The FATF Grey List and Black List: An Overview
An overview of the FATF grey list and black list and why they are important for compliance professionals.
AML Compliance
Banking Regulatory Compliance Checklist: All You Need to Know
View a regulatory compliance checklist for compliance professionals working in the banking industry.
How Does Automated Transaction Monitoring Work?
Automated transaction monitoring reduces risk and expedites AML compliance. Learn what automated transaction monitoring is and how it works.
What is Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)?
Risk-based know your customer (KYC) processes require enhanced due diligence (EDD) for high-risk clients. But what is EDD and when is it required?
Payment Fraud Explained
An overview of payment fraud and ways your business can detect and prevent it.
Everything You Need to Know About NFT Money Laundering
NFT money laundering creates regulatory compliance risks for crypto-asset businesses. In this blog, we explore how NFT money laundering works and NFT AML strategies.
FATF Advisories and Guidance
Keep on top of the latest advisories and guidance from the FATF.
Cryptocurrency Money Laundering: The Importance of AML Cryptocurrency Compliance
Is your business compliant with cryptocurrency anti-money laundering regulations? Learn about crypto laundering and reducing AML cryptocurrency compliance risks.
What Are the Key Differences Between AML, CDD and KYC?
An overview of AML, CDD and KYC and their similarities and differences.
Simplifying Casino Compliance: Automation and Integrated Systems
Are casino compliance software solutions worth it? Learn about the pros and cons of implementing technology with your compliance program.
Latest FinCEN News
Stay up to date with the latest advisories and guidances from FinCEN as they become available.
Human Trafficking and Money Laundering: From a Survivor’s Perspective
A look at human trafficking from an AML perspective and survivor’s perspective, from a webinar by Timea Nagy.
FINTRAC: Latest News
Stay up to date with the latest advisories and notices from Canada’s FINTRAC.
What Financial Institutions Need to Know about FinCEN’s Real Estate Geographic Targeting Orders (GTOs)
An overview of what financial institutions need to know about FinCEN’s real estate Geographic Targeting Orders.
The Travel Rule for Crypto
An overview of the Travel Rule for crypto with explanations of AML regulations and best practices for compliance.
The Importance of KYC for Crypto
Learn what KYC for crypto looks like and how to set up your team to be able to comply with AML/CFT regulations for virtual currencies.
The Corporate Transparency Act: What Compliance Professionals Need to Know
Read an overview of the Corporate Transparency Act for compliance professionals, explained by the AML solution providers at Alessa.
A Timeline of BSA/AML Regulations
A recap and timeline of key anti-money laundering (AML) and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) regulations from the compliance experts at Alessa.
Public-Private Partnerships and AML Compliance
Learn about public-private partnerships and their role within AML compliance
Hit the Jackpot With Your Casino’s AML Program
View a free webinar on how to strengthen your casino’s AML program.
How AML Compliance Software Solutions Improve Efficiency Without Breaking the Bank
View a free webinar on how Alessa can help streamline your compliance program, saving your business time and effort.
Latest News from AUSTRAC
Keep on top of the latest advisories and guidances from Australia’s AUSTRAC.
How to Reduce AML False Positives
Learn how to reduce AML false positive rates through rules-based analytics and AI.
Responding to the New Sanctions Against Russia: How Financial Institutions Can Ensure Compliance
Learn strategies and tips for complying with the new sanctions against Russia.
AML Risks for Fintechs
Learn about various AML risks inherent to fintechs, and solutions and tools for combatting money laundering and terrorist financing.
Suspicious Activity Reports for Casinos: All You Need to Know
As providers of casino anti-money laundering (AML) software solutions our experts review important suspicious activity reporting guidance for casinos.
Assessing AML Geographic Risk: A Methodology
This webinar explores one methodology FIs may consider to assess individual countries’ money laundering risk.
AML Compliance Trends for 2022
Explore how financial institutions can take a risk-based approach to AML, KYC and BSA compliance when working with cryptocurrencies.
Elements of Customer Risk: Products, Services, Activities and Behaviors
What risk factors should you consider when assessing customer risk from financial products and services perspective?
Elements of Customer Risk: Products & Services, Activity Patterns and Behaviors
In this webinar we explore how a customer’s anticipated transaction activity, products and services can impact their risk score.
Elements of Customer Risk: Profiles and Relationships
What risk factors should you consider when assessing customer risk from a demographic/profile and relationships perspective?
Elements of Customer Risk: Profiles and Relationships
In this webinar we discuss how to calculate risk ratings based on a entity’s profile and relationships.
Regtech: It’s Critical Role for Compliance and Business Growth
Rather than being an impediment, anti-money laundering regulation and compliance are an opportunity for business growth.
Recent PEP Sanction Screening Guidance from Regulators
Learn how to assess the risk associated with a PEP and when and how to conduct the appropriate amount of due diligence.
SWIFT Wire Transfers and Payments: What Compliance Teams Need To Know
Learn the fundamentals of SWIFT messaging, payments and the underlying CBRs so you can more effectively monitor for and evaluate suspicious customer activity.
Fedwire: An Overview for Depository Institutions
Learn the basics of this popular credit transfer service and pitfalls faced by compliance.
Tips on Writing Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) Narratives with Examples
Filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) is a key part of the financial business. However, optimizing these reports and making sure that supporting case reports are
AML Cryptocurrency Information for Financial Institutions
Explore how financial institutions can take a risk-based approach to AML, KYC and BSA compliance when working with cryptocurrencies.
AML Compliance for Credit Unions
Read BSA/AML compliance requirements, ideas on how to tackle challenges and FinCEN’s proposed new rule and its expected impact on credit unions.
ACH vs. Wire Transfers: Important Information for Compliance Professionals
Recently a number of jurisdictions have either introduced new regulations or revised guidance for identifying and screening for politically exposed persons (PEPs) or Heads of International Organizations (HIOs). Read a short summary of what is new in the United States, Canada and Australia.
AML and Crypto: What Compliance Teams Need to Know
Dave Jevans, CipherTrace CEO, presents a complete primer for banks and financial institutions on how crypto transactions flow through the financial system, how crypto users and transactions evade detection and how to take a risk-based approach to this emerging financial instrument.
Using FinCEN/FATF’s Red Flags for a Virtual Currency Compliance Program
Learn about FinCEN/FATF’s red flags for virtual currency and how they can be applied to your AML compliance program.
Recent PEPs Screening Guidance from Regulators
Recently a number of jurisdictions have either introduced new regulations or revised guidance for identifying and screening for politically exposed persons (PEPs) or Heads of International Organizations (HIOs). Read a short summary of what is new in the United States, Canada and Australia.
Wire Transfer Red Flags: Understanding Money Laundering and Fraud Risks
Learn about the mechanics of wire transfers, both in the U.S. and globally, and how wire transfers differ from other types of money movement methods.
Bank Secrecy Act: Understanding U.S. AML Regulations and Laws
As the country’s financial intelligence unit (FIU), FinCEN releases a number of advisories, guidances and FAQs to help financial institutions meet their BSA compliance obligations. This article reviews some of the definitions and material provided by FinCEN for effective compliance to anti-money laundering regulations.
OFAC Screening Requirements: Best Practices for Effective Compliance
This article first provides a foundation for understanding OFAC and its mission to administer and enforce U.S. economic sanctions: what is the purpose of sanctions, how they come about, and OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.
OFAC Compliance Policy: A Deep Dive
Learn about the fundamentals of what OFAC does and the purpose and categories of U.S. sanctions programs in place today.
Complying with FinCEN Cryptocurrency Regulations
Learn about FinCEN’s rules for CVCs and actionable steps within your screening and transaction monitoring processes that you can implement today to reduce your exposure to criminal actors using virtual assets.
The FinCEN Travel Rule
Learn about the fundamentals as well as the proposed changes and nuances in implementation that may affect compliance to the rule.
FinCEN Travel Rule Requirements
Learn about the FinCEN Travel Rule and how to comply in special situations, including aggregated transfers, transfers for non-customers, and various originator name issues.
Casino Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Regulations
Read what is expected from the gaming and gambling industry and tips on how to meet compliance.
Detecting and Countering Dark Web Money Laundering Risks
Learn how financial institutions can assist in the detection, prevention and reporting of illicit dark web transactions that may be flowing through your organization.
OFAC Compliance Program
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued extensive guidance for financial institutions regarding what constitutes an effective sanctions compliance program.
6AMLD: What Compliance Professionals Need to Know
The EU’s 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive is now in effect for all member states. Read about the changes.
What is an AML Compliance Program?
An anti-money laundering (AML) compliance program is an essential component of a financial institution’s compliance regime. The primary goal of every good program is to
Customer Due Diligence Checklist: FATF
Read what FATF recommends surrounding customer due diligence.
Crypto Intelligence for AML Compliance
Learn how to effectively detect and monitor virtual currency-related customers and transactions within your financial institution.
Cryptocurrency Red Flags
Read FATF’s red flag indicators to help detect whether virtual assets are being used for criminal activity.
Due Diligence Screening with Dow Jones and Alessa
Learn more about how Alessa and Dow Jones can be used for PEPs, sanctions and watch list screening applications.
Customer Due Diligence: Meeting Regulatory Expectations
CDD is a fundamental component of an effective AML compliance program. Read what U.S. regulators expect.
How to Make AML/KYC Compliance More Effective
Learn how the integration of CLEAR ID Confirm with the Alessa solution will make digital onboarding and customer reviews so much easier and reliable. Walk-through specific scenarios so you can see what data is available to you and how results can be incorporated into your AML compliance process.
Cash Reporting Requirements for Banks
Here is a sample of some of the cash reporting requirements for different jurisdictions.
Casino Money Laundering Red Flags
Read these helpful red flag indicators to alert of potential money laundering activity in your casino.
Types of Virtual Currency and Cryptos: Definitions & Risk Profiles
Read about the different types of virtual assets and associated risks in order to do a proper risk assessment.
How to Convince Senior Management of the Importance of AML Compliance
In this webinar, compliance leads at TransferWise discuss their experience in working with senior management on enhancing compliance programs.
Managing Crypto and Virtual Currency AML Risks
Understand how virtual currencies are structured and how to take a risk-based approach to mitigate their risks.
AML Compliance in a Post-COVID19 World
Europol is warning that criminals are adapting their activities. See how compliance officers can adapt.
Keys to Creating an Effective SAR Program
In this webinar suspicious activity monitoring programs are reviewed to determine what makes them effective or ineffective.
Risk Intelligence and ID Verification With Alessa
Learn how Alessa can enhance Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB) programs.
How to Screen for a Politically Exposed Person
Read our tips on identifying and screening PEPs.
All You Need to Know About AML High Risk Customers
Sarah Beth Felix reviews the various types of higher risk customers, what makes them high risk, and methods for effective management.
The Wolfsberg Group: Developing an Effective AML/CTF Program
Jurisdictions are adopting the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) focus on effective outcomes for developing an effective AML/CTF program
Q&A on Managing Transaction Monitoring Rules
Answers to your questions from our recent webinar on managing monitoring rules in light of indictments
MSB Analytics for Detecting Money Laundering
In a past presentation, Andrew Simpson, Chief Operating Officer, delivered key tips targeted to retail stores considering expansion into money services businesses (MSBs). His advice
Transaction Monitoring Typologies: Managing Monitoring Rules in Light of Indictments
We review strategies that allow for dynamic management of emerging typologies and risks within the transaction monitoring process.
Cash Intensive Business: Managing Money Laundering Risks
Learn how to identify these high-risk customers during onboarding, what to look for during the relationship and potential red flags.
Politically Exposed Persons and AML: PEPs Defined by Country
Politically exposed persons are officials who have a prominent public function, such as a political office or senior appointment.
What are the 3 Stages of Money Laundering?
Money Laundering is the process of “cleaning” the proceeds of criminal activity. Learn about the 3 stages.
Strategies to Implement and Enhance Digital Onboarding for Financial Services
The experts at Thomson Reuters review strategies that various types of FIs can deploy in order to accelerate their adoption of technology to support their onboarding and due diligence processes.
Using Compliance Data for Your AML Program
In the fight against financial crimes, today’s organizations must focus on building compliance programs that are increasingly driven by analytics. But how to start?
AML Machine Learning: How to Start Using AI to Combat Money Laundering
Adding machine learning and AI to help propel the effectiveness and performance of AML programs is a must for organizations looking to stay ahead of crime.
An Overview of the Five Pillars of a BSA/AML Compliance Program
In order to combat financial crime, banks, MSBs, credit unions, fintechs, payment providers and other types of financial institutions are required to develop and put in place an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance program.
MSB AML Requirements and Components for an Effective Compliance Program
This guide offers MSBs insights into the current market and regulatory landscape, and how to build a comprehensive and effective AML program.
Regulatory Reporting Requirements for AML Compliance Professionals
Regulatory reporting is a big piece of AML compliance. Find out how to automate the creation and filing of these in order to avoid non-compliance, fines and penalties.
AML Compliance With Alessa
Alessa provides all the anti-money laundering capabilities that banks, MSBs, FinTechs, casinos and other regulated industries need – all within one platform.
AML Compliance Checklist: Tools and Processes
A comprehensive checklist for compliance teams, who are looking to implement or update their AML program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Money Laundering
Here are some frequently asked questions about money laundering using information from various sources including FATF, FinCEN, FINRA and FINTRAC, as well as our experts from Alessa
Trade-Based Money Laundering: What Compliance Professionals Need to Know
We break down the most common TBML techniques, including the Black Market Peso Exchange, over & under invoicing, and others, using real world case studies.
FINTRAC: Trends in COVID-19 Transaction Reporting
The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) has issued a special bulletin on their analysis of transaction reporting during COVID-19 pandemic.
What is Anti-Money Laundering (AML)?
Anti-money laundering (AML) is the process of combatting money laundering — where criminals work to make their illegal – or “dirty” – money look clean.
AML Guidance From FIUs During COVID-19
FIUs have responded to the current pandemic with warnings and guidance to help AML compliance teams. Here is what they say.
Live Q&A Forum: Money Laundering and Fraud Risks for Wire Transfers
AML expert Laurie Kelly, CAMS follows-up with answered questions during her recent webinar on Understanding Money Laundering and Fraud Risks of Wire Transfers.
Using Corruption Perception Index for AML Risk Scoring
Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows Canada is the top ranked country in the Americas. However, the bad news is the ranking has dropped.
Dispelling Myths about Cloud Computing
While the use of the cloud by businesses has grown extensively, there remain many pre-conceptions or myths about the use of this technology.
What AML Teams Need to Know about Working in the Cloud
This webinar busts some of the myths around cloud adoption as well as share real-life stories of why financial institutions moved their compliance solution to the cloud.
How to Test your Sanctions and Watchlist Screening Software
In this white paper we review key areas that every financial institution should review to ensure that their sanctions screening software is working at its best.
COVID-19 Medical Supply Scams Prompt FinCEN Guidance for AML Health
The U.S. government is concerned that too many COVID-19 fraud cases are popping up as criminals find new ways to steal.
What an Effective EDD Program Looks Like
This webinar will review the steps in an effective EDD program, whether you are a financial institution or a corporation engaging with global suppliers.
EDD With Alessa
Alessa now offers the ability to order EDD reports directly from the application. This allows compliance teams to go beyond simply checking whether an entity is on a sanctions or a watch list and instead get detailed background information on individuals and businesses.
3 Must-Have RegTech Solutions for AML Teams in COVID World
RegTech can augment the fight against COVID-19. Read how these technologies will drive how compliance accesses data and systems.
COVID-19 Fraud Scams: Tips for AML Compliance
COVID-19 is now one of the central themes in fraudulent activities according to banks and law enforcement agencies.
AML Compliance Program for MSB Services
Read how a large retailer with thousands of stores in North America uses Alessa to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations for its money transfer service.
UK Gambling Watchdog Doubles Down on Casino Fines
The UK continues to crackdown on online casinos which has resulted in more £13.2m in fines this year.
Improved EDD Software Capabilities for Reporting and New Features
Easy EDD Reports and more. Here is a summary of some of the most notable additions to the latest version of Alessa.
Compliance Analytics: Rules-based Vs. Advanced Analytics – Do You Have to Choose?
Should rules-based testing be completely abandoned (or become their poor second cousin) in favor of artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and machine learning?
What is an AML Compliance Officer?
Read about the role of a compliance officer, including typical duties and qualifications.
Beneficial Ownership Rule Changes and Updates
In this webinar get an overview of current corporate transparency regulations across various jurisdictions and the status of their implementation.
Money Laundering Rules Get Cleaned Up In Canada
Read key regulatory developments already in force and what 2020/2021 will see in AML/ATF regulatory compliance in Canada.
Tackling Hidden Risks in AML Screening Systems and Programs
In this webinar, we will reveal how to avoid some of the common pitfalls in the configuration and testing of screening programs.
5AMLD – EU’s Fifth AML Directive Now In Effect
Europe has strengthened the rules to fight money laundering with a new directive. Read about the changes in this blog.
Transaction Monitoring With Alessa
Alessa can monitor financial transactions in real time, periodically or by events and using advanced analytics, detect suspicious or fraudulent transactions.
AML Compliance Software Solutions with Alessa
Alessa is a platform that integrates with core systems for real-time due diligence, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening and regulatory reporting capabilities.
Sanctions Screening Solutions With Alessa
Sanctions screening with Alessa protects organizations by identifying high-risk persons and businesses, then enabling them to manage the risk.
Suspicious Activity Report (SAR): Tracking Your Investigation
In this blog we explain why case reports are such an important tool for compliance teams and what are the sections of a good case report.
SAR Writing: Write for Your Reader!
In this webinar we share a number of best practices that go along with SARs if they are to be an effective tool for both your FI and for law enforcement.
Due Diligence with World-Check and Alessa
When combined, Alessa and World-Check offer customers the power to screen in real time during onboarding and for transactions to block potentially high-risk situations.
Effective SAR (Suspicious Activity Report) Writing
This webinar provides insightful advice on how to write SAR narratives that are both useful and meet FinCEN’s requirements.
Virtual Asset AML Risk Mitigation and More: A Regulatory Understanding of Cryptocurrencies
In this webinar, we will discuss each type of virtual asset in the market, their relative traffic volume, and regulatory issues related to each one.
Strategies to Enhance Your Screening and Transaction Monitoring Processes
Learn how to assess and factor risk criteria such as regulatory, country, customer and services risks, strategies for increasing detection of real reportable activities and reducing false positives and time for investigations and more
Recent Changes to FINTRAC EFT Reporting Guidelines
Regulator brings in some sweeping changes in the ways Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) are done in Canada.
goAML: Compliance Regulatory Reporting for the Global Financial Community
FIUs around the globe are adopting the United Nations’ goAML intelligence analysis system. What does this mean for AML compliance programs?
Cryptocurrencies and Financial Institutions
In this webinar, we will walk the audience through a systematic process that every financial institution should go through when evaluating the risks associated with
FINTRAC STR Guidance
Canadian financial regulator has issued new guidance for when a suspicious transaction must be reported and how to submit STRs.
What’s New in Alessa – AML Compliance and Sanctions Screening
There are a number of new and exciting enhancements to assist in investigations and get more out of the solution.
OCC Compliance Risk Assessment: BSA/AML Concerns Threaten Safety of the Banking Industry
The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) says compliance risk related to BSA/AML remains high and poses a threat to the safety and soundness of the federal banking system.
Sanction and Watchlist Screening & Filtering: Best Practices
This white paper looks at how to monitor and screen individuals, entities and transactions as well as best practices to optimize the results in order to avoid penalties and fines.
CFATF: Cayman Islands at Risk for Money Laundering, Fraud, Tax Evasion and Trafficking
A CFATF Report has found that the Cayman Islands has a significant threat from foreign fraud, evasion of foreign taxes by non-residents and drug trafficking.
FinCEN Casino Updates on Compliance
FinCEN is warning the casino industry that they must have an effective AML compliance program. Read the warnings and latest changes.
5 Steps to Implementing AI for AML Compliance
AI is expected to save the banking industry more than $1 trillion. But how to get started? This blog will review the phases for implementing AI for AML compliance.
Beneficial Ownership: Complying to CDD Final Rule (Part 1)
Learn how to identify beneficial ownership; collect, store, manage and maintain beneficial ownership data and perform identity verification for beneficial owners.
Beneficial Ownership: Complying to CDD Final Rule (Part 2)
Learn how to store, manage and document BO data and opportunities for enhanced transaction monitoring and customer risk scoring.
How to Comply With FinCEN’s Beneficial Ownership Rule
This five-part white paper explores challenges faced by financial institutions in implementing the beneficial ownership requirement of the CDD Rule as well as recommendations on how to comply.
Enhancing Compliance With Sanctions Screening Guidance
In this webinar we review the recent Wolfsberg Guidance on Sanctions Screening and provide concrete actions that FIs can take to improve the effectiveness of their AML program.
AI and Machine Learning for AML: An Exec’s Guide
In this webinar you will learn how data science is used to detect anomalies and how responses be used to prevent future suspicious transactions or false-positives.
How to Save Correspondent Banking Relationships
This white paper looks at key processes respondent banks must have to strength their compliance programs and protect their correspondent relationships.
Leading Caribbean Bank Selects Alessa for Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Assistance
Read how this bank adopted sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, automated regulatory reporting and more to strengthen their AML program.
Strengthen AML Compliance With Data Mining
This webinar will examine data mining techniques that can be used to identify risk factors, monitor customer activity and provide insights in the business.
Importance of AML Analytics for Compliance Professionals
What do AI, machine learning and other terms really mean and how are they used to improve counter-fraud and AML strategies?
Using Advanced Analytics to Combat Financial Crime
This webinar examines how advanced analytics models can be designed to detect anomalies, identify suspicious behavior, and protect MSBs and FinTech.
Data Analytics for Transaction Monitoring and Customer Profiling
This webinar will look at how an effective transaction monitoring process can identify unusual transactions for further investigation, reporting and more.
Compliance Filing Best Practices
This webinar will review the recent upgrades to our AML compliance solution including new features for those who e-file their regulatory reports.
What’s New in Alessa’s AML Compliance Solution (version 5.4)
This webinar will look at some of the recent features in our AML compliance solution, including addition of goAML and batch filing.
JMMB: Using Alessa for AML Compliance
Read how this MSB has made AML compliance even easier by reducing the amount of time spent on investigating and filing regulatory reports.
Money Service Business AML Risks
Once upon a time MSBs like Western Union could be lax about fulfilling AML requirements. Oh, how times have changed.
Creating a Real Data Driven AML Program That Works
This webinar reviews how to leverage people, processes and technology to grow their AML compliance programs to meet more than just regulatory requirements.
ACAMS: The Challenge of Customer Risk Ratings
Customer risk ratings (CRR) was a hot topic at the ACAMS Conference that garnered many discussions both in and out of the plenary session.
Building a Customer Risk Scoring Model for AML
Every customer you have represents a risk. But do you have the full picture to determine how much of a risk they really pose?
Role of Compliance in Reinforcing Correspondent Banking Relationships and Mitigating Risk
This webinar explores measures respondent banks should use to successfully build correspondent banking relationships.
Sanctions Risk Management
In this webinar, our experts discuss the risks, legal requirements and established conventions when dealing with sanctioned entities.
Eliminate the Burden of AML Reporting Requirements
This webinar describes how our solution eliminates the burden of AML regulatory reporting by auto-populating and validating reports and much more.
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