Episode Summary: In this episode of Integrity Insights, our host Filip Brokes sits down with Daniel Eriksson, the former CEO of Transparency International, for an in-depth discussion on the global fight against corruption. Daniel shares his career journey, his transition from a technology and security background to leading one of the most recognized anti-corruption organizations in the world, and the core mission of Transparency International (TI).

Key Topics Covered:

• Daniel’s Career Path to CEO of Transparency International
  • From IT and cybersecurity to humanitarian work and global governance.
  • Experiences working across 12 different countries.
• Transparency International’s Global Mission
  • Beyond the widely known Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).
  • The SHE strategy: Making it harder to Steal, Hide, and Enjoy illicit wealth.
  • TI’s seven key strategic pillars:
    1. Protecting public resources (e.g., public procurement and environmental protections).
    2. Combating illicit financial flows and money laundering.
    3. Strengthening political integrity and fighting election corruption.
    4. Ensuring business integrity and responsible corporate governance.
    5. Ending impunity by holding corrupt actors accountable.
    6. Defending civic space and supporting whistleblowers.
    7. Engaging youth and women as key drivers of change.
• Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
  • How it’s measured: 13 data sources normalized into a composite index.
  • Why it’s a perception-based ranking and its global influence.
  • Limitations of the CPI and misconceptions about its interpretation.
  • Pushback from governments unhappy with their rankings.
• Global Trends in Corruption
  • Ukraine’s rapid progress in fighting corruption post-2014.
  • The erosion of democracy in regions like Georgia.
  • The role of Western nations in enabling corruption through financial systems.
  • Sweden and other Nordic countries: High CPI rankings but significant private-sector corruption.
• Challenges and Future of Anti-Corruption Efforts
  • How democratic erosion fuels corruption.
  • TI’s work with investigative journalists, law enforcement, and corporate entities.
  • The importance of youth engagement and grassroots movements.
• Final Reflections as Daniel’s Mandate Comes to an End
  • Reflections on leading Transparency International through the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical crises, and increasing global corruption challenges.
  • The urgent need for renewed energy and passion in the fight against corruption.
  • Encouragement for listeners, especially young people, to engage in anti-corruption efforts and advocacy.

Resources & Links:

• Transparency International Website: www.transparency.org
• Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Data: CPI Report
• More on anti-corruption strategies: TI Research

Call to Action: Liked this episode? Share your thoughts with us and join the conversation on fighting corruption. Don’t forget to subscribe to Integrity Insights on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review!

Closing Thought from Daniel:
“All is not lost, but we need much stronger determination and energy in the fight against corruption. I encourage everyone, particularly youth, to educate themselves on this topic and take action where they

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In this episode of Integrity Insights, our host Filip Brokes engages in a deep dive with Lana Schwartzman, Head of Regulatory and Compliance at Notabene, into the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulation. With over two decades in compliance, including 13 years specializing in crypto, Lana shares her expertise on the implications of the EU's Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR), the travel rule, and the challenges of compliance in the crypto space. Whether you're in financial services, compliance, or crypto, this episode is packed with insights you should not miss.

Show Notes

Introduction

• Lana Schwartzman’s background and journey into crypto compliance.
• Overview of Notabene and its role in crypto transaction compliance.

Crypto and Money Laundering

• Debunking myths: less than 1% of crypto transactions are illicit.
• Comparisons between crypto and fiat in laundering activities.

Techniques Used for Crypto Money Laundering

• Mixers, tumblers, and chain hopping.
• Privacy coins like Monero.
• Regulatory challenges and enforcement efforts.

The Travel Rule

• Origin and purpose of the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) travel rule.
• How the rule prevents illicit transactions before they occur.
• Key milestones: U.S. implementation since 1999 and EU's December 30 deadline.

EU’s Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR)

• Comprehensive requirements for Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs).
• Verification of unhosted wallets and self-declaration methods.
• Role of the European Banking Authority (EBA) in shaping guidelines.

Global Landscape of Crypto Regulation

• FATF report: 89% of jurisdictions implementing travel rule compliance.
• Closing regulatory loopholes across regions.
• Industry-driven pressure for travel rule adoption.

Effectiveness and Future Trends

• Indicators of success: SAR filings and increased enforcement actions.
• Predictions for harmonization of global crypto standards.
• Anticipated regulatory scrutiny and cross-border collaboration.

Resources Mentioned

• Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
• European Commission AML Directives
• ALL AML Infobrief
• Notabene’s EU Deep Dive Course

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Episode Title: AML/CFT Regulatory Roundup of 2024 – Integrity Insights with Jennifer-Hanley Giersch

In this information-packed episode of Integrity Insights, host Filip Brokes welcomes managing partner of Berlin Risk and ALL AML Jennifer-Hanley Giersch for a comprehensive year-end review of the key developments in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations for 2024. They cover everything from enforcement actions and regulatory updates to sanctions, cybercrime, and terrorist financing. If you work in compliance, risk management, or financial crime prevention, this episode is a must-listen to prepare for the challenges ahead.

Show Notes

• Introduction
  A look back at the podcast's history and this episode's focus on the regulatory landscape.
• Enforcement Actions
  • Key fines in the U.S., Europe, and beyond.
  • Discussion of significant cases like TD Bank and Commerzbank.
• Regulatory Developments
  • EU AML/CFT Regulation updates, including the AMLA.
  • Expansion of obliged entities to crypto services, luxury goods, professional football clubs and more.
• Sanctions Highlights
  • EU sanctions related to the war in Ukraine.
  • Notable sanctions circumvention cases.
• Terrorist Financing
  • Impacts of the Israel-Palestine conflict on financial regulations.
  • Crypto's role in terrorist funding and OFAC's actions.
• Cybercrime and Financial Crime Nexus
  • EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and its implications.
  • Global efforts to combat cybercrime, including a new UN convention.

Resources Mentioned:

• Financial Action Task Force (FATF): www.fatf-gafi.org
• European Commission AML Directives: europa.eu
• UN Draft Cybercrime Convention: UN Cybercrime
• ALL AML Infobrief: https://allaml.eu/en/2024/11/11/der-aktuelle-infobrief-von-all-aml-2/

Timestamps

1. [00:00] Introduction
   • Welcome and overview of the episode's focus.
2. [2:00] Enforcement Actions
   • Major fines in the U.S. (TD Bank) and Europe (Commerzbank, Solaris).
   • Key trends in enforcement.
3. [6:25] Regulatory Developments
   • The EU AML Policy Package.
   • Expansion of obliged entities.
   • Impacts of AMLA’s establishment.
4. [16:00] High-Risk Third Countries

• FATF List
• EU List

1. [20:30] Sanctions Updates
   • Key EU sanctions packages in 2024.
   • Notable cases of sanctions circumvention.
2. [26:00] Terrorist Financing
   • Hamas-related financial networks.
   • Crypto and its role in terrorism funding.
   • New EU and U.S. actions against far-right groups.
3. [32:15] Cybercrime as Financial Crime
   • Connection between cybercrime and money laundering.
   • EU DORA and global cybercrime regulations.

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