The Laundry
The Laundry is a podcast that connects anti-money laundering (AML), compliance, and financial crime to the real world. It dives deep into the intricacies of financial crime, AML, compliance, sanctions, and global financial regulation. Hosted by Marit Rødevand, Fredrik Riiser, and Robin Lycka, the show features renowned experts from banking, fintech, regtech, compliance, and investigative journalism. Together, they shed light on industry trends, analyze mainstream news through a compliance-focused lens, and connect the fight against money laundering.
Episoder
E178: Are criminals better at collaborating than we are?
Recorded on stage at the International Anti-Financial Crime Summit in London.Are criminals better at collaborating than we are?If there’s one thing this industry loves, it’s the promise of a silver bullet – the thing that stops financial crime in its tracks. And the one that keeps getting proposed is information sharing: public with private, private with private, and every arrangement in between.S
E177: How dangerous is crypto's hold on politics?
Donald Trump in 2025: "I'm a big crypto fan. I've been that from the beginning."Donald Trump in 2019: "I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air."What changed? Whatever the answer, Trump is only the highest-profile example of a growing trend.Our expert host, Robin Lycka, is joined
E176: Are Pokémon Cards fincrime’s hottest new toy?
$190,000 of trading cards stolen in Tokyo with a hammer. One card sold at auction for $16.5 million.Somewhere between those two facts is the reason a children's card game became one of the most portable stores of value on the planet.We're talking about Pokémon: the Japanese phenomenon that has hooked generations of collectors. The game that told children to "Catch 'Em All" no
E175: How did vape shops become the frontline of money laundering?
Last November in the UK, more than 2,000 vape shops, mini marts and candy stores were raided in a National Crime Agency (NCA) operation – with £11 million in cash seized.But despite the raids, 'hubs of polycriminality' persist on the high street. Solving it means following the money.Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Sal Melki, Deputy Director of Illicit Finance at National Crime Agency
E174: Are fincrime professionals paid enough?
We talk a lot about the dark money that makes the criminal world turn — but what about the money paid to the people fighting it?For all the responsibility, the stress, the expertise, and the constant need to adapt, compliance professionals are right to ask whether they're being paid what they're worth.Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Quentin Downes, Divisional Director of Financial Cr
E173: Can we train AI to THINK like a fincrime investigator?
70% of us have already let AI loose on our day-to-day tasks — summarising documents, knocking out images, the usual.Turning it loose on a financial crime investigation is a different question entirely.Our expert host, Robin Lycka, is joined by Asia Holt, Fincrime Domain Lead at Strise, to put it to the test: can we train AI to think like a fincrime investigator?They build an AI investigator from s
E172: Is this the end of beneficial ownership data?
In August 2026, FinCEN made it official: US companies no longer have to disclose who actually owns them.Five years after the Corporate Transparency Act was signed into law as America's "toughest anti-corruption tool in a generation", the federal registry behind it is being switched off — and the data already collected is being deleted.Our expert host. Robin Lycka, is joined by Erica Hanichak, Co-D
E171: How do we put the "human" back into AI processes in fincrime?
You've seen the stories: a big company makes staff redundant, replaces them with a shiny AI feature, then quietly hires them back once it all goes wrong.Why does this keep happening? Swapping human expertise for AI is never a straight substitution – especially in financial crime.Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Craig McLeod, Partner in Financial Crime & Risk Consulting at EY, 
E170: What does the board need to know about AML?
"AML is a board-level topic." – but is this true in practice?Is this more a provocative challenge than a current statement of fact? Under the EU's incoming AMLR, that may be set to change, but are most boards really ready for that?Our host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Viveka Strangert, Non-Executive Board Member at Alecta, Fidelio Capital, & Ikano Bank and Chair of Loomis Sverige/Loomis Digit
Re-Spin: How do we stop MLRO burnout?
MLROs are vital to financial services - a crucial link between companies, the risks they face, and the authorities.The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority have previously sent a warning to hundreds of companies who had burned through three or more MLROs in just three years. So, what does this tell us about the pressures of this role?In this episode – originally published in 2024 – Marit Rødevan
Re-Spin: Did Wirecard's collapse shape the future of whistleblowing?
The Wirecard scandal has become the stuff of legend.A German payments company, worth tens of billions of euros, collapsed following the exposure of massive accounting fraud and financial misconduct. It sent shockwaves across the financial industry and to the very top of the German government.But none of it would have been possible without the actions of a whistleblower.In this episode – originally
E169: Is AMLA *really* on track?
No one said building a regulator from the ground up would be easy.But when the organisation chair, Bruna Szego, describes it as like ‘flying a plane while building it’ – you have to wonder how things are going on the ground. Our expert host, Robin Lycka, is joined by Carlo Boffa, EU Correspondent for AML Intelligence, to ask: Is AMLA really on track? The panel discuss: what AMLA looks li
E168: Can following the money disrupt the illegal wildlife trade?
The illegal wildlife trade is the fourth-biggest criminal market on the planet — behind only narcotics, counterfeiting, and human trafficking. And like any criminal trade of that scale, there's a hugely sophisticated network behind it, moving billions.This week's episode was recorded in the media room at the United for Wildlife Business Forum in London, set up by the Royal Foundation.Our expert ho
E167: What keeps payments players up at night?
According to Money20/20, the EMEA region accounts for 48% of the world's outbound cross-border payment flows — just under half!Now put yourself in the position of assessing those billions of transactions, moving at incredible speed, for financial crime risks and suspicious patterns. Sounds like a headache, right?Our expert host, Robin Lycka, is joined by René Hofer, CRO/CCO & Branch Director G
E166: What does it take to get sanctioned by Putin at 17?
What were you doing at seventeen? If you were getting into trouble, it might've been with your teacher or parents!How about uncovering money laundering and, in turn, being sanctioned by the Russian government for your discoveries?Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Alexander Browder, founder of the Global Cryptocurrency Laundering Database, to ask: "What does it take to get sanctioned by
E165: How do we combat the professionalisation of money laundering?
What do you think is keeping anti-financial crime professionals up at night?According to Nasdaq Verafin's latest Global Financial Crime Report, there's something more pressing than deepfakes or even AMLA.It's money launderers growing up, graduating, and acting more like Fortune 500 companies than criminals.Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Kamlesh Harry, Principal Strategic Advisor of
E164: How do we turn technology against financial crime?
Coming to you from Insight Denmark's recent 'Compliance & Legal in the financial sector' conference in Copenhagen!In the 1984 film Terminator, the T-800 is a threat — a machine sent from the future to destroy us.By the 1991 sequel, the exact same model has been reprogrammed and is now humanity's last line of defence.Is this how we should be looking at technology and financial crime? A threat w
E163: Is the 2026 World Cup the financial crime event of the year?
What happens when you take a World Cup fixtures wall chart, the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, the UN sanctions list, and a little AI magic? You uncover the financial crime risks hiding inside the world's biggest sporting event.The World Cup is one week away. While the world celebrates the beautiful game, the allure of football and its riches makes it an irresistible targ
Takeover: The Dark Money Files meets The Laundry
Everybody in this industry knows Graham Barrow and Ray Blake — who have been unpacking the finer details of financial crime prevention on their podcast, The Dark Money Files, since 2019. So it was an honour when Marit the first person ever to take up a third chair alongside them, to discuss all things AI in financial crime.In this special takeover episode: we are handing our podcast feed over
Re-Spin: What the 1MDB scandal tells us about how the world really works
The 1MDB scandal may be the AML industry’s ultimate whack-a-mole – popping back up again and again.A Malaysian government fund set up to boost the country’s economy became one of the biggest frauds in history. Now, the alleged mastermind and current fugitive from the law, Jho Low, has reportedly put in a request for a US presidential pardon from Trump.In this episode, originally published n 2024,
E162: Is the gambling/gaming industry set for an AML wake-up call?
Spin the wheel, roll the dice, play your hand — the world of online gaming is all about calculated risk and reward.Now it's the operators' turn to think about risk. From July 2027, they fall under AMLA's new AML rulebook.Host Robin Lycka is joined by Sam Stenius, Head of AML at PAF, to ask: is the gambling/gaming industry in for an AML wake-up call?They discuss the current challenges facing the se
E161: Are public-private partnerships the key to financial crime prevention?
An effective partnership between a public and private organisation is like forming a band.But as long as these partnerships have been going on, there's been Gallagher brother level tension – so what's the answer?Recorded live at the European Anti-Financial Crime Summit in Dublin, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Giuseppe Lopez (Europol), Suzanne Gunn (Department of Justice Ireland), Lauren Kohr (IRS C
E160: CFO, CEO, CCO – who owns AI in compliance?
We get it – you’re the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Compliance Officer – you’re busy!And now, you have to think about new AI systems in your compliance process? That’s no small thing on the to-do list!Our expert host, Marit Rødevand is joined by Hanjo Seibert, Managing Director & Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), to tackle the question: Who owns AI in compliance?&nb
E159: Are you at the bleeding edge of AI in financial crime – or already behind?
The story is often the same when it comes to AI in financial crime teams: 'We tried it, but it didn't stick.'But, the reality is the AI you tested 18 months ago is a relic compared to what is available today.Our expert host, Marit Rødevand is joined by Pedro Bizarro, Co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Feedzai, to tackle the question: Are you at the bleeding edge of AI in financial crime – or
E158: What is the AML industry wrestling with RIGHT NOW?
The latest edition of AML Arena in Helsinki brought together law enforcement, regulators, fintechs, and big banks all in the same room.Rather than letting all that knowledge walk out the door, we grabbed three of the day's speakers for an on-stage round-up session!Our expert host, Marit Rødevand is joined by Aisling Twomey, Head of FinCrime, Business Banking, EU, Sanctions & U16s at Monzo; Ina
![Bonus: Er AML i frontlinjen av en hemmelig krig? [på norsk]](https://assets.pippa.io/shows/61d2e6951b91cf0012c357bf/1775046140631-66870b5e-d7f4-4171-8736-b8724eb20cc6.jpeg)
Bonus: Er AML i frontlinjen av en hemmelig krig? [på norsk]
As an Easter bonus, we have very special Norwegian episode of The Laundry recorded live at SALT in Oslo!Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Eirik Furuseth, Founder/Partner at Finansco, Gøran Skaalmo, Investigative Reporter at Dagens Næringsliv, Kristin Nordland Brattli, Partner at Wikborg Rein, and Thomas Osinga, Tribe Lead at Signicat, to ask: Er AML i frontlinjen av en hemmelig krig?&n
E157: Can you switch off sanctions on a Russian shadow fleet?
Russia is the most sanctioned nation on planet earth. So, what happens when the US issues a waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil on sanctioned vessels? We're entering legal murky waters! Our expert host, Robin Lycka, is joined by Kyrre Kjellevold, Associate Professor at University of South-Eastern Norway, and Marina Fridman, Data Journalist at NRK, to ask: Can you switch off sanctions on a
E156: What happens to Iran's shadow banking network now?
Bombs are dropping on Iran, and we’ve seen the death of the Supreme Leader, counter-strikes across the region, global supply lanes in crisis, and spiraling oil prices.Despite all the fire and the fury, one thing you can count on is that dark money never stops moving.Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Josh Birenbaum, Deputy Director of the Center on Economic and Financial Power at the Fo
E155: Is Norway too "cosy" to deal with corruption?
The team is on their annual "KY-Ski" trip, located in a cosy cabin in the Norwegian mountains.But denting this "koselig" image is a slew of scandals linked to the release of the Epstein Files, which is making Norway rethink its image as one of the least corrupt countries in the world.Politically exposed persons, undeclared gifts, loans, luxury holidays, Greek villas, the Nobel Peace Prize, the Osl
E154: What is the future for MLROs?
Definitions are always evolving, but how will the next decade redefine the role of the Money Laundering Reporting Officer?This week, The Laundry comes to you live from the PIMFA Financial Crime Conference 2026.Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Aaron Guilder, MLRO at Rathbones, Evgenia Giannoulopoulou, MLRO at Rothschild & Co, and Richard Bernstein, Compliance Director & MLRO at
Trailer: Oslo, book your ticket for The Laundry Live!
On March 18th, Norway’s leading AML and compliance teams —Strise and Signicat—are coming together at SALT, Oslo for: The Laundry Live: Fincrime at Boiling Point! What will the AML team of the future look like? We’ll explore how AI is rewriting the rulebook and how we can gear up to stay one step ahead in an ever-shifting global financial landscape.Agenda for the Evening:Keynote with Thomas Seltzer
Re-Spin: How technology became a money laundering machine!
Strise is developing next-generation technology to help financial crime teams stay one step ahead of criminals. The reason is simple: bad actors are using the technology already out there with great success.In this re-spin (originally published in May 2024), we break down the complex relationship between money laundering and organised crime—and how technology acts as the "rocket booster" driving i
E153: Does an AI Agent social network spell financial crime disaster?
Everyone is talking about Moltbook, the social network exclusively for AI agents built using OpenClaw.But they aren't just chatting —they’re executing tasks, making decisions, and potentially plotting.If these agents are running their own social networks, could they be prompted to orchestrate global fraud, money laundering, and sanctions evasion?Our expert hosts, Marit Rødevand and Robin Lycka, si
Re-Spin: Can fincrime professionals fight romance fraud?
To mark Valentine's Day and the season of romance, we're re-spinning an incredibly important episode.More than £106m was lost to romance fraud in the UK in 2025, a 9% increase on the year before. Deepfake technology is also making these scams far more sophisticated than before.Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Anna Rowe, Co-Founder of LoveSaid, and Simon Miller, Director of Policy and
E152: Is financial crime the juice behind Meta's success?
The old adage about social media is: 'If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.'We’re used to hearing how platforms use our data to feed advertisers, but what if there’s a darker undercurrent?Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Jeff Horwitz, Investigative Technology Reporter at Thompson Reuters and author of the book Broken Code: Inside Facebook and Its Harmful Secrets,
E151: Have we got anti-money laundering all wrong?
In this industry, we’re constantly told that financial criminals are 'one step ahead' – but what if the very systems we built to stop them are actually giving them the lead? Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Oliver Bullough, author of Everybody Loves Our Dollars: How Money Laundering Won, to ask: Have we got anti-money laundering all wrong? The pair discuss: the big
E150: What belongs in the Museum of Anti-Money Laundering?
The history of AML has always been reactive.We move so fast to catch the next threat that we rarely look back at how we got here. But that changes today!In our 150th episode – Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Jessica Cath, Managing Partner at Thistle Initiatives, and Peter Reuter, Professor at the University of Maryland, to open the Museum Of Anti-Money Laundering!The panel discu
E149: Is the USA giving up on SARs?
America remains the ultimate trend setter – and that goes for regulation and law enforcement.Which is why you should not be ignoring FinCEN’s new guidance on SARs that is stripping back and relaxing some of the box ticking exercises in favour of a risk-based approach.Our expert host, Robin Lycka, is joined by Guy Huber, Principal at FS Vector, to ask: Is the USA giving up on SARs? The pair discuss
E148: Can we predict the 2026 financial crime roadmap?
Cross our palms with silver and look deeply into the crystal ball. We’re gazing into the future of financial crime in 2026. Consider this your 'Spoiler Alert' for the year ahead!Our expert host, Fredrik Riiser, is joined by Maria Nizzero, Head of Sanctions Policy at UK Finance, and Fredrik Drake, Director & FinCrime Lead Sweden at EY, to ask: Can we predict the 2026 financial crime roadmap?The
E147: The Nobel Peace Prize and how financial crime threatens peace
Oslo is the centre of global attention this week as the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was presented, in absentia, to Maria Corina Machado – for her work promoting democratic rights in Venezuela.Venezuela is currently ranked as one of the most corrupt countries globally by Transparency International, struggling with widespread issues like money laundering, narco/terror financing, and international sanctio
E146: What keeps the US Department of Justice up at night?
“Uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights” – these are the stated aims of the US Department of Justice.The US is the world’s largest economy, where every decision has ripples in the global market. That makes fighting corruption, laundering, and sanctions evasion crucial work.Being part of one of the most important branches of government must lead to some s
E145: What American Candy Stores can tell us about money laundering
This month, more than 2,700 high street stores across the UK were visited by police – leading to 900 arrests and more than £10 million in criminal proceeds seized. But while the news cameras focussed in on the hauls of counterfeit cigarettes, it is how this web of small businesses fit into money laundering where we should be really paying attention. In this episode, your expert hosts –
E144: Three big takeaways from Norway's biggest AML event
This week, The Laundry set itself a challenge: head to Hvitvaskingskonferansen 2025 – Norway's biggest AML and CTF conference – and come back with a learning about the state of the industry today. Conferences are more than just a chance to gossip over free coffee – these events really matter for information sharing, finding new strategies to tackle financial crime, and bringing the industry c
E143: What keeps FATF up at night?
You're given two years to make a difference in the global battle against money laundering, financial crime, and corruption. The clock is ticking from the very moment you start the job: so where do you begin?For some, the pressure could be too much – but this is all part of being President of the Financial Action Task Force. Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Elisa de Anda Madr
E142: What the Louvre heist can tell us about money laundering
Seven minutes. Nine pieces of priceless jewellery. A place in heist history.The theft of the Louvre in Paris has made headlines across the world.You may think this is a story about priceless items linked to Napoleon – but the truth may be something closer to home for compliance professionals.Our expert hosts, Marit Rødevand, Fredrik Riiser, and Robin Lycka, are revealing: What the Louvre jewel hei
E141: What keeps the regulator up at night?
For some, we know that the knock on the door from the regulator might be what’s keeping them up at night.But for this episode, let’s flip the perspective. Think about the regulators: they’re the ones building the rules, fighting complex financial crime risks, keeping up with global sanctions, and dishing out unpopular penalties. That has got to lead to some stressful evenings!Our expert host,
E140: How is organised crime and dark money infiltrating Norway?
Grenade attacks, kidnappings, young boys coerced into gang crime. This is all currently happening in Norway and it's causing a frenzy in the news. But where there’s organised crime and violence – there is also dark money. Otherwise, why bother? Our expert host, Robin Lycka, is joined by Diamant Salihu, Investigative Journalist at SVT, to ask: How is organised crime and dark money infiltr
E139: The Dark Money Files crossover! Finding passion for compliance
Welcome to the first part of The Dark Laundry Files!No one grows up dreaming of being named the Head of AML Sanctions at a tier 1 bank. In fact, many of us in compliance and AML have stumbled our way into the profession – so where does the passion come from? Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Ray Blake and Graham Barrow, presenters of The Dark Money Files podcast, to ask:
E138: How can data help solve the money mule crisis?
We have a financial crime crisis going on. Everyday people are coerced into money muling via flashy social media ads Recruited to transfer "dirty" money through their bank accounts and turning it into seemingly "clean" cash by obscuring its origin.Cases of money muling sky-rocketing globally! But why? And what can the data tell us about this problem? Our expert host, Robin Lycka, is joined by Mic
E137: What happens when 90,000 businesses become AML regulated?
It’s time to turn our world upside down and turn our attention to what's happening in Australia!The Australian government passed new AML and CFT rules that will drastically increase the number of businesses regulated by AUSTRAC—the country’s financial intelligence agency.Lawyers, accountants, and real estate agents, as well as those in precious metals and virtual assets, are now all obliged to rep
E136: Can embedded AI change financial crime prevention forever?
When we think about AI solutions, we picture them as disconnected from the systems and tools you're using every day.But for many in banking and compliance, this feels like a misstep.There's a growing belief that true innovation shouldn't require you to go searching for it. Instead, it should come directly to where you already are!Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Jeeva Moni, Partn
![E135: Will Trump’s new sanctions on Russia work – or is this more box-ticking? [Re-Spin]](https://assets.pippa.io/shows/61d2e6951b91cf0012c357bf/1758106316662-21c18b7c-363c-4012-8f0f-578fd221af45.jpeg)
E135: Will Trump’s new sanctions on Russia work – or is this more box-ticking? [Re-Spin]
We all saw the handshakes – but Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska has yet to see a peace deal signed and an end to the invasion of Ukraine. Now, it’s being reported that the US is considering a new wave of sanctions on Russia’s financial enablers – looking at secondary countries acting as middle men. Trump also wants to see more action from the EU – demanding trade tariffs o
E134: What is holding Sweden back on AI in AML?
A alarming new report out of Sweden has revealed that a THIRD of their financial institutions have not started exploring artificial intelligence solutions in AML at all!While zero respondents said they have full or advanced AI implementation in place.But in this age where financial criminals are plugged in to the latest technology, can you really afford not to be?Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, i
E133: The secrets of shadow banking
Are you ready to step into a parallel world?It’s a bizarre world where no money moves – but currency changes hands between criminals, state-backed hackers, and drug cartels. It’s one of the biggest threats in financial crime today – and yet remains massively under–researched and misunderstood.Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Ari Redbord, Global Head of Policy at TRM Labs, to reve
E132: The rise of the NepoPEPs – Russia's golden youth
Young, educated, multi-lingual, tech-savvy, operating across multiple countries.NepoPEPs are the sons, daughters, and other younger relatives of typical oligarchs—a new generation that has become instrumental in moving money across borders through crypto and other illicit means.But make no mistake—stopping this network of young politically exposed persons is no child’s play!Our expert host, Robin
E131: What does vibe coding mean for AML?
VIBE CODING!The new tools that let users write the back-end code for websites, apps, and online games with AI—without any coding experience.The potential for these tools is huge, and VCs are currently throwing billions of dollars in investment behind them!But, it wouldn’t be The Laundry if we didn't bring that compliance focus! While there are potential uses for AML specialists, there are also use
Greatest Hits: AMLA's impact on financial crime in the EU
As a summer treat, we're bringing you some of the *top performing* episodes of The Laundry to date!The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Authority (AMLA) is the new entity aiming to transform AML and CFT supervision in the EU.AMLA is gearing up to take on the 70% of criminal networks in the EU that use money laundering to fund their activities and conceal their assets
Greatest Hits: A European fintech exposed as a billion dollar fraud
As a summer treat, we're bringing you some of the *top performing* episodes of The Laundry to date!This is a story about the wild rise and crushing fall of the tech giant, Wirecard, that was exposed as a billion dollar accounting fraud. It raises big questions about corporate fraud, money laundering and the need for strong financial regulations.In this episode (originally aired July 2022) you
Greatest Hits: Is the EU's UBO ruling a gift to criminals?
As a summer treat, we're bringing you some of the *top performing* episodes of The Laundry to date! The EU's Ultimate Beneficial Ownership ruling made headlines all over Europe. It appeared to be a major win for those who think public UBO registers infringe on the right to privacy – but it also has massive consequences for financial criminals too. In this episode, originally aired December 20
The Soapbox E02: sanctions, fighting financial crime, and AMLA
Welcome to The Soapbox, a summer special from The Laundry. The humble soapbox has been used for free speech and the open sharing of views for over a century!We're channeling that spirit and inviting industry experts to share their hot takes on today's most pressing questions.This week: * Do sanctions make a real impact, or do they just help us feel like we’re acting? * What motivates you to keep f
The Soapbox E01: one-day regulator, AI takeover, and industry frustrations
Welcome to The Soapbox, a summer special from The Laundry. The humble soapbox has been used for free speech and the open sharing of views for over a century!We're channeling that spirit and inviting industry experts to share their hot takes on today's most pressing questions.This week: * If you were the regulator for a day, what’s the one thing you’d change?* What should AI take over — and what sh
E130: What happens when stablecoins go mainstream?
Stablecoins are having a moment – with a bill moving through the U.S. system that could bring the tokens into mainstream regulation.These fiat-backed currencies are presented as the more trustworthy version of crypto, acceptable to the traditional financial system. But hold on – this is still crypto, and that wild west element hasn't been entirely tamed just yet!So what should compliance prof
E129: What keeps internal auditors up at night?
Internal auditors could be the ultimate ‘insider outsider’ in financial services. They are on average 1% of a bank’s staff, and yet they are there to keep the other 99% in check – while balancing new regulations and ongoing threats in rooting out shady operators and financial crime. No pressure then! Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Eleanor Streatfield, Head of Internal Audit at
E128: Liberation Day strikes back? The impact of tariffs on financial crime
President Trump called tariffs “the most beautiful word in the dictionary.”On a self-declared ‘Liberation Day,’ the US unleashed a wave of new blanket tariffs on nations across the globe. Stock markets plunged worldwide, the administration hit the brakes, and announced a 90-day pause on their new global trade plan.But the 90-day countdown is almost over and there's no sign of a new favourite word
E127: How oligarchs embedded themselves across Scandinavia
Think about the road you took to work, the flight you booked for your next holiday, or even the property you’re looking to buy. What if they were all made possible by shadowy deals between powerful corporations and oligarchs?But surely this couldn't be happening in Scandinavia, where trust and transparency are so important…could it?Our expert hosts, Fredrik Riiser and Robin Lycka, team up to revea
E126: What you can learn about the future of AML from Helsinki
The Laundry was recently the closing act at Finland’s biggest event for the AML industry – after a day of talks from expert speakers across banking, fintech, payments, consultancy, law enforcement, and academia. After soaking up all the valuable information like sponges – our panel are bringing some of the biggest, best, and brightest takes to you!Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is join
E125: How fintech grows up and gets compliant
Hot coral cards, instant money transfers, sleek onboarding, and mega funding rounds. Take yourself back to the 2010s and the fintech hype train was in full effect!Now the industry has grown up and handles more of our money than ever before – the pendulum is shifting on these ‘disruptors’ who now face much of the same pressures as the big boys of banking.So, does fintech continue to exist if t
E124: Trump lifts sanctions on Syria – now what?
It’s been a wild ride for Syria’s interim President, Ahmed al Sharaa.Recently, he was photographed alongside Donald Trump in Riyadh, marking a historic moment: the announcement of the end of U.S. sanctions on Syria. It’s quite the turnaround for a man who once had a $10 million bounty on his head.There’s a growing sense of optimism about Syria’s reintegration into the global financial system, afte
E123: What you should know about financial crime in the Netherlands
We’re touching The Laundry down in a single country – to understand how it looks at financial crime and the lessons we can take from it.This episode: a nation where a scam involving tulip sellers can make international news!Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Erik Reissenweber, Anti-Money Laundering Specialist at AMLC, to reveal: everything you need to know about financial crime in the N
E122: How do you match innovation with compliance?
'Compliance’ and ‘Innovation’ have never traditionally been the best of friends. They can be seen as opposite ends of a spectrum.But in this modern competitive market for financial services – that has to change! Recorded at Avanza Bank in Stockholm – our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Karoline Tyan, Specially Appointed Executive in AML/CFT, and Martin Sturesson Christiansen, P
E121: The Laundry team answers your questions!
This week, our expert hosts – Marit Rødevand, Fredrik Riiser, and Robin Lycka – have the tables turned on them as they respond to questions, comments, and hot takes from Heads of Compliance, MLROs, sanctions experts, and other listeners of the podcast.The panel discuss: when it's right to separate the roles of Head of Compliance and MLRO; the cash-heavy businesses now replacing laundromats; and th
E120: How sanctions became a political weapon
Turn on the TV or scroll your phone – the headlines are full of war and global conflict.But according to the author of a new book, modern warfare isn’t being fought on battlefields anymore – but through payment systems, supply chains, strategic waterways, insurance markets, and more. And no one does this better than the USAOur expert host, Robin Lycka, is joined by Edward Fishman, Author
E119: What you don't know about defending suspects of financial crime
Everyone has the right to a fair trial. That also includes: alleged shady oligarchs, bribers, money launderers, sanction evaders, and dodgy dealers. So: who represents them? You might imagine a Better Call Saul style situation – but your perception may be wrong. Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Paul Felberg, Head of White Collar Defense at Brown Rudnick, to reveal: What you
Re-Spin: The dark secrets of North Korea's cyber army
For the Easter break – we are diving into The Laundry archives and bringing you one of our favourite episodes of the podcast to date!In this episode: our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Geoff White, investigative journalist, to reveal: The dark secrets of North Korea's cyber army.The pair discuss explore the inner workings of the elite North Korean hackers – known as Lazarus Gr
E118: Here's what you're getting wrong about data
Data is the new currency.But many banks and financial institutions grabbed so much of this new currency, they don't know what to do with it! Our expert host, Fredrik Riiser, is joined by Robert Bing, Global Head of Client Lifecycle Management at Davies to talk about: what you're getting wrong about data. The pair discuss: how data collection became bloated, the impact this has on business decision
E117: Everything you need to know about financial crime in France
We’re touching The Laundry down in a single country – to understand how it looks at financial crime and the lessons we can take from it.To start us off: we’re going to the EU’s second largest economy and the inventor of more than 1,000 types of cheese.Our expert host, Marit Rødevand, is joined by Gabriel Vedrenne, Senior Reporter at ACAMS, to discuss: everything you need to know about financial cr
E116: Why remediation projects are spiking!
Many institutions are running at one hundred miles an hour to keep up with compliance, new regulations, and sanctions.But sometimes, it’s crucial to slow down and ensure everything is running smoothly before you’re forced to slam on the brakes.Remediation projects act as a critical tune-up, helping financial institutions stay ahead of fines, money laundering risks, and threats to customer funds.Ou
E115: If everyone in compliance is using AI agents – what is left for humans?
AI agents can now perform many of the same tasks as compliance professionals.Software programs powered by AI can handle everything from KYC/KYB checks to pulling documents, searching company registries, and scanning for adverse media.To misquote Jurassic Park: Are we so preoccupied with whether we could use these tools for compliance that we forget to ask whether we should?Our expert hosts, Marit
E114: Has Trump just legalised bribery and corruption?
The Trump presidency throws out a new dramatic storyline every day.But it's time assess three big decisions that are important to those working in the AML, compliance, and financial crime sectors:The Department of Justice has halted the enforcement of a US anti-corruption law that bars Americans from bribing foreign government officials to win businessAttorney General Pam Bondi closed down a unit
E113: What keeps MLROs up at night?
The tackling and reporting of money laundering can lead to long nights for those on the frontline.It’s not just your company’s reputation, as well as the safety of customers, in your hands – you’re responsible for blocking those passages where criminals, terrorists, and rogue states clean their money.But, fear not! This podcast is like group therapy looking for some solutions to those sleeple
