On 14 March 2023, FullCircl led a significant assembly of the UK’s premier financial crime and compliance authorities to impart crucial insights and strategies in anti-money laundering (AML), compliance, and anti-fraud that are setting financial institutions (FIs) apart in the competitive arena.
The event’s centrepiece was a main stage panel helmed by Warren Russell, EVP Identity Solutions at FullCircl. Russell was accompanied by industry experts Stephen Frame, CCO & MLRO at Caxton, Helen McHugh, BDM at Transact Payments, and Phil Seymour, Senior Risk and Compliance Officer at Payabl.
The discussion revolved around how FIs can harness technology to maintain compliance amidst the increasingly intricate regulatory framework of the UK and Europe. The discourse spanned balancing KYC compliance with customer expectations, the prospective impact of AI in KYC procedures, and strategies for FIs to stay regulatory proactive.
The 2024 Regulatory Forecast: A Busy Year Ahead
Stephen Frame earmarked 2024 as unprecedented in terms of regulatory evolution. With a slew of regulations on the horizon—spanning AML, KYC, PEPs, sanctions, and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership—FIs are bracing for a transformative period. This era will also witness the implementation of pivotal acts like the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and the Financial Services and Markets Act, alongside significant updates to existing directives and heightened oversight of cryptocurrencies and ESG concerns.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has laid out ambitious reform plans aimed at bolstering financial system integrity and reinforcing the UK’s position as a prime investment hub. This proactive regulatory stance necessitates that FIs adopt a similarly forward-thinking compliance approach.
The Evolving Role of Compliance
The consensus among the panel was clear: compliance is shifting from a perfunctory task to a core aspect of FI operations. This transition demands a departure from traditional checklists towards more dynamic, technology-driven compliance methodologies to not only keep pace with regulatory changes but also outmaneuver sophisticated financial crimes.
Manual KYC processes are becoming obsolete, underscored by notable lapses in AML and compliance efforts. Today’s best practices encompass data analytics, digital identity verification, and continuous KYC/B (eKYC/eKYB) to mitigate financial crime risks efficiently and enhance customer experiences through streamlined onboarding processes.
Balancing Compliance with Customer Experience
In 2024, FIs are expected to further integrate technology into AML and KYC processes, aiming for a harmonious balance between stringent regulatory requirements and superior customer service. This balance necessitates a greater technology budget to support evolving regulations and meet escalating customer expectations.
The panel stressed that KYC transformation is essential for reducing customer onboarding friction, urging FIs to center compliance strategies around the user experience. Advances in data analytics, digital identity verification, and automation are pivotal in minimizing manual interventions and fostering superior customer journeys.
The Imperative of FI-RegTech Partnerships
Facing an array of new and evolving regulatory demands, FIs are encouraged to forge strategic alliances with technology partners equipped not only with innovative solutions but also with deep industry insight. These partnerships are crucial for developing proactive compliance approaches, enhancing customer experiences, and creating a secure financial ecosystem as envisioned by the FCA.
RegTech has matured into a vital collaborator for FIs, employing AI and machine learning for KYC and AML purposes to verify identities, streamline processes, and combat financial crimes effectively. However, the selection of a RegTech partner with both technological prowess and sectoral expertise remains critical for establishing a compliance best practice environment.
W2 by FullCircl: A 2024 Compliance Game-Changer
W2 by FullCircl is set to revolutionize FI compliance in 2024 with its automated KYC, AML, anti-fraud, and identity verification solutions. As a part of the FullCircl group, it offers comprehensive support, training, and guidance necessary for FIs to navigate the regulatory landscape successfully.
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