Sanctions and AML Insights

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.

Sanctions in trade finance are increasingly complex, requiring institutions to navigate evolving regulations, mitigate compliance risks, and adopt modern monitoring solutions. This article explores key risks, the impact of Russian sanctions, compliance strategies, and future trends. It highlights real-world case studies and emerging technologies to help businesses stay ahead in a shifting regulatory landscape.

This article explores anti-money laundering (AML) compliance in The Bahamas for 2025, covering key regulations like POCA, FTRA, and the Anti-Terrorism Act. It outlines best practices, including risk-based approaches, customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and employee training. The article also discusses penalties for non-compliance and the importance of aligning with FATF standards to maintain The Bahamas' reputation as a secure financial hub.

Ensuring Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance in Decentralised Finance (DeFi) is essential for legitimacy and long-term success. Given the pseudonymous and decentralised nature of blockchain transactions, DeFi projects face challenges in meeting global regulatory standards. This guide outlines a step-by-step approach to AML compliance, covering Know Your Customer (KYC) implementation, transaction monitoring, smart contract compliance, DAO governance frameworks, and regulatory engagement. By leveraging on-chain analytics tools, decentralised identity solutions, and AI-powered risk assessments, DeFi projects can effectively mitigate money laundering risks while maintaining the core principles of decentralisation. As the regulatory landscape evolves, proactive adaptation will be crucial for DeFi’s sustainability.

Singapore's sanctions list is aligned with United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions, aiming to prevent financial crimes, uphold national security, and support global foreign policy objectives. The country enforces sanctions through regulatory authorities like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and Singapore Customs. Businesses must adhere to strict compliance measures, including sanctions screening, due diligence, and transaction monitoring, to avoid legal, financial, and reputational consequences. This guide offers insights into Singapore's regulatory framework, types of sanctions, and best practices for compliance, ensuring that businesses can navigate the complexities of international sanctions laws.

The United Kingdom recently rolled out its most extensive sanctions package against Russia since 2022, targeting sectors from military supply chains to energy revenues. As enforcement intensifies in 2025, businesses must stay proactive in adapting to tightening restrictions and evolving evasion strategies. This article outlines the industries most impacted and highlights the crucial steps companies should take to maintain compliance.

Web3 companies must navigate complex regulatory challenges to ensure compliance with international sanctions laws while preserving decentralisation. Given the pseudonymous nature of blockchain transactions, robust sanctions screening is crucial to avoid legal penalties and reputational damage. Effective strategies include integrating blockchain analytics for risk-based monitoring, leveraging smart contracts for automated compliance, and implementing decentralised identity verification to balance privacy with regulatory requirements. As authorities tighten regulations on virtual asset service providers (VASPs), Web3 projects must adopt proactive compliance measures, collaborate with regulators, and invest in advanced compliance technologies. Staying ahead of evolving regulations is key to securing long-term success in the decentralised economy.