How Money Laundering Techniques Are Evolving

Money laundering has always been a cat-and-mouse game between criminals and authorities. Each time regulations tighten, launderers find new ways to bypass the system. Fast-forward to 2026, and the playing field looks completely different from a decade ago. The rise of advanced technology, decentralized finance (DeFi), and AI-driven tools has given criminals more sophisticated methods […]

The Role of AI and Predictive Analytics in AML Compliance

In an increasingly digital and interconnected financial world, criminals are continuously finding new ways to exploit the global financial system. Traditional Anti-Money Laundering (AML) approaches — largely rules-based and manual — are no longer enough to keep pace with the sophistication and speed of modern money laundering schemes. To counter this, financial institutions are turning […]

A Guide to Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and Their Importance

If you’ve ever wondered how banks and financial institutions help fight crime without ever leaving their offices, the answer often starts with a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR). This behind-the-scenes document identifies transactions that raise red flags—whether it’s money moving too quickly, originating from unknown sources, or ending up in questionable places. In this guide, we’ll […]

AML Investigations: How Financial Institutions Cooperate with Regulators

In the era of instant payments, cryptocurrency, and AI-powered financial tools, money laundering has evolved into a fast-moving, tech-savvy threat. Criminals no longer need briefcases of cash; instead, they can move millions in seconds through complex digital networks that span multiple countries. To keep up, financial institutions and regulators have transformed how they work together—shifting […]

What Happens During an AML Investigation?

Money laundering poses a major threat to the integrity of the global financial system. From concealing the origins of drug money to funding terrorism, illicit financial activity can wear many disguises. That’s why financial institutions are legally obligated to monitor transactions for red flags—and when something suspicious is detected, they launch an AML (Anti-Money Laundering) […]

Sanctions Compliance and Data Privacy: Balancing Security and Privacy Concerns

In an era of growing regulatory scrutiny, businesses must strike a delicate balance between sanctions compliance and data privacy. While sanctions compliance is crucial for maintaining global security and adhering to international laws, data privacy laws prioritize the protection of individual rights. Reconciling these two critical but seemingly opposing priorities is essential for organizations aiming […]

Ronald K. Noble is the founder of RKN Global and currently serves as one of its principal consultants.