Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded is your window into the world of financial crime fighters and the industries that arm them against the illegal actors that threaten people, companies and society. Listen and learn from subject matter experts, authors and practitioners to find out how you can better address and mitigate the risks to your business and community.

Unified risk management insights

Risk is no longer confined to a single department—it’s a business-wide challenge. In this episode, we explore how organizations can move from siloed approaches to a unified risk management strategy that drives resilience and competitive advantage. Host Alex Pillow is joined by Paul Nola, Partner at We Live Context, who shares insights from Moody’s latest study on unified risk management. This research draws on 50 in-depth interviews with senior executives across industries and regions. Their discussion explores what unified risk management means, why it matters now, and how organizations can move from siloed compliance to integrated, strategic risk management. Key highlights include: The five factors that most influence an organization’s risk approach Why continuity and resilience are top priorities today How organizations prioritize risks that are both high-impact and difficult to manage The critical role executive leadership plays in shaping risk management strategies The structural, cultural, and technological challenges that prevent companies from adopting unified risk management Visit our website to read the full report. Register for our webinar to hear insights from the study on Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 2:00 PM UTC | 9:00 AM ET  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

12-17
39:53

BIS 50% Rule: What you need to know

BIS 50% Rule: What you need to knowThe BIS 50% Rule is coming—but it’s already reshaping screening activities. By making ownership the deciding factor for the US Entity List, this rule could expose hidden connections, highlight new risks, and impel companies to rethink how they manage global trade and global due diligence. In this episode, host Alex Pillow, is joined by Moody’s Industry Practice Lead, Hera Smith, to unpack what this rule will likely mean for businesses worldwide. Together, they explore the effects across industries and answer the questions that matter most: What is the BIS 50% Rule and what loophole does it close? How does it compare to OFAC’s 50% Rule? What will the penalties be for violating this regulation? Which industries will be most affected, and how should compliance teams adapt now? What does effective collaboration between vendors and practitioners look like? Since the recording, implementation has changed and will now be enforced from November 2026.Additional resources: Bureau of Industry & Security websiteMoody’s blogs BIS 50% Rule – what is it and what has changed?What are the differences between the BIS 50% Rule and the OFAC 50% Rule? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

12-03
32:21

Human in the loop: Continuous monitoring

What if your compliance controls aren’t doing what you think they are? In a world where regulations shift overnight and data moves faster than ever, continuous monitoring is your second line of defense – testing, validating, and strengthening controls before risk becomes reality.  In this episode, host Alex Pillow sits down with Anu Mathur Boyd, Head of Continuous Monitoring at ING, and Francis Marinier, Industry Practice Lead at Moody’s to unpack the importance of continuous monitoring: what it is, why it matters, and how it’s evolving to meet the pace and complexity of today’s regulatory landscape. Their conversation covers: Why continuous monitoring is critical for ensuring compliance controls work The types of tests continuous monitoring teams use to identify gaps and validate controls How compliance teams can shift from reacting to regulatory changes to building proactive, resilient systems The value of keeping humans in the loop—especially when navigating complex data and AI-driven systems Why teams are striving to achieve data interoperability—and how it can unlock smarter, more scalable compliance Additional resources: Moody’s original research on AI in risk-related complianceMoody’s data interoperability landing pageMoody’s blogsTo learn more about Moody’s please visit our website or get in touch; we would love to hear from you.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

11-05
53:02

Exploring AI in risk and compliance

In this episode, we dive into the findings of Moody’s latest global study on the use of artificial intelligence in risk-related compliance — an evolution of our 2023 research. This new report explores how attitudes, adoption, and applications of AI have shifted across industries and regions.  We’re joined once again by Paul Nola, Partner at We Live Context, who returns to the show with host, Alex Pillow. Together, they explore the latest trends and insights from key benefits and drivers to barriers and concerns. Tune in as they discuss: How organizations are adopting and integrating AI The rise of agentic AI and its growing role in business  The critical role of human oversight in AI-driven compliance Navigating the risks and challenges of AI adoption  Why companies want a seat at the table in shaping AI regulation What the future of AI holds for companies and their goals For additional information: Download our report: From reactive to proactive: How AI is transforming risk and complianceWatch our webinar recording: Mind the gap: AI’s big leap in risk and compliance Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

10-22
45:55

Moody’s x SAP: Built on trust

Moody’s and SAP are transforming how organizations approach risk, data, and trust—together. By combining Moody’s proficiency in risk data and analytics with SAP’s powerful enterprise software and cloud solutions, this partnership is paving the way for faster, smarter decision-making across industries. In this episode, host Alex Pillow sits down with Marc Geal, Head of Product Technology and Experience at SAP, and Ben Holloway, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships Business Development at Moody’s, to explore how the two organizations are aligning around a shared vision for integrated data and decision intelligence. Their conversation unpacks topics such as: The strategic and natural alignment that drives the Moody’s–SAP partnership  A fresh take on master data management with the “keyring” approach  Breaking down silos to foster collaboration across departments and organizations The role of trust as the foundation for adopting AI responsibly  Why interoperability and governance are becoming critical in a data-driven world What initiatives lie ahead for the Moody’s–SAP partnership To learn more about Moody’s please visit our website or get in touch; we would love to hear from you.      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

10-08
42:30

Supply chain in the spotlight

What do 1,000+ supply chain conversations teach us about resilience, innovation, and leadership? In this episode of KYC Decoded, Scott Luton, founder, CEO, and host of Supply Chain Now, sits down with host Alex Pillow, to share his hard-earned insights from years of frontline dialogue with industry leaders. With global disruption reshaping how organizations think about sourcing, automation, and strategy, this conversation dives deep into the evolving role of supply chain in today’s interconnected world. Listen along as they explore topics such as: How artificial intelligence, machine learning, and access to data are transforming supply chain operations Why supply chain resilience is now a board-level priority and what that means for strategic planning Growing awareness of supply chain complexity and the hidden causes behind major disruptions Rising demand for interoperability—ensuring multiple tools and technologies work seamlessly together  The three most important traits for successful supply chain professionals today Additional resources: Supply Chain Now podcastMoody’s Supplier Risk landing pageTo learn more about Moody’s please visit our website or get in touch; we would love to hear from you.     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

09-12
49:09

Crypto, cyber & a $1.5B crime

How does one crypto transaction spiral into a $1.5 billion cybercrime? The Bybit heist.This wasn’t just the largest crypto theft in history—it was a criminal feat of deception that exposed how even sophisticated systems can be breached when fraud, cybersecurity, and human oversight don’t align. In this episode, we are excited to welcome returning guest Geoff White, investigative journalist and creator of The Lazarus Heist podcast, to join host, Alex Pillow, in examining one of the most audacious crypto thefts to-date. How did hackers executed the largest crypto theft in history while making operations seem normal from the inside?Tactics used in the heist and the broader implications of money laundering in the crypto space The impact of remote work on verifying employee legitimacy and protecting organizational value What the aftermath of money laundering looks like for victims—can stolen crypto ever be recovered? How companies can map where value resides across departments—and identify weak links before attackers do For more information, check out the resources below:  Cyber Siege: From Russia to RedcarThe Lazarus Heist podcastTo learn more about Moody’s, please visit our website or get in touch—we would love to hear from you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

08-13
47:59

Failure to prevent fraud episode

Fraud is one of the most pervasive challenges in the modern economy, accounting for enormous financial and societal harm. In response to this growing crisis, the UK has introduced a ‘failure to prevent fraud’ offence—a transformation that holds organizations accountable for their role in preventing fraudulent activities. In this episode, Moody’s Industry Practice Lead, Ted Datta, joins host Alex Pillow. Together, they dive into the implications of this new offence, exploring how it reshapes corporate responsibility, impacts global businesses, and sets the stage for compliance standards in the fight against financial crime. Key topics include:  An overview of the UK’s new ‘failure to prevent fraud’ offence and how it shifts legal responsibility Who it applies to and the criteria for being affected The rationale for enactment and what it seeks to address What measures organizations can consider implementing to address fraud  Potential effects on the cost of doing business in the UK, and international ramifications For more information, check out the resources below: Moody’s fraud blogsSerious Fraud Office (UK) LinkedInGov.uk Home Office guidanceTo learn more about Moody’s please visit our website or get in touch we would love to hear from you.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

07-16
31:11

Data interoperability in action

What if all your data and systems could work together seamlessly, breaking down silos and unlocking endless possibilities? That’s the promise of data interoperability—connecting platforms and datasets to fuel smarter collaboration, sharper insights, and transformative innovation.  In this episode, we welcome Ian Godfrey, Industry Practice Lead at Moody’s, who dives into the technologies, standards, and real-world challenges behind making data truly interoperable, and why it’s a game-changer for businesses in today’s fast-paced, interconnected world.  His conversation with host, Alex Pillow, addresses questions such as: What exactly is data interoperability, and why is it critical for organizations managing diverse systems and formats? How can companies overcome historical challenges, like manual data capture and quality issues, to build more effective interoperable systems? What role does Master Data Management (MDM) play in achieving data interoperability, and is it merely a foundation or the ultimate goal? How are advancements in AI, machine learning, and real-time APIs transforming data interoperability, and what new opportunities or risks do they bring? How can organizations balance the need for seamless data sharing with regulatory compliance and data privacy concerns? For further information, check out the resources below:    Moody’s data interoperability landing pageTo learn more about Moody’s please visit our website or get in touch we would love to hear from you.    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

07-02
49:53

Mastering identity in a digital age

In this episode of KYC Decoded, we’re excited to highlight the newly formed partnership between Moody’s and GBG, a collaboration aimed at further streamlining business onboarding through continued development of smarter identity verification in Moody’s Maxsight™ platform. Joining us is Gus Tomlinson, Managing Director of Identity Fraud at GBG, to discuss the importance of balancing robust verification processes with a seamless customer experience. Key topics include: How identity verification impacts the digital economy Why customer experience is central to successful identity verification Critical questions businesses must address when verifying identities The growing threat of deepfakes and their impact on fraud prevention What’s next in the identity verification landscape For further information, check out the resources below:  Moody's Maxsight™ landing page Recommended novel: Eat Sleep Innovate  Gus’s blog: Tariffs: four steps to future-proof your business in a shifting economyPress releases on Moody’s and GBG partnership To learn more about Moody’s, please visit our website or get in touch; we would love to hear from you.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

06-25
30:24

pKYC progress: Past, present, future

Three years after our 2022 podcast series on Perpetual KYC (pKYC), we’re rebooting the topic to explore how the practice has evolved and where the industry stands today. The pKYC landscape has shifted, with advancements in technology, regulatory expectations, and data integration driving its adoption as a dynamic, real-time approach to customer due diligence. In this episode, Moody’s Industry Practice Leads, Chor Teh and Marisol Lopez Mellado join us for a discussion on questions like: How has pKYC evolved, and what are the key areas driving adoption? Are sectors from insurance to asset management to professional services experiencing similar pKYC trends as financial institutions? What are the main challenges in achieving pKYC?  How can organizations empower financial crime analysts to overcome the learning curve associated with implementing pKYC? How do shareholders and stakeholders benefit from organizations using pKYC practices? How can AI revolutionize pKYC systems to deliver sharper insights, greater efficiency, and stronger operational outcomes? Additional resources: Moody’s pKYC websiteMoody’s pKYC blogs2022 pKYC miniseries: Part 1, Part 2, & Part 3  European Banking AssociationTo learn more about Moody’s, please visit our website or get in touch; we would love to hear from you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

06-04
35:00

Counterterrorism: All source part 3

Terrorism is not a static threat—it’s evolving in complexity and reach, demanding new ways of thinking and acting to counter it. Staying ahead means knowing what to look for and equipping the intelligence and security community with the insights needed to act decisively in an unpredictable world. In this third installment of the All-Source miniseries, we’re bringing together two leading voices on counterterrorism: Russ Travers, Retired Senior Intelligence Executive and National Security Official, and Jason Lee, Industry Practice Lead at Moody’s. Together, they’ll help us dig into some of the most pressing questions shaping today’s global security environment: How has terrorism evolved over the decades, and what does this reveal about the future of global security?  What distinguishes foreign terrorism from domestic terrorism, and how do these differences shape the way we approach prevention and response? Should drug trafficking organizations be classified as terrorist groups? Where do terrorist groups operate in less obvious spaces, and what can uncovering these hidden networks teach us about their strategies and vulnerabilities? In an age of overwhelming data, how can intelligence agencies separate actionable insights from noise to stay one step ahead of emerging threats? What advanced tools and capabilities should counterintelligence teams possess to effectively dismantle complex, adaptive networks of terrorism? For further information, check out the resources below:  War on the RocksTerrorism 360°To learn more about Moody’s please visit our website or get in touch we would love to hear from you.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

05-14
50:52

Intelligence: All source part 2

In a world increasingly defined by rapid information flow, interconnected risks, and complex decision-making, intelligence analysis has never been more critical—or challenging. In this second installment of our All Source miniseries, we are joined by Lieutenant General Guy Swan, U.S. Army (Retired) and President of Swan and Associates, LLC and Jason Lee, Industry Practice Lead at Moody’s who explore how the skills and insights gained from leveraging intelligence in military decision making can be applied to private sector initiatives. Their discussion answers questions like: How can leaders prioritize decisions and address bias when dealing with overwhelming amounts data?What can the military and private sector teach each other about decision-making?How can Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) be leveraged in military and financial contexts?What strategies help organizations manage exponential and interconnected risks to ensure their plans are resilient to real-world challenges?How can AI and technology improve intelligence analysis while maintaining human judgment?Why do cultural differences and diversity of thought matter in intelligence analysis?For further information, check out the resources below: Department of Defense OSINT StrategyDepartment of Homeland Security websiteTo learn more about Moody’s please visit our website or get in touch; we would love to hear from you.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

05-02
56:54

Espionage: All source part 1

Could your company be the next target for corporate espionage, where trade secrets and competitive advantages hang in the balance? As corporate spies evolve their methods to outpace defenses, the risks have never been greater.  In this gripping first episode of our All Source series, we’re joined by Michael Orlando, Senior Director of Global Security at Micron Technology, and Jason Lee, Industry Practice Lead at Moody’s, for an eye-opening exploration of the covert world of corporate espionage. Together, they peel back the layers of this hidden threats, diving into critical questions like: Why is corporate espionage a growing risk in today’s interconnected world? What signals might indicate your organization is being targeted? What drives bad actors to exploit companies, and how are their methods becoming more sophisticated? How are tools like OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) being used to investigate and combat espionage? How are governments and regulators tackling this issue?How will emerging technologies like AI reshape the future of corporate intelligence and defense? If you’re interested in learning more, check out the resources below: Federal Bureau of InvestigationThe National Counterintelligence and Security CenterU.S. Department of Defense Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security AgencyTo learn more about Moody’s please visit our website or get in touch; we would love to hear from you.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

04-09
47:08

Fraud strategy: A growth engine?

Would you rather spend money recovering from a fraud-related attack or building an anti-fraud strategy? Organizations who become victims of fraud often find themselves paying enormous sums of money, managing severe reputational damage, and navigating uncertainties on how to better prepare for the future.In this episode of KYC Decoded we welcome Chen Zamir, fraud strategy advisor and founder of the consultancy Native[risk].  Chen shares his deep expertise on the topic of fraud with host Alex Pillow, covering ideas like:Transforming fraud strategy towards an organization's growth engineHow to discuss anti-fraud return on investmentAnti-fraud performance indicatorsHow senior executives can better engage with their fraud teamsWhat anti-fraud vendors should considerTo learn more from Chen, subscribe to his weekly newsletter, The Saturday Fraud Strategist.Find out how you can transform risk management across your organization with Moody’s Maxsight™ unified risk platform and feel free to get in touch; we would love to hear from you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

03-26
49:34

Tranche 2: The future of AML & CTF

Australia recently passed an amended anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) bill that will soon include Tranche 2 entities in its regulatory regime. The result? Approximately 100,000 new entities under its scope. Regulating non-financial entities is not a new undertaking, as we’ve seen in countries like the UK, Singapore, and United Arab Emirates. Crucial to the success of the regime and overall client experience will be how Australian firms adopt the best practices shown by firms in other parts of the world, while ensuring they account for the nuances of their domestic market.In this episode of KYC Decoded, risk advisory lawyer, Jeremy Moller, from Norton Rose Fulbright and Qing Liu, Moody's Senior Director of Compliance & Third Party Risk in Australia, sit down with host Alex Pillow to discuss what the anticipated changes mean for Tranche 2 obliged entities and the future of compliance in Australia.Key topics:Introduction of the Tranche 2 regulationsChallenges and opportunities for firms implementing the reformsInternational comparisons of similar regimes, and opportunities for harmonizing regulationsAdditional resources:Register for Moody’s in-person Sydney event on April 3 – the event features a blend of plenary and breakout sessions led by industry peers and Moody’s financial crime practice lead.Law Council of Australia: AML/CTF Guidance and Vulnerabilities AnalysisLaw Society of New South Wales AML/CTF HubInformation on AUSTRAC’s AML/CTF ReformNorton Rose Fulbright’s Tranche 2 and AML/CTF Reforms HubVisit our website and get in touch to learn more – we would love to hear from you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

03-13
49:34

Sanctions 2025: Compliance trends

We find ourselves 3 years out from the Russia/Ukraine war, and the sanctions climate continues to evolve. From changing global politicians to sanctions regulations and enforcements to evasion tactics, it is imperative compliance professionals stay alive to risks, and the consequences of not doing so.  In this episode of KYC Decoded, we are pleased to welcome Moody’s Industry Practice Lead, Hera Smith, an expert on sanctions and AML. In this brief, informative conversation with host, Alex Pillow, Hera walks us through how sanctions have changed in the past year, the current sanctions ecosystem, and what to look for in 2025. They explore:Why sanctions are such a commonly used geopolitical tacticHow changing political leaders globally can impact sanctions across jurisdictionsThe financial risks of not adhering to sanctions complianceAutomated understanding of current export controlsHow corporations and banks have adjusted staffing to keep up with the regulationsWhere organizations should start when beefing up their sanctions risk teamsIf you would like to find out more, please check out the following resources:A new frontier in sanctions awareness and compliance whitepaperAre you ready for reporting on outgoing transfers involving Russian entities?Sanctions crisis management: preparing for potential changeWe also welcome you to visit our website or get in touch to discuss sanctions; we would love to hear from you.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

02-26
28:51

OSINT 101: Data to intelligence

An exponential growth in data has coincided with the era of exponential risk - what does this mean for anti-financial crime and risk professionals? With ever increasing amounts of unstructured data and information at their fingertips, how can professional investigators implement sophisticated open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigations to make informed decisions?In this episode of KYC Decoded, we welcome the CEO of Blackdot Solutions and former forensic investigator, Stuart Clarke. Stuart breaks down what is needed for high-functioning OSINT investigations in an enlightening conversation with host, Alex Pillow. Together they explore questions like:How do we extract real insights from unstructured data?What is the methodology for running an investigation?How can leaders deploy the right balance of data, technology, and human investigators, when conducting OSINT investigations?What makes OSINT investigations difficult for practitioners  in the private sector vs public sector?What is the impact of advanced OSINT?How much of an OSINT investigation can (and should) be automated?What are the legal and ethical guardrails around the use of open source data?If you are keen to learn more, check out the resources below:Blackdot Solutions, The OSINT handbookMoody’s Maxsight™ InvestigationsPlease also visit our website and get in touch; we would love to hear from you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

02-12
49:07

GenAI unlocked: A new future for traditional risk departments?

Imagine a world where the bulk of your workday is dedicated to gaining a deep understanding of financial criminal behavior and forecasting future transgressions - rather than being spent on monotonous research hunting for risk signals down rabbit holes. Could generative AI help make this vision a reality?In this episode of KYC Decoded, Moody’s own Chief Product Officer, Nick Reed, sits down with host, Alex Pillow, to candidly discuss the possibility of addressing integrated risk at scale leveraging AI. Highlights of their conversation include:Democratizing data access and team interactionHow AI agents can help transform traditional workflowsThe foundational need for Master Data ManagementThe potential opportunities for practitioners who embrace a new way of thinkingIf this episode leaves you eager to discover more about new unified risk management possibilities, register for our upcoming webinar "How unified risk management is decoding risk and unlocking opportunity," which will also be available on-demand. We encourage you to visit Moody’s Maxsight™ and please get in touch. We would love to hear from you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

02-05
33:19

Preventing, detecting, and disrupting human trafficking with information systems

Human trafficking is one of the most terrible crimes imaginable. And, yet, the magnitude of it is so overwhelming that it can feel nearly impossible to tackle. But, what if there was a way to flip this problem on its head? Could we learn from technologists who use feedback loops to build information systems and apply this same way of thinking to a new challenge? In this KYC Decoded episode, we are honored to give the mic to Researcher and Assistant Professor of Information Systems at University of North Texas, Laurie Giddens. Partnering with Jodie Brinkerhoff, VP of Innovation at the third busiest airport in the world, the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Laurie was able to gather valuable, firsthand data and insights to better understand the existing challenges when combating human trafficking. Her enlightening conversation with host, Alex Pillow, explores probing questions like:How do data and technology change the possibilities for how we tackle human trafficking?Within the prevention, detection, and disruption paradigm, where should innovation focus first?What data points should we look at when building new technologies and what kinds of unstructured data should be considered?What stakeholders should be included to collect data and work through possible solutions?Similarities between the data challenges of AML and transaction monitoring with this part of the risk ecosystem, and how they could learn from each otherHow could feedback loops help fight human trafficking more effectively?If you would like to continue this learning, please check out the resources below:National Academies, Developing an Airport Program to Address Human Trafficking: A GuideLaurie’s Google Scholar pageInformation Systems Journal, Information technology as a resource to counter domestic sex trafficking in the United StatesMoody’s The Infinite Game docuseriesTo learn how you can better equip your organization to fight human trafficking, please visit our website and get in touch. We would love to hear from you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

01-29
48:03

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