In 2024, global markets were shocked by statistics: in the EU and Asia alone, fines for AML violations exceeded $7 billion, and the number of account blocks increased by 28% compared to the previous year. In Africa, regulators applied criminal liability to top management for the first time for failing to comply with international AML standards.
Why do even experienced companies with a developed internal control system find themselves on the list of violators?
In this article, I will analyze six of the most common mistakes for which international business receives AML fines and show how the COREDO team helps companies minimize these risks. If you want to understand how to avoid strategic missteps, build reliable corporate compliance, and ensure long-term business sustainability: I recommend reading to the end.
AML: Common Mistakes and Business Fines
AML: common mistakes and business fines are not only legal nuances but also real financial and reputational risks for companies of any scale.
Let’s look at common violations and examples of how businesses encounter problems even at the client acquaintance stage.
KYC and CDD Identification Errors
In 2025, EU and Asia regulators note that up to 40% of all fines for AML violations are related to insufficient KYC and CDD.
COREDO’s practice has seen cases where a company, working with clients from several countries, used outdated KYC checklists and did not track updates to sanction lists. As a result: account blocks and a fine of 2% of annual turnover.
Special attention should be paid to automating AML processes: manual data processing no longer meets regulator requirements.
Monitoring and Reporting on Suspicious Transactions
Transaction monitoring is a key element in combating money laundering, but it is here that strategic AML compliance mistakes most often manifest.
In one COREDO case, an international payment company faced a license suspension due to a delay in submitting a SAR for a suspicious transaction amounting to $500,000. Only prompt interaction with the regulator and the implementation of an AI-based automated monitoring system allowed operations to resume and criminal liability to be avoided.
COREDO practice confirms: Integrating AML systems with machine learning capabilities allows for real-time anomaly detection and reporting that meets FATF standards and EU AML directives.
Errors in Working with High-Risk Clients
Working with high-risk clients and jurisdictions is an area of increased attention for regulators in the EU, Asia, and Africa. The main AML mistakes here are a formal approach to EDD, lack of documented risk assessment, and insufficient transparency of ownership structure.
The recommendation based on COREDO’s experience is to implement a multi-level verification process, including automated beneficiary checks, regular business process audits, and mandatory risk assessment for all new high-risk region clients.
Thus, insufficient attention to details in AML procedures can lead to serious consequences and highlights the importance of strengthening corporate compliance.
Gaps in Corporate Compliance
In COREDO practice, there have been situations where the formal presence of a compliance officer and internal regulations was not accompanied by actual employee training and top management involvement. As a result, strategic AML compliance mistakes, ineffective risk management, and fines for non-compliance with procedures occurred.
Developing a compliance culture requires a systematic approach: regular employee training, strategic compliance implementation, staff motivation to adhere to standards, and constant communication between departments.
Data Storage Violations for AML
EU and Asia regulators have tightened data storage and documentation requirements for AML: companies must not only collect but also ensure business structure transparency, synchronize with international regulators, and be ready for sudden audits. In one COREDO case, a client faced account blocks due to untimely documentation submission for transactions from the previous three years.
Advice from COREDO: automate documentation processes, implement internal control systems, and regularly audit business processes for AML compliance.
New Regulatory Requirements in the EU and Asia
2025 is marked by major changes in international AML standards: new EU directives have come into force, FATF recommendations have been updated, and corporate responsibility requirements in Asia and Africa have been tightened.
In COREDO practice, there have been cases where a company from the EU received a large fine for non-compliance with new transaction monitoring automation requirements effective January 2025.
The solution developed at COREDO: continuous monitoring of legislative changes, integration of new requirements into business processes, staff training, and regular interaction with regulators.
Thus, insufficient flexibility in adapting AML procedures is fraught with not only financial but also reputational risks for international business: next, let’s examine specific cases of fines and their consequences.
AML Fines: Cases and Consequences
AML fines: these are not only financial losses but also account blocks, license suspensions, criminal liability, and long-term reputational risks.
Major Fines and Violations 2024–2025
| Jurisdiction | Fine Amount | Violation | Consequences for Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | $150 million | Insufficient KYC, SAR | Account blocks, license loss |
| Asia | $95 million | Ineffective monitoring | Reputational losses, criminal liability |
| Africa | $40 million | Work with high-risk clients | Bank refusal, license revocation |
How to Avoid AML Fines in Business
Avoiding AML fines in business is becoming increasingly challenging: regulators tighten control, and penalties for violations reach millions and include account blocks and license revocations. To avoid being hit, it is important not only to formally comply with requirements but also to implement real, effective procedures focusing on automation and a risk-based approach.
Automation and Risk-Based Approach in AML
Effective implementation of a risk-based approach is key to reducing errors in client onboarding and transaction monitoring. COREDO’s experience shows that automating AML processes using AI and machine learning not only speeds up data processing but also improves the accuracy of detecting suspicious transactions.
Recommendation: assess the ROI from new technologies, integrate AML systems with internal platforms, and regularly update monitoring scenarios according to current risks.
Compliance Training for Personnel
Compliance culture begins with training: regular AML regulatory training, interactive courses for distributed teams, and involving compliance officers in strategic planning.
Advice: build a motivation system for staff, implement compliance maturity metrics, and ensure constant communication between departments.
Choosing an AML Provider and Working with Regulators
Choosing an AML audit and legal support provider is a strategic decision for international business. COREDO’s practice confirms: only comprehensive AML support, including client due diligence, business process auditing, synchronization with international regulators, and business structure transparency, allows minimizing fine risks and simplifies interactions with supervisory bodies.
Recommendation: build long-term relationships with the provider, regularly update internal procedures, and prepare the company for sudden AML audits.
Key Recommendations for Entrepreneurs
Key recommendations for entrepreneurs will not only increase business efficiency but also minimize legal and financial risks.
Below are the main steps to help avoid problems and protect your business.
How to Avoid AML Fines
- Regularly update KYC and CDD procedures, use automated solutions for client checks, and sanction list monitoring.
- Implement a multi-level risk-based approach for high-risk clients and jurisdictions.
- Integrate AML systems with AI and machine learning capabilities for transaction monitoring and reporting.
- Create a compliance culture through staff training, motivation, and top management involvement.
- Ensure business structure transparency and preparedness for sudden AML audits.
- Synchronize internal procedures with current FATF, EU directives, and national regulator requirements.
Practical Tips
- In case of a sudden AML audit: promptly collect and provide all documents on KYC, CDD, SAR, and internal control. Appoint a responsible person for regulator communication.
- Prepare documents: store all client and transaction data digitally, ensure backup, and quick archive access.
- Respond to regulator requests: act transparently, provide complete information, and document all interaction stages.
AML Compliance Strategy for Business 2025
COREDO’s experience shows: only a systematic approach, including automation, training, auditing, and transparency, minimizes reputational and financial risks, ensures long-term sustainability and business investment appeal. In the context of tightening regulatory requirements in the EU, Asia, and Africa, comprehensive AML support is becoming not an option but a strategic necessity for any international enterprise.