
Terrorist Drug Trafficking Organizations
This article provides background on designated cartels — their geographic reach, how they raise and move money, the risks they pose to financial institutions, and common red flags that may help financial institutions to identify suspicious activity.

FATF’s Recent Risk Map Update
FATF’s June 2025 update—new grey list additions and unchanged high-risk jurisdictions mean updated risk scores, stronger due diligence, and sharper monitoring for compliance teams. Here are three actions to take now.

Out of the Shadows
Iran’s shadow banking system has laundered billions of dollars for the regime. In this article, we detail how the system works and how financial institutions can identify red flags associated with Iran’s oil smuggling and concealed payment networks.

Cartels & Crypto
Cartels and the professional money launderers that service them have integrated digital assets throughout the narcotics trade, from precursors to sales and laundering proceeds.

Canada’s Strong Borders Act
Canada’s Strong Borders Act represents a sweeping overhaul of the country’s AML/CFT regime. The legislation introduces tougher penalties, expanded oversight, and stricter compliance and enforcement expectations.

A Dangerous Alliance
Today, on United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we spotlight a dangerous financial alliance accelerating the fentanyl crisis: transnational partnerships between Mexican cartels and Chinese money laundering networks.

From Fraud to Flow
Fraud is often the entry point into a complex web of financial crime from money laundering to terrorism financing. Understanding this gateway role is essential for those defending the integrity of the global financial system.

The Network, Not the Node
Data analytics and advanced technologies are critical tools to take effective action against increasingly complex criminal networks. In this article we consider the best practices a financial institution could apply when implementing data analytics strategies and solutions, and what the future holds.

Sweeping AML Requirements for RIAs and ERAs
FINCEN issued a final rule with new AML requirements for investment advisers. With the January 1, 2026 deadline approaching, RIA and ERA firms must begin building and implementing their compliance programs as soon as possible.

Cartels, Cash, and Capital Flows
Cartels and their money laundering networks represent an increasing threat to our security and citizens, as well as being a priority for enforcement action. This article sets out five actionable steps a financial institution can take to ensure it is effectively identifying and responding to cartel risk.