ThirdEye View

Understanding why fundamental financial crime controls remain critical even as AI and synthetic identities dominate industry discussions. This month's ThirdEye View UK examines significant enforcement actions that demonstrate why getting the basics right matters: NCA's coordinated raids on 2,700 UK businesses revealing persistent cash-based laundering through high street premises FCA's £44m penalty against Nationwide for fundamental control failures when personal accounts were used for business purposes Operation Destabilise uncovering billion-dollar laundering networks combining cash collection, cryptocurrency, and sanctions evasion Key themes from UK Finance's Economic Crime Conference on collaboration and intelligent use of AI These cases reveal how traditional and emerging threats require equal attention. Old-fashioned cash-based laundering remains alive and well on the high street, whilst sophisticated networks combine UK street crime with cryptocurrency and global corporate structures. The Nationwide penalty demonstrates that when customer behaviour diverges from intended account purposes, controls must adapt accordingly. We discuss what these enforcement actions mean for financial crime programmes and why firms need monitoring that examines the bigger picture, not just isolated transactions. Read the full blog post: https://jadethirdeye.com/view/why-aml-basics-still-matter/ About the hosts: Claire Rees brings over 20 years of financial crime expertise from her experience in financial services as Global Financial Crime Regulatory Specialist. Chris Holmes is UK Manager supporting ThirdEye clients since its inception in 2012, providing hands-on support and strategic guidance to help firms strengthen their financial crime controls. About ThirdEye: We partner with mid-sized banks, building societies, lenders, and credit unions across Australia, New Zealand and the UK to fight financial crime. Our flexible transaction monitoring, customer screening, and case management solutions adapt to your risk landscape, backed by local support teams who understand your compliance environment. Learn more: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/ 🔔 Subscribe for monthly insights on financial crime trends, compliance best practices, and regulatory updates.

Financial crime causes real harm to real people. This month, we examine real cases from November 2025 to highlight the human cost of financial crime and remind compliance professionals why their work matters. Following the FIU/ACAMS conference, discussions revealed that many people working in financial crime teams don't fully appreciate the extent and impact of the problem they're helping to solve. Understanding the real-world harm changed attendees' views from seeing this as a compliance exercise to work with genuine social benefits. In this episode: Drug trafficking operations – $220m drug shipments intercepted at Auckland and Melbourne airports demonstrate the scale of the problem. Large amounts of money need laundering, and detection work by compliance teams helps identify these activities and reduce the harm drugs cause to communities. Fraud and scams – From victims losing $250,000 to fake cryptocurrency trading services to 1,600 arrests at a scam hub near the Thai border in Myanmar. Each victim is someone's customer, and the industry needs to get better at preventing fraud. Modern slavery – People brought into the country, treated as property, and paid next to nothing for working long hours. Whilst financial amounts may be low, the impact on victims is devastating. Environmental crime – From over-fishing that jeopardises long-term sustainability to operations affecting legal fishing and individual livelihoods. These crimes often have lower amounts involved but still deserve attention in detection strategies. These cases show why adapting your AML programme to detect evolving threats isn't just about compliance, it's about protecting communities. Each detection matters. Small-scale activity at your institution might be the key to unlocking larger organised operations. Hosted by: Jing Zhang, Business Development Manager and Colin Dixon, CAMS-certified AML Solutions Specialist at ThirdEye Colin has been with ThirdEye since 2012, bringing extensive experience helping clients strengthen their financial crime prevention programmes. Read the full blog post: https://jadethirdeye.com/view/real-harm-behind-financial-crime/ Subscribe for monthly insights on financial crime prevention across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. About ThirdEye We partner with mid-sized banks, building societies, lenders, and credit unions across Australia, New Zealand and the UK to fight financial crime. Our flexible transaction monitoring, customer screening, and case management solutions adapt to your risk landscape, backed by local support teams who understand your compliance environment. Learn more: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/ #FinancialCrime #AML #Compliance #TransactionMonitoring #FraudPrevention #ModernSlavery #ThirdEye #ACAMS #NZFIU

This month, we examine proposed regulatory changes, enforcement findings, and practical intelligence resources for UK financial institutions. In this episode: Draft Money Laundering Regulations signal practical changes ahead – Expected to take effect in Q1 2026, the amendments refine Customer Due Diligence triggers, narrow Enhanced Due Diligence requirements to focus specifically on the highest-risk jurisdictions, and clarify transaction monitoring guidance. Once finalised, use these changes as a prompt to review your Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessments, policies, procedures, and training. FCA review exposes financial crime control gaps in corporate finance – The review reveals that two-thirds of firms may be non-compliant with AML requirements. Key findings include 10% of firms not retaining Customer Due Diligence evidence and 29% of principal firms skipping financial crime risk assessments for appointed representatives. Whilst targeting corporate finance specifically, these themes translate across financial services firms. NCA's SARs Reporter Booklet brings compliance to life – The latest edition offers valuable case studies that strengthen detection capabilities and team training. Use these real-world scenarios to examine your own vulnerabilities and ensure appropriate controls are in place, particularly for transaction and customer monitoring. Excellence in financial crime prevention starts with getting the basics right consistently, then refining your approach as regulations evolve. Hosted by: Claire, Global Financial Crime Regulatory Specialist Phil, Business Development Manager at ThirdEye • Read the full blog post: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resource... Subscribe for monthly insights on financial crime prevention across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. About ThirdEye We partner with mid-sized banks, building societies, lenders, and credit unions across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand to fight financial crime. Our flexible transaction monitoring, customer screening, and case management solutions adapt to your risk landscape, backed by local support teams who understand your compliance environment. Learn more: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/ #FinancialCrime #AML #Compliance #FCA #MoneyLaunderingRegulations #NCA #ThirdEye #UKCompliance

Insights from the 2025 NZ FIU and ACAMS Conference Financial crime causes real harm to real people. This month, we unpack three insights from the 2025 NZ FIU and ACAMS Conference in Wellington that matter for ANZ financial crime teams. In this episode: - Understanding the human cost of financial crime – Modern slavery affects 50 million people worldwide, and traffickers move money through the financial system. We examine practical approaches to detect both victims and perpetrators through transaction monitoring, including watching for unusual patterns and signs of financial control. - Proliferation financing requires focused attention - This evolving risk covers funding for weapons of mass destruction, including materials, components, and expertise. Mid-range international transactions often bypass standard high-value monitoring rules. We explore how to build detection that specifically addresses these threats. - The power of collaboration in fighting financial crime – New Zealand's Financial Crime Prevention Network demonstrates how structured information sharing strengthens detection across the sector. We discuss both formal collaboration models and the value of peer conversations in improving financial crime prevention. Hosted by: Jing Zhang, Business Development Manager and Colin Dixon, CAMS-certified AML Solutions Specialist at ThirdEye Colin has been with ThirdEye since 2012, bringing extensive experience helping clients strengthen their financial crime prevention programmes. - Read the full blog post: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resources/blog/the-fincrime-connection-anz-november-2025 Subscribe for monthly insights on financial crime prevention across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. About ThirdEye We partner with mid-sized banks, building societies, lenders, and credit unions across the Australia, New Zealand and the UK to fight financial crime. Our flexible transaction monitoring, customer screening, and case management solutions adapt to your risk landscape, backed by local support teams who understand your compliance environment. Learn more: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/ #FinancialCrime #AML #Compliance #TransactionMonitoring #ModernSlavery #ProliferationFinancing #ThirdEye #ACAMS #NZFIU

In the October 2025 episode of The FinCrime Connection UK, Claire Rees and Phil Roberts examine four key stories that are shaping compliance: 1. OFSI Sanctions List Consolidation - From 28 January 2026, the OFSI Consolidated List closes. We break down what the move to a single UK Sanctions List means for your screening processes and what you need to update before the transition. 2. NCA Enforcement in Northern Ireland - The National Crime Agency's ongoing money laundering investigation has resulted in arrests and the seizure of £2.6 million in cash. 3. FCA Supports Digital Identity Systems - At its annual public meeting, the FCA positioned digital ID as a transformative tool for fraud prevention and financial crime detection. We explore the tensions around privacy and implementation, and why firms need clear guidance as proposals develop. 4. Money Laundering Regulations Update - With the consultation period now closed, we look ahead to what changes might be confirmed in the coming weeks, including industry concerns about proportionality and risk-based approaches. Read the full blog: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resources/blog/the-fincrime-connection-uk-october-2025 Perfect for: compliance professionals, AML officers, and risk managers at mid-sized financial institutions. 🎙️ Subscribe for monthly FinCrime Connection UK episodes. Hosted by Claire Rees and Phil Roberts from Jade ThirdEye. Claire brings extensive expertise in financial crime prevention as Global Financial Crime Regulatory Specialist, whilst Phil serves as Business Development Manager for Jade ThirdEye in the UK, helping organisations navigate complex regulatory landscapes. About Jade ThirdEye: We provide SaaS solutions for transaction monitoring, customer screening, and case management to mid-sized banks, building societies, lenders, and credit unions across the UK, Australia and New Zealand 🌐 Learn more about Jade ThirdEye: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/ #FinancialCrime #AMLCompliance #RegulatoryCompliance #JadeThirdEye #AML #Compliance #FCA #OFSI #MoneyLaundering #DigitalIdentity #FinCrime #ComplianceProfessionals

In the October 2025 episode of The FinCrime Connection ANZ, we unpack the month's most significant financial crime developments across Australia and New Zealand. In this episode: • Protecting children through financial intelligence – Why detecting child exploitation transactions demands constant vigilance, where to find critical guidance, and why predicate offence detection matters beyond traditional AML obligations • Australia's AML/CTF reform update – Timeline reminders, recent rule publications, and practical steps to prepare for the 2026 compliance deadlines • FIU Conference 2025 preview – What to expect from Wellington's premier financial crime event (3-5 November). 📖 Read the the detailed analysis: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resource... Hosted by Jing Zhang (Business Development Manager) and Colin Dixon (CAMS-certified AML Solutions Specialist), The FinCrime Connection ANZ delivers practical insights to help compliance professionals across Australia and New Zealand stay ahead of emerging threats and regulatory changes. Perfect for: compliance professionals, AML officers, and risk managers at mid-sized financial institutions. 🎙️ Subscribe for monthly FinCrime Connection ANZ episodes About Jade ThirdEye: We provide SaaS solutions for transaction monitoring, customer screening, and case management to mid-sized banks, building societies, lenders, and credit unions across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. 🌐 Learn more about Jade ThirdEye: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/ #FinancialCrime #AMLCompliance #RegulatoryCompliance #JadeThirdEye

In this episode of The FinCrime Connection, Claire Rees (Global Financial Crime Regulatory Specialist) and Phil Roberts (Business Development Manager) examine the UK's Economic Crime Plan 2 progress, explore the Wolfsberg Group's innovation guidance, and analyse OFSI's latest sanctions disclosure. This Episode Covers: - UK Economic Crime Plan 2 progress report showing measurable results in money laundering prosecutions - Wolfsberg Group's groundbreaking guidance on innovation in suspicious activity monitoring - OFSI disclosure notice highlighting critical lessons for sanctions compliance Read the detailed analysis: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resources/blog/the-fincrime-connection-uk-september-2025 Perfect for: compliance professionals, AML officers, and risk managers at mid-sized financial institutions. About Jade ThirdEye: We provide SaaS solutions for transaction monitoring, customer screening, and case management to mid-sized banks, building societies, lenders, and credit unions across the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. #FinancialCrime #AMLCompliance #RegulatoryCompliance #JadeThirdEye

In this episode of The FinCrime Connection, Colin Dixon (AML Solution Specialist) and Jamie (Head of Customer Success) break down Australia's new AML/CTF Rules, analyse AUSTRAC's recent enforcement action, and explore valuable intelligence resources from New Zealand's FIU. This Episode Covers: - Comprehensive analysis of Australia's regulatory overhaul and its practical implications - AUSTRAC's enforcement approach through the Revolut penalty case study - How New Zealand's FIU intelligence resources can enhance detection capabilities We break down what this means for your financial crime programme and how to stay ahead. Read the detailed analysis: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resources/blog/the-fincrime-connection-anz-sept-2025 Perfect for: compliance professionals, AML officers, and risk managers at mid-sized financial institutions. About Jade ThirdEye: We provide SaaS solutions for transaction monitoring, customer screening, and case management to mid-sized banks, building societies, lenders, and credit unions across the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. #FinancialCrime #AMLCompliance #RegulatoryCompliance #JadeThirdEye

In this episode of The FinCrime Connection, Colin Dixon (AML Solution Specialist) and Jing Zhang (Business Development Manager) from Jade ThirdEye discuss AUSTRAC's latest enforcement actions, the regulator's push to educate, New Zealand's shift to a single supervisor, and the fast-approaching SWIFT MX deadline. AUSTRAC enforcement and education: Recent case closures reveal the true cost of compliance failure and expansion of educational resources to support those proactively engaging with their obligations. New Zealand transition: Single supervisor model creates both challenges and opportunities for financial institutions.  SWIFT MX deadline: November 2025 transition affects IFTI reporting across ANZ markets. We break down what these changes mean for your financial crime programme and how to stay ahead  📖 Read our accompanying blog here: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resources/blog/the-fincrime-connection-anz-august-2025 About Jade ThirdEye: We provide SaaS solutions for transaction monitoring, customer screening, and case management to mid-sized banks, building societies, lenders, and credit unions across the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. #AML #FinancialCrime #RegTech #FinCrimeConnection #MoneyLaundering #SystemPriorities #NRA Perfect for: compliance professionals, AML officers, and risk managers at mid-sized financial institutions.

In this August's episode of The FinCrime Connection, join hosts Claire Rees (Global Financial Crime Regulatory Specialist) and Phil Roberts (Business Development Manager, UK) as they unpack three landmark publications that are reshaping AML/CTF compliance in the UK: - The 2025 National Risk Assessment – revealing over £12bn in criminal cash each year, with fintech, crypto, and casinos now higher risk. - New System Priorities – nine equal-weight areas where firms can focus resources for maximum impact. - HM Treasury's MLR reforms – practical changes giving compliance teams the flexibility they've been asking for. Together, these represent the most significant recalibration of the UK's financial crime framework in years. Our experts break down what these changes mean for your financial crime programme. 📖 Read our accompanying blog here: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resources/blog/fincrime-connection-uk-august-25 About Jade ThirdEye: We provide SaaS solutions for transaction monitoring, customer screening, and case management to mid-sized banks, building societies, lenders, and credit unions across the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. Perfect for: compliance professionals, AML officers, and risk managers at mid-sized financial institutions. Subscribe for monthly financial crime prevention insights.  #AML #FinancialCrime #RegTech #FinCrimeConnection #MoneyLaundering #SystemPriorities #NRA

In this customer story, we speak with Stacey Blackwell, Head of Financial Crime at Skipton Building Society. Hear how her team used Jade ThirdEye to uncover a fraud ring and stop an APP scam—safeguarding customers and preventing losses. Read the full customer story: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resources/case-studies/uk/skipton-building-society-2 #FraudDetection #AML #FinancialCrime #JadeThirdEye #CaseStudy #APPFraud

In this episode of The FinCrime Connection AU, we explore AUSTRAC’s recent evolution in regulatory focus—from a traditional compliance mindset to an outcomes-based approach. Join us as we unpack key takeaways from AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas’s June 2025 speech at the ACAMS Assembly Australasia conference, and what this evolution means for reporting entities (REs) across Australia. We discuss: What AUSTRAC means by “focusing on outcomes” How REs can adjust their transaction monitoring strategies The importance of proactive system tuning Why working closely with your vendor is key to better detection 📖 Related blog: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resources/blog/the-fincrime-connection-au-july-2025 Subscribe for monthly insights on financial crime, AML/CTF regulation, and compliance best practices from the team at Jade ThirdEye. #FinCrimeConnection #AML #AUSTRAC #TransactionMonitoring #FinancialCrime #RegTech #Compliance #CTF #Australia #JadeThirdEye

The FinCrime Connection UK - July 2025: AI Innovation, Partnership Success & Regulatory Fines This month, Claire Rees and Phil Roberts dive into three major developments shaping the financial crime landscape. Episode Highlights: 🤝 JMLIT's Decade of Success 🤖 FCA Embraces AI Innovation 💰 Monzo's £21M AML Fine Watch now and explore the full insights in our blog here: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resources/blog/the-fincrime-connection-uk-july-2025 About Your Hosts: Claire Rees brings over 20 years of financial crime expertise as Jade ThirdEye's Global Financial Crime Regulatory Specialist. Phil Roberts is the new Business Development Manager for Jade ThirdEye in the UK, bringing fresh perspective to the financial crime conversation. About Jade ThirdEye: We specialise in AML software solutions including transaction monitoring, customer screening, and case management for mid-sized financial institutions across the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. Questions, thoughts, or feedback? We'd love to hear from you! Subscribe for monthly insights into the evolving world of financial crime prevention and regulatory compliance. #Financial Crime, #AML, #Compliance, #RegTech, #FCA, #NCA, #Banking, #AI, #Money Laundering, #Regulatory Updates

In this month’s episode of The FinCrime Connection Global, hosts Jing Zhang and Jamie Muir cover three key developments from across Australia, the UK, and New Zealand: Australia's Enhanced SMR Requirements Set to Transform Reporting Landscape UK Fraud Figures Reveal Criminal Adaptation in Action New Zealand Delivers Strong Message with NZ$1.125 Million Money Remitter Fine Tune in for essential updates to stay ahead of financial crime! Read our blog here: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resources/blog/fincrime-connection-global-june-2025 #JadeThirdEye #Fraud #RegTech #FinancialCrime #AML

This month on The FinCrime Connection, hosts Claire Rees and Chris Holmes unpack the top developments shaping the UK’s financial crime landscape: FCA Links Financial Crime Controls with Consumer Duty CIFAS Fraudscape Reveals Record-Breaking Fraud Figures Early Insights from APP Scam Reimbursement Reforms From evolving fraud typologies to regulatory reforms, this episode is essential for financial crime professionals wanting to stay ahead. Read our blog here: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resources/blog/the-fincrime-connection-uk-may-2025 #FinCrime #FraudPrevention #FinancialCrime #ConsumerDuty #FCA #JadeThirdEye #Cifas #AML

This month on The FinCrime Connection, Colin Dixon and Jamie Muir explore New Zealand's latest scam protection measures from the New Zealand Banking Association (NZBA) and what they mean for AML professionals across New Zealand.  With insights drawn from the UK and expert commentary from our hosts, this episode equips financial crime teams with the knowledge they need to prepare for 30 November 2025. Read our blog, which also contains links to the UKFIU podcasts, here: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/resources/blog/the-fincrime-connection-nz-may-2025 #FinancialCrime #AML #NZBA #FraudPrevention #FinCrimePodcast #JadeThirdEye

In this episode of The FinCrime Connection, Claire Rees and Colin Dixon break down the latest trends in financial crime. Discover the new legislative changes in New Zealand, how cyber-attacks are affecting Australian superannuation companies, and the UK’s improved Suspicious Activity Reports. Listen now for actionable insights that every financial crime professional should know! #FinCrime #FinancialCrime #AML #RiskAssessment #CyberSecurity #FinancialRegulation #NewZealandLegislation #Superannuation #SuspiciousActivityReports #FinancialCrimePrevention #JadeThirdEye

Claire Rees, Financial Crime Regulatory Specialist at Jade ThirdEye is joined by Lindsey Woodward, Deputy MLRO at Virgin Money, to discuss key highlights and takeaways from the UK Economic Crime Convention. 🌟 What’s Covered in This Episode: Passion in the Industry: The drive and enthusiasm of professionals across fraud, financial crime, and compliance. Challenges of Regulation: Balancing scalable regulations for firms of all sizes. Failure to Prevent Fraud: Exploring how new guidance might reshape industry practices in 2025. Balancing Acts: Managing access to cash while addressing financial crime risks. Tune in to hear their thoughts on the future of financial crime prevention, upcoming regulatory changes, and how the industry is shaping up for an exciting year ahead. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for weekly updates! #EconomicCrime #AML #Compliance #JadeThirdEye #FraudPrevention #FinancialCrime

Join Adrian Isaac and Claire Rees DipFCP, DipAML, as they recap an insightful day at the UK Finance Economic Crime Congress in London. Key Theme: Future and Effectiveness Risk-Based Approaches Evolving  DAML Threshold Changes  #AML #Fraud #Compliance #FinancialCrime #UKFinance

🎥 In Case You Missed It! A round-up of the latest Financial Crime headlines you need to know from the Jade Thirdeye UK team:  🗞️ FCA’s Finalised Financial Crime Guide – Practical tips for firms to tackle financial crime risks effectively. FCG.pdf 🗞️ Basel AML Index 2024 – Insights into global money laundering risks and rankings. Basel AML Index 2024 | Basel Institute on Governance 🗞️ Operation Destabilise – The NCA’s massive takedown of Russian-linked money laundering networks, leading to 84 arrests. Operation Destabilise: NCA disrupts $multi-billion Russian money laundering networks with links to, drugs, ransomware and espionage, resulting in 84 arrests - National Crime Agency #Financial Crime #AML #Fraud