Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded podcast

56:54

In a world increasingly defined by rapid information flow, interconnected risks, and complex decision-making, intelligence analysis has never been more critical—or challenging. In this second installment of our All Source miniseries, we are joined by Lieutenant General Guy Swan , U.S. Army (Retired) and President of Swan and Associates, LLC and Jason Lee , Industry Practice Lead at Moody’s who explore how the skills and insights gained from leveraging intelligence in military decision making can be applied to private sector initiatives. Their discussion answers questions like: How can leaders prioritize decisions and address bias when dealing with overwhelming amounts data? What can the military and private sector teach each other about decision-making? How can Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) be leveraged in military and financial contexts? What strategies help organizations manage exponential and interconnected risks to ensure their plans are resilient to real-world challenges? How can AI and technology improve intelligence analysis while maintaining human judgment? Why do cultural differences and diversity of thought matter in intelligence analysis? For further information, check out the resources below: Department of Defense OSINT Strategy Department of Homeland Security website To learn more about Moody’s please visit our website or get in touch; we would love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
Corporate espionage: All Source miniseries part 1 47:08

27 days ago47:08

47:08

Could your company be the next target for corporate espionage, where trade secrets and competitive advantages hang in the balance? As corporate spies evolve their methods to outpace defenses, the risks have never been greater. In this gripping first episode of our All Source series, we’re joined by Michael Orlando , Senior Director of Global Security at Micron Technology, and Jason Lee , Industry Practice Lead at Moody’s, for an eye-opening exploration of the covert world of corporate espionage. Together, they peel back the layers of this hidden threats, diving into critical questions like: Why is corporate espionage a growing risk in today’s interconnected world? What signals might indicate your organization is being targeted? What drives bad actors to exploit companies, and how are their methods becoming more sophisticated? How are tools like OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) being used to investigate and combat espionage? How are governments and regulators tackling this issue? How will emerging technologies like AI reshape the future of corporate intelligence and defense? If you’re interested in learning more, check out the resources below: Federal Bureau of Investigation The National Counterintelligence and Security Center U.S. Department of Defense Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency To learn more about Moody’s please visit our website or get in touch; we would love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
Fraud strategy: A growth engine? 49:34

6 weeks ago49:34

49:34

Would you rather spend money recovering from a fraud-related attack or building an anti-fraud strategy? Organizations who become victims of fraud often find themselves paying enormous sums of money, managing severe reputational damage, and navigating uncertainties on how to better prepare for the future. In this episode of KYC Decoded we welcome Chen Zamir , fraud strategy advisor and founder of the consultancy Native[risk] . Chen shares his deep expertise on the topic of fraud with host Alex Pillow , covering ideas like: Transforming fraud strategy towards an organization's growth engine How to discuss anti-fraud return on investment Anti-fraud performance indicators How senior executives can better engage with their fraud teams What anti-fraud vendors should consider To learn more from Chen, subscribe to his weekly newsletter, The Saturday Fraud Strategist . Find out how you can transform risk management across your organization with Moody’s Maxsight™ unified risk platform and feel free to get in touch ; we would love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
Tranche 2: The future of AML and CTF compliance in Australia 45:10

8 weeks ago45:10

45:10

Australia recently passed an amended anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) bill that will soon include Tranche 2 entities in its regulatory regime. The result? Approximately 100,000 new entities under its scope. Regulating non-financial entities is not a new undertaking, as we’ve seen in countries like the UK, Singapore, and United Arab Emirates. Crucial to the success of the regime and overall client experience will be how Australian firms adopt the best practices shown by firms in other parts of the world, while ensuring they account for the nuances of their domestic market. In this episode of KYC Decoded, risk advisory lawyer, Jeremy Moller , from Norton Rose Fulbright and Qing Liu , Moody's Senior Director of Compliance & Third Party Risk in Australia, sit down with host Alex Pillow to discuss what the anticipated changes mean for Tranche 2 obliged entities and the future of compliance in Australia. Key topics: Introduction of the Tranche 2 regulations Challenges and opportunities for firms implementing the reforms International comparisons of similar regimes, and opportunities for harmonizing regulations Additional resources: Register for Moody’s in-person Sydney event on April 3 – the event features a blend of plenary and breakout sessions led by industry peers and Moody’s financial crime practice lead. Law Council of Australia: AML/CTF Guidance and Vulnerabilities Analysis Law Society of New South Wales AML/CTF Hub Information on AUSTRAC’s AML/CTF Reform Norton Rose Fulbright’s Tranche 2 and AML/CTF Reforms Hub Visit our website and get in touch to learn more – we would love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
Sanctions 2025: What compliance professionals are working on now 28:51

10 weeks ago28:51

28:51

We find ourselves 3 years out from the Russia/Ukraine war, and the sanctions climate continues to evolve. From changing global politicians to sanctions regulations and enforcements to evasion tactics, it is imperative compliance professionals stay alive to risks, and the consequences of not doing so. In this episode of KYC Decoded , we are pleased to welcome Moody’s Industry Practice Lead, Hera Smith , an expert on sanctions and AML. In this brief, informative conversation with host, Alex Pillow, Hera walks us through how sanctions have changed in the past year, the current sanctions ecosystem, and what to look for in 2025. They explore: Why sanctions are such a commonly used geopolitical tactic How changing political leaders globally can impact sanctions across jurisdictions The financial risks of not adhering to sanctions compliance Scalable, automated understanding of current export controls How corporations and banks have adjusted staffing to keep up with the regulations Where organizations should start when beefing up their sanctions risk teams If you would like to find out more, please check out the following resources: A new frontier in sanctions awareness and compliance whitepaper Are you ready for reporting on outgoing transfers involving Russian entities? Sanctions crisis management: preparing for potential change We also welcome you to visit our website or get in touch to discuss sanctions; we would love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
OSINT 101: Turning data into intelligence 49:07

12 weeks ago49:07

49:07

An exponential growth in data has coincided with the era of exponential risk - what does this mean for anti-financial crime and risk professionals? With ever increasing amounts of unstructured data and information at their fingertips, how can professional investigators implement sophisticated open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigations to make informed decisions? In this episode of KYC Decoded , we welcome the CEO of Blackdot Solutions and former forensic investigator, Stuart Clarke . Stuart breaks down what is needed for high-functioning OSINT investigations in an enlightening conversation with host, Alex Pillow . Together they explore questions like: How do we extract real insights from unstructured data? What is the methodology for running an investigation? How can leaders deploy the right balance of data, technology, and human investigators, when conducting OSINT investigations? What makes OSINT investigations difficult for practitioners in the private sector vs public sector? What is the impact of advanced OSINT? How much of an OSINT investigation can (and should) be automated? What are the legal and ethical guardrails around the use of open source data? If you are keen to learn more, check out the resources below: Blackdot Solutions, The OSINT handbook Moody’s Maxsight™ Investigations Please also visit our website and get in touch ; we would love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
GenAI unlocked: A new future for traditional risk departments? 33:19

13 weeks ago33:19

33:19

Imagine a world where the bulk of your workday is dedicated to gaining a deep understanding of financial criminal behavior and forecasting future transgressions - rather than being spent on monotonous research hunting for risk signals down rabbit holes. Could generative AI help make this vision a reality? In this episode of KYC Decoded, Moody’s own Chief Product Officer, Nick Reed , sits down with host, Alex Pillow , to candidly discuss the possibility of addressing integrated risk at scale leveraging AI. Highlights of their conversation include: Democratizing data access and team interaction How AI agents can help transform traditional workflows The foundational need for Master Data Management The potential opportunities for practitioners who embrace a new way of thinking If this episode leaves you eager to discover more about new unified risk management possibilities, register for our upcoming webinar "How unified risk management is decoding risk and unlocking opportunity," which will also be available on-demand. We encourage you to visit Moody’s Maxsight™ and please get in touch . We would love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
Preventing, detecting, and disrupting human trafficking with information systems 48:03

14 weeks ago48:03

48:03

Human trafficking is one of the most terrible crimes imaginable. And, yet, the magnitude of it is so overwhelming that it can feel nearly impossible to tackle. But, what if there was a way to flip this problem on its head? Could we learn from technologists who use feedback loops to build information systems and apply this same way of thinking to a new challenge? In this KYC Decoded episode, we are honored to give the mic to Researcher and Assistant Professor of Information Systems at University of North Texas, Laurie Giddens . Partnering with Jodie Brinkerhoff , VP of Innovation at the third busiest airport in the world, the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Laurie was able to gather valuable, firsthand data and insights to better understand the existing challenges when combating human trafficking. Her enlightening conversation with host, Alex Pillow , explores probing questions like: How do data and technology change the possibilities for how we tackle human trafficking? Within the prevention, detection, and disruption paradigm, where should innovation focus first? What data points should we look at when building new technologies and what kinds of unstructured data should be considered? What stakeholders should be included to collect data and work through possible solutions? Similarities between the data challenges of AML and transaction monitoring with this part of the risk ecosystem, and how they could learn from each other How could feedback loops help fight human trafficking more effectively? If you would like to continue this learning, please check out the resources below: National Academies, Developing an Airport Program to Address Human Trafficking: A Guide Laurie’s Google Scholar page Information Systems Journal, Information technology as a resource to counter domestic sex trafficking in the United States Moody’s The Infinite Game docuseries To learn how you can better equip your organization to fight human trafficking, please visit our website and get in touch . We would love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
Deepfakes 101: Outsmarting the fraudsters 1:02:25

16 weeks ago1:02:25

1:02:25

The cat and mouse game of criminals vs. regulators and compliance teams can feel intense, and the stakes are high. With advanced AI and deep learning technologies like deepfake, fraudulent activity is easier, cheaper, and more sophisticated than ever before. However, the same advancement in tools and technologies is exactly what’s needed to fight back, and even get ahead. In this episode of KYC Decoded, we are happy to share the mic with deepfake experts David Thomas , Head of Product - Global Documents & Biometrics at GBG , and Paul Warren-Tape , Head of Risk and Compliance at IDVerse . Their gripping conversation with host Alex Pillow explores questions like: What are deepfakes and how are they created? What are the far-reaching consequences of using deepfake technologies for nefarious activity, and who are the victims? How do we know what to trust when we can’t rely on our eyes and ears alone? What controls and technologies are needed in the identification space? Who is leading the way in getting ahead of fraudsters? How can we use powerful technology ethically and responsibly? Please listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, and if you are curious to learn more, check out the recommended resources below: Coded Bias documentary Gartner report: Emerging Tech: Combating Deepfakes, Deception and Disinformation in Multimedia Content IDVerse report: The Truth About Identity and Inclusion The Social Dilemma documentary GBG resources and insights library National Institute for Science and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework If you would like to chat with Moody's about mitigating financial crime risk in your organization, please visit our website and get in touch . We would love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
Exploitation exposed: Modern slavery matters 36:35

17 weeks ago36:35

36:35

This episode includes accounts of physical, mental, and sexual abuse, stemming from modern slavery and human trafficking. These topics may be distressing for some individuals. Listener discretion is advised. In the making of "The Infinite Game," Moody's docuseries, a wealth of expert interviews were conducted, however due to the time constraints and narrative of the piece some interviews were regrettably cut during the final edit. Justine Carter’s illuminating interview on combating human trafficking and modern slavery was one of these, but we're delighted to now bring it the KYC Decoded audience as a special episode where listeners can learn from Justine's solo narrative that offers a deep dive into the entwined realities of human trafficking, financial crime, and their impacts. Key topics she discusses include: The current state and scope of modern slavery laws and regulations An overview of the various forms of human exploitation The significance of supply chain oversight and ethical business practices Sharing the harrowing experiences faced by victims of modern slavery The need for unified efforts across industries to effectively address this issue The role of technological innovations in combating modern slavery Check out these additional resources: Visit Unseen UK’s website Watch The Infinite Game Docuseries To discover how Moody’s can assist your organization in understanding and monitoring risks linked to modern slavery, forced labor, and human trafficking, visit our website or get in touch . We would love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
The deep, dark woods: Navigating the illegal timber trade 33:44

20 weeks ago33:44

33:44

You may be familiar with yacht owners being sanctioned, but what of the potential risks tied to the yachts themselves? Burmese teak wood, commonly found in marine vessels, is known for its exceptional quality, natural water resistance, and premium price tag. Unfortunately, that price tag is not nearly as steep as the potential consequences of supporting the illegal timber trade. In this episode of KYC Decoded, we're honored to welcome Kate Klikis , forest campaigner and Myanmar timber expert from the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA). In an enlightening conversation with host, Alex Pillow , Kate educates us on the illegal timber trade and its greater implications. Key topics include: The differences between legal and illegal timber trading The illegal timber trade in Myanmar Global regulations to combat the illegal timber trade Industries most vulnerable to risks associated with illegal timber trading The integrated risks involved with illegal deforestation, sanctions, money laundering, bribery and corruption, counterfeiting, and more If you would like to learn more, check out the recommended resources shared during this episode below: The Croatian Connection Exposed EIA forest reports Acts of Defiance: How US traders are ignoring sanctions to import conflict teak from Myanmar EIA YouTube channel EIA LinkedIn EIA Instagram EIA Facebook EIA Threads To take the next step in your risk and compliance program, please visit our website and get in touch . We would love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
Fraud in focus: Understanding the complexity of modern scams 40:57

21 weeks ago40:57

40:57

Let's get into the evolving world of fraud on KYC Decoded , where the complexity and sophistication of fraud now poses new and daunting challenges for professionals and organizations alike. This episode draws on invaluable insights from the Cifas Fraudscape report , brought to life by guest, Stephen Dalton , Director of Intelligence at Cifas . Together with our host, Alex Pillow , they analyze the most concerning fraud trends, uncover the advanced tactics of fraudsters, and emphasize the importance of data in defending against threats. Key topics in this episode include: The factors leading to the rise in reported fraud cases and strategies to combat this upward trend The sophistication of modern scams and the impact on targeted industries Fraudulent activities committed by lone individuals versus organized crime groups How AI is leveraged by both fraudsters and compliance professionals The essential measures to detecting and disrupting fraud To learn how Moody’s compliance and third-party risk management can help your organization with fraud prevention, please visit our website or get in touch ; we’d love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
Is the future of financial crime prevention beyond traditional KYC? 57:15

26 weeks ago57:15

57:15

The positioning of “traditional” KYC against new and emerging methodologies creates opportunities to assess the most effective processes and technologies used to prevent financial crime. It raises the question: What transformative actions and AI implementations are needed to revolutionize a KYC framework, ensuring the industry is prepared for future advancement? In this episode of KYC Decoded, Hanjo Seibert , managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group, and global lead for Compliance and Anti-Financial Crime (AFC) Technology Transformation joins our host Alex Pillow. Their insightful dialogue provides fresh viewpoints on questions such as: Are traditional KYC/AML methods sufficient to address the challenges professionals face today? How can rules-based and data-driven approaches combine to increase efficiency? How should professionals approach problem-solving: by prioritizing data first or by putting compliance considerations first? How can financial institutions ensure personnel are trained to effectively use new technologies against fraudsters who are also innovating rapidly? Will we continue to see multiple vendors providing diverse solutions, or is there a trend towards consolidating services into one-stop shops? To find out more about the topics discussed in this episode - check out these resources: Watch Hanjo’s Ted Talk: What you can do to stop economic crime Listen to the BCG on Compliance podcast: Apple, Spotify, Amazon Read Moody’s blog post: 8 best financial crime books And if you would like to see how Moody’s compliance and third-party risk management can help with your approach to KYC, please visit our website or get in touch ; we’d love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
Unpacking Article 5r of EU Reg. 833 | Financial surveillance 20:31

28 weeks ago20:31

20:31

Disclaimer: Please note in the introduction to this episode it is mentioned that Russia further invaded Ukraine in 2020 rather than the correct year of 2022. In this episode of KYC Decoded , we dive into Article 5r which mandates European banks report any money transfers exceeding 100,000 euros leaving the EU, targeting entities with more than 40% Russian ownership. Join Moody’s Industry Practice Lead, Nicola Passariello, and host Alex Pillow as they unravel the complexities of financial surveillance under Article 5r of EU Reg. 833. Learn more about the implications this directive has for the financial sector and navigating complex ownership structures to meet new deadlines. Highlights include: An introduction and explanation of Article 5r of EU Reg. 833 Reporting requirements for financial institutions Challenges in identifying direct and indirect ownership Importance of having a full KYC program Common pitfalls and guidance for practitioners For additional resources mentioned in this episode, visit: The Banker article Moody’s article 5r blog For more information visit our website and get in touch with one of our experts – we'd love to hear from you.…

Moody’s Talks: KYC Decoded

1
Unmasking the threat: The dark reality of synthetic identities 42:05

30 weeks ago42:05