Independent testing is a critical component of an effective anti-money laundering (AML) compliance program. It ensures that internal controls are operating as intended and that your firm’s compliance efforts align with regulatory expectations. This requirement is mandated under several international rules, including the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act, the new FinCEN AML Rule, UK Regulation 21 […]
Independent AML Testing Best Practices Read More »
Greenwashing, the act of misrepresenting ESG and/or sustainability practices, whether intentionally or unintentionally, has been a trending topic in news stories. However, misleading claims are not new to the financial sector or asset managers. Securities regulators around the globe are paying particular attention to potential instances of greenwashing in order to protect investor capital. This
Greenwashing Under the Microscope Read More »
Organizations that claim compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®) are required to notify the CFA Institute via the GIPS Compliance Notification Form by June 30, 2025, and include data as of December 31, 2024. Note that the form can be submitted anytime between now and June 30 and is not dependent upon completion of an
Annual GIPS Compliance Notification Deadline is June 30 Read More »
A tech-enabled compliance program is about more than just operational efficiency—it can become a competitive advantage. The shift from manual processes to tech-enabled solutions is reshaping how firms make compliance programs more efficient, transparent, and proactive. By automating routine tasks, compliance teams can shift their focus to high-value activities which drive business growth. A well-run,
Tech-Driven Compliance as a Competitive Differentiator Read More »
The National Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), along with partner organizations, published a joint advisory warning with partner organizations on May 21, 2025, detailing an ongoing cyber espionage campaign carried out by a Russian military unit. The group, known in cybersecurity circles as APT28, Fancy Bear, Forest Blizzard, and Blue Delta, has been actively
CISA Warns of Russian Espionage: Key Actions for At-Risk Organizations Read More »
ACA’s 2025 Conference brought together hundreds of compliance professionals, executives, and thought leaders to explore the most pressing issues shaping the financial services industry. Across dozens of sessions, expert speakers and engaged attendees explored the evolving regulatory outlook, the growing influence of technology, emerging fund strategies, and the shifting demands on compliance teams. From these
10 Ways Compliance is Evolving: Insights from the 2025 ACA Conference Read More »
Compliance testing ensures a company’s policies and procedures are aligned with established regulatory requirements. Effective testing goes beyond ticking boxes; it entails understanding the rationale behind each test and ensuring that business operations accurately reflect documented policies. These reviews are particularly significant in high-risk areas or where substantial changes have occurred. The business’s involvement in
Tips for Continuous Compliance Testing and Monitoring Read More »
Since Brexit, UK firms are facing unique challenges, balancing their obligations to the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Her Majesty’s Treasury (HMT), as well as complying with the 7th Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Directive (7AMLD) from the EU. Balancing both UK and EU regulations One of the most significant challenges UK firms face is dual
Global Focus on Financial Crime: Emerging Regulatory Trends in the UK Read More »
Using regulatory technology (RegTech) to enhance a firm’s compliance program is quickly becoming a necessary requirement. With regulators’ increased use of technology to detect issues, firms need to learn how to adapt RegTech to ensure compliance and stay off the regulators’ watchlist. The use of technology to enhance regulatory oversight The U.S. Securities and Exchange
RegTech Adoption: Staying Ahead of the Regulators Read More »
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has set out its five-year strategy to combat financial crime, support economic growth, help consumers navigate their financial lives, and become a smarter, more efficient regulator. In her speech on 29 April 2025, Therese Chambers, Joint Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight, stated that, “our work on market abuse
Combatting Market Abuse: The FCA’s New Agenda Calls for Action Read More »
