In 2024, the global volume of laundered criminal proceeds, as estimated by the FATF, exceeded $2 trillion, more than the GDP of most European countries. While EU and Asian regulators are tightening corporate compliance requirements, over 60% of international companies face delays in business registration or account opening due to insufficient AML procedures. Why do so many entrepreneurs still postpone implementing anti-money laundering systems despite the obvious risks to corporate security and reputation?
In an environment where anti-money laundering legislation is becoming increasingly complex, and regulatory requirements in the EU, Asia, and Africa demand not just formal compliance but deep integration of AML procedures into business processes, delaying their implementation can cost a company not only money but also the very right to operate in international markets.
I see every day how even experienced executives underestimate the consequences of non-compliance with AML – from multi-million dollar fines to account freezes and loss of investor trust. But there’s another side to it: implementing effective AML procedures opens access to new markets, speeds up company registration in the EU and Asia, ensures corporate security, and builds a stable reputation.
In this article, I will explain why delaying AML implementation in business is a strategic mistake, and which practical steps allow not only to comply with the requirements but also to turn compliance into a competitive advantage. If you want to understand how to minimize risks, avoid fines, and build a transparent, scalable business: read to the end.
Why implementing AML procedures is a critical element of corporate security
AML procedures are not just a formality for “checking a box”. In practice, the COREDO team has implemented dozens of projects for company registration in the EU, Asia, and the UAE, where having well-crafted anti-money laundering policies became the decisive factor for account opening and obtaining financial licenses.
- Preventing financial crimes: Transaction monitoring, sanction screening, and identification of beneficial owners reduce the likelihood of involvement in money laundering schemes.
- Ensuring corporate transparency: Modern due diligence procedures and PEP screening build trust with banks, partners, and investors.
- Strengthening corporate compliance: Internal compliance policies become part of the corporate culture, which is especially important for international companies.
Our experience at COREDO has shown: companies that integrate AML procedures early significantly reduce legal support costs and minimize the risks of account freezes.
Key reasons to implement AML procedures in business right now
Reducing money laundering and financial crime risks
Anti-money laundering legislation in all leading jurisdictions (EU, Asia, UK, UAE) requires not only a formal presence of an AML policy but also real control over financial operations. Implementing a risk-based approach, regular financial monitoring, and automation of suspicious activity reporting (SAR) allows for the early detection of suspicious transactions.
Avoiding fines and sanctions for non-compliance with AML
COREDO’s practice confirms: automating compliance and implementing digital tools for AML audits allows not only to reduce costs but also to ensure timely response to legislative changes. For example, in a project for licensing a fintech company in Estonia, KYC procedure automation helped avoid fines for overdue client data updates.
Simplifying company registration and account opening abroad
In 2025, banks and regulators in the EU and Asia require new companies not only to provide the standard set of documents but also to have a well-developed AML policy, due diligence procedures, and digital client identification. Without this, company registration in the EU or account opening in Singapore, Dubai, or the UK can be delayed for months or become impossible.
A solution developed by COREDO for a startup in the Czech Republic included integrating AML requirements into the preparation of incorporation documents. This accelerated the registration process and obtained a payment service license without additional requests from the regulator.
Protecting reputation and investor trust
Managing reputational risks through AML: a key factor for attracting investments and entering new markets. The absence of transparent procedures for combating money laundering becomes a reason for banks, funds, and strategic partners to refuse cooperation.
Business scalability and technological resilience
Automating AML processes is not only about reducing costs but also about scaling a business without losing control quality. Using modern technologies (AI-driven transaction monitoring, digital client identification, AML compliance outsourcing) provides flexibility and resilience when entering new markets.
The COREDO team implemented solutions for fintech companies in the UK and Singapore, where compliance automation reduced operating expenses by 30% and doubled the effectiveness of detecting suspicious operations. This is especially relevant for startups and companies with a distributed structure.
Compliance with new AML requirements in 2025
In 2025, updated FATF and EU and Asia regulators’ requirements came into force: rules for identifying beneficial owners were tightened, new standards for digital identification and sanction screening were introduced, and requirements for internal compliance policies and personal data protection (AML and GDPR) were expanded.
COREDO’s practice shows: companies that pre-emptively adapt their processes to new standards gain a competitive advantage: the ability to quickly enter new markets, obtain licenses, and attract international partners.
Practical steps for implementing AML procedures for international business
How to integrate AML and KYC for maximum protection
Synergy of AML and KYC: the foundation of effective financial operation control and risk minimization. Integrating digital client identification, sanction screening, and automated KYC procedures not only speeds up onboarding but also improves the quality of due diligence.
How to automate AML processes and reduce costs
Modern technologies (AI, machine learning, cloud platforms) allow for automation of key stages of AML compliance – from transaction monitoring to suspicious activity reporting. Implementing AML compliance outsourcing is especially effective for small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them to focus on growth rather than routine checks.
How to prepare for an AML audit in different jurisdictions
The specifics of preparing for an AML audit depend on the requirements of regulators in the EU, Asia, and Africa. Key steps:
- Conduct an internal compliance audit and update the company’s AML policy.
- Ensure employee training on new requirements.
- Prepare documentation for due diligence, beneficial owner identification, transaction monitoring.
- Check compliance with internal compliance policies and FATF requirements.
The COREDO team supports clients at all stages of audit preparation, helping to minimize risks and successfully pass the inspection in any jurisdiction.
Common mistakes when implementing AML and how to avoid them
From COREDO’s practice, I highlight the main mistakes that hinder effective AML implementation:
- Formal approach: Lack of real control, formal policies without practical implementation.
- Insufficient automation: Manual checks, lack of integration with IT systems.
- Ignoring a risk-based approach: Universal procedures instead of adaptation to business and jurisdiction specifics.
- Insufficient employee training: Lack of regular knowledge updates on new requirements.
- Mistakes in AML integration for fintech and cryptocurrencies: Underestimating transaction specifics, lack of specialized tools.
- Implementing compliance automation considering the scale and specifics of the business.
- Regularly conducting internal audits and updating the AML policy.
- Ensuring staff training and certification.
- Using a risk-based approach in procedure development.
Key takeaways and practical recommendations
| Reason for implementing AML | Risks of delaying | Practical steps |
|---|---|---|
| Reducing money laundering risks | Criminal/administrative liability, account blockage | Implementing risk-based approach, regular audit |
| Avoiding fines | Regulatory sanctions, losses | Compliance automation, staff training |
| Protecting reputation | Loss of investor and client trust | Integrating AML and KYC, transparency |
| Compliance with new requirements | Inability to enter new markets | Monitoring legislative changes, policy adaptation |
Actionable advice:
- Assess the maturity of your AML procedures and identify priority areas for automation.
- Invest in staff training and regular updates of internal compliance policies.
- Integrate AML and KYC for comprehensive business protection and faster client processes.
- Use modern technologies for scalability and cost reduction.
- Engage experienced AML compliance providers for outsourcing complex tasks and audit preparation.
COREDO’s experience proves: implementing effective AML procedures is not only about legal compliance but also about strategic resilience, access to international markets, and partner trust. Don’t postpone, act today.