AI is the most effective method for improving anti-money laundering (AML) processes and efficiencies according to AML professionals, research from Feedzai, a pioneering provider of financial crime and risk management solutions.

AML ecosystem

Feedzai’s The State of Global Anti Money Laundering Compliance Report 2023 surveyed compliance professionals to discover what the biggest threats and opportunities are in the AML ecosystem. It found that 46% of AML professionals are concerned about increasingly sophisticated money laundering techniques, including generative AI. The threat from generative AI and linked technology is now the top challenge for AML professionals, overtaking regulation, cryptocurrency, and blockchain, the top threats cited in 2022.

Despite no longer occupying the top spot, crypto still remains front of mind for AML professionals. Over half (53%) of those surveyed said that the money laundering activities within their scope are predominantly linked to cryptocurrency transactions. Cryptocurrencies' anonymous and decentralized nature is being exploited to conceal the origins of illicit funds, exacerbating the challenges in detection and monitoring.

Result of AI integration

AML experts say AI and machine learning are the most useful plans for handling money laundering

As criminals utilize increasingly sophisticated technology, so too do those seeking to protect consumers. A third (33%) of AML professionals say that AI and machine learning are the most effective methods for preventing money laundering. Of those already adopting AI, 60% said that the technology has already been effective in driving efficiencies in their organization’s AML processes. 

Looking ahead, over half (51%) of respondents believe that increased use of AI and machine learning is the future of AML and KYC (Know Your Customer) programs. With the potential to instantly analyze huge data sets, AI is already helping investigators identify bad actors and diffuse threats. As a result of AI integration, see improved KYC processes, reduced false positives, and also a reduced cost burden on compliance professionals.

Author's quote

Nick Parfitt, Principal AML SME at Feedzai said, “Fraudsters are capitalizing on fast-developing technologies to trick existing AML programs, in many cases using generative AI to their advantage. Our latest report reiterates the demand from AML professionals for their organizations to adopt AI in combination with human insight as a defensive weapon to improve their compliance process and efficiencies." 

Banks and financial institutions are sitting on a wealth of data that they can use to better protect their customers and business. By taking a RiskOps approach, they can put this data to good use by creating a 360-degree view of customer risk that addresses the entire lifecycle of financial crime and compliance, – helping to stop criminals in their tracks before they can do any damage.”

In case you missed it

Responsible AI Adoption Starts With Governance
Responsible AI Adoption Starts With Governance

The eagerness to adopt AI in physical security is increasing as teams want to implement technology solutions for faster, smarter operations. At the same time, the conversations sur...

How AI-Enabled Cameras Are Becoming Operational Sensors That Power Safety, Automation, And Business Intelligence
How AI-Enabled Cameras Are Becoming Operational Sensors That Power Safety, Automation, And Business Intelligence

The biggest return on investment from an AI-enabled camera might have nothing to do with security. Organizations are increasingly discovering that the same cameras installed to pro...

Solink's AI Agents Boost Efficiency Of Existing Infrastructure With Automation
Solink's AI Agents Boost Efficiency Of Existing Infrastructure With Automation

Deploying artificial intelligence (AI) tools should be seen as a business initiative rather than a technology initiative, says Martin Soukup, CTO of Solink, a cloud-based video sec...