Anti-Money Laundering (AML) refers to a set of laws, regulations and procedures designed to prevent criminals from disguising illegally obtained funds as legitimate income. Money laundering is a global issue affecting financial systems worldwide. It undermines economic stability and is often linked to other criminal activities like terrorism and drug trafficking. The importance of AML […]

Diversity in the workplace, a multifaceted and increasingly vital aspect of modern professional settings, encapsulates a wide range of characteristics, including but not limited to race, gender, age, sexual orientation, cultural background and disability status. This concept has gained immense traction over the past three decades, evolving from something of a peripheral notion to a […]

Financial fraud is a multifaceted and constantly evolving threat which poses significant challenges to the UK economy, affecting individuals, businesses and public institutions alike. Characterised by deceitful and illegal financial activities aimed at personal gain, financial fraud costs the UK billions of pounds annually, impacting the economy’s overall health. Its repercussions extend beyond direct financial […]

Introduction   Historically, the global approach to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) was predominantly rule-based, where strict compliance and standardised measures dominated strategies. However, as the financial world grew more intricate and threats more nuanced, a tailored strategy became paramount. Thus, the Risk-Based Approach (RBA) was conceived.   Central to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, […]

The BASEL Accords, a vital framework in global banking regulation, have significantly improved global financial stability. Four key accords have been sequentially introduced. BASEL I, in 1988, established minimum capital requirements to mitigate credit risk. BASEL II (2004) refined risk measurement and sensitivity. Responding to the 2008 crisis, BASEL III (2010) enhanced capital adequacy and […]

Our paradigm of work has been dramatically reshaped in recent years, with remote work becoming increasingly prevalent everywhere. For many people, this has been a dream they have reached for, and the greater flexibility it affords was almost an El Dorado. However, several years into the project, and after some of the initial hype has […]

Developing regulatory frameworks for the fund industry in the European Union and post-Brexit UK has been vital to safeguarding investor interests, ensuring market stability and bolstering the financial markets’ integrity. The EU has crafted a system prioritising transparency and investor protection. In contrast, since leaving the EU, the UK has refined its regulatory measures to […]

In recent years, the global commitment to ensuring tax compliance has gained momentum, leading to the introduction of various international initiatives. Amongst these is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Common Reporting Standards (CRS).   The OECD’s Common Reporting Standards (CRS) came into being in 2014, and began operation in January 2016. This […]

Digital Trade The impact of digitalisation on trade is profound, encompassing reduced costs, streamlined global value chains, technology diffusion, and increased global connectivity. However, this transformation has led to complex trade transactions and policy challenges. Governments are grappling with regulating digital disruption whilst also ensuring inclusive access to digital trade benefits.   Digital trade involves […]

In simple terms, sustainable finance involves considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in the financial sector’s investment choices, which results in more long-term commitments to green economic endeavours and initiatives. It has become a significant trend championed by global regulators, institutional investors and asset managers.   Historically, investors based their performance solely on financial […]