Tuesday, January 20, 2026
2:30 PM
GMT
Introduction
This workshop will explore the critical role of transaction monitoring in combating money laundering and financial crime.
Participants will gain insights into why monitoring matters, the risks of failure, and the latest regulatory expectations and best practices. The session will cover common typologies and red flags, practical approaches to improving monitoring frameworks, and how to ensure effective SAR/STR reporting.
It will also highlight how technology and AI can strengthen detection, reduce false positives, and help institutions meet their compliance obligations more effectively.
Agenda
Welcome & Framing (5 mins)
Purpose of the workshop and why transaction monitoring is critical to AML
Quick participant poll
The Role of Transaction Monitoring (10 mins)
Why it matters - The Impact of Money Laundering, terrorist financing & Corruption and how its supports SAR/STR reporting
Core role of transaction monitoring: detect suspicious activity, identify unusual patterns, and support SAR/STR reporting.
Links to sanctions evasion, fraud, and terrorism finance.
Regulatory best practice inc. FATF and local regulators require risk-based, effective, and regularly reviewed systems.
Typologies & Red Flags (15 mins)
Common patterns: structuring, round-tripping, unusual counterparties, high-risk jurisdictions.
Brief case example of a monitoring failure and lessons learned.
Common patterns: structuring/smurfing, rapid in-out transfers, unusual counterparties, high-risk jurisdictions, use of money mules.
Red flag indicators: transaction size/frequency mismatches, layering through multiple accounts, suspicious use of new payment channels.
Case example: brief look at a real enforcement case where weak monitoring failed to pick up laundering activity.
Practical Approaches and Technology Examples (10 mins)
System calibration: risk-based thresholds and tuning to cut false positives.
Alert handling: clear escalation processes, documentation, and QA.
SAR/STR best practice:
Ensure timely, accurate, and well-structured filings.
How to produce a clear narrative explaining why the activity is suspicious.
Keep consistency between alerts, investigations, and reporting.
Technology advantage: using AI/ML to spot complex patterns and streamline alert adjudication.
Wrap Up & Key Takeaways (5 mins)
Practical steps decision-makers can act on immediately.
Closing reflection: protecting the integrity of the financial system, reputation, and lives.
Hosted
James Booth
Head Anti-Money Laundering, Counter Terrorism and Sanctions
