AML Insights

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance is essential for Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) in the UK to safeguard against financial crime and maintain regulatory standards. Best practices include adopting a risk-based approach to identify and mitigate threats, conducting thorough customer due diligence (CDD), and maintaining ongoing monitoring of transactions and customer behaviour. MTOs must also implement robust suspicious activity reporting (SAR) processes, ensure staff are regularly trained, and appoint a qualified Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to oversee compliance. Accurate record-keeping, regular independent audits, and the smart use of technology further enhance AML efforts. Above all, continuous improvement and active engagement with regulators ensure that MTOs remain resilient, compliant, and trusted in an increasingly complex financial environment.

Japan's sanctions regime plays a crucial role in maintaining global peace and security by aligning with international sanctions efforts, particularly through its adherence to UN Security Council resolutions and other international agreements. This comprehensive guide explores Japan's legal framework for sanctions, the types of sanctions imposed, and Japan’s role in international sanctions enforcement. It details key laws such as the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA) and the Act on Prevention of Terrorism Financing, while examining Japan’s cooperation with the United Nations, G7, and Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The article highlights best practices for businesses operating in Japan to ensure compliance with the sanctions regime, including implementing Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, using sanctions screening systems, and providing employee training. By understanding Japan’s sanctions laws and practices, businesses can mitigate risks and stay in line with both domestic and international regulations.

In 2025, effective transaction monitoring is essential for financial crime prevention and regulatory compliance. Leading organisations are moving beyond basic rule-based systems by adopting a risk-based approach, leveraging machine learning and behavioural analytics, and developing efficient alert management workflows. Regular model tuning, scenario testing, and integration with broader AML and fraud detection systems are now standard best practices. These strategies help firms detect suspicious activity more accurately, reduce false positives, and respond quickly to evolving threats. Mastering transaction monitoring today means staying agile, data-driven, and audit-ready in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

In 2025, Nigeria’s progress in combating money laundering and terrorism financing has earned praise from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), highlighting the country’s strengthened regulatory framework and enhanced enforcement capabilities. Key developments include the implementation of more advanced transaction monitoring systems, the expansion of customer due diligence obligations, and increased use of technology such as AI and blockchain. Financial institutions in Nigeria must adopt a risk-based approach, ensure robust reporting and record-keeping, provide ongoing staff training, and engage with global regulatory bodies to stay compliant. As Nigeria continues to strengthen its AML/CFT systems, businesses operating within the country must align their practices with these evolving regulations to mitigate financial crime risks and maintain regulatory compliance.

Money laundering in the precious metals industry is a growing concern, with criminals using gold to turn illicit cash into seemingly legitimate assets. This article highlights the top five red flags of money laundering in gold trading, from unusual cash transactions to dealings with high-risk jurisdictions. It also examines the Fowler Oldfield case—one of the UK's largest money laundering scandals—to showcase how these warning signs appear in real-world financial crime. Understanding these red flags is crucial for businesses and regulators to prevent money laundering and protect financial integrity.

Customer sanctions risk assessments are a critical component of a robust compliance programme for tech companies operating in today’s global and highly regulated environment. These assessments help identify which users or customer segments may pose a higher risk of sanctions exposure based on factors such as location, behaviour, customer type, and connections to high-risk entities or jurisdictions. The process involves defining the scope of assessment, understanding relevant sanctions regimes, identifying risk indicators, analysing customer data, segmenting users by risk level, and applying appropriate due diligence and monitoring measures. Tech companies must also implement reliable sanctions screening tools, document their methodologies, train staff, and review their assessments regularly to stay ahead of regulatory expectations. Ultimately, a proactive, data-driven approach to sanctions risk assessment helps tech firms protect their platforms, avoid penalties, and build trust with users and regulators.