In 2024, the global volume of laundered criminal proceeds exceeded $2.7 trillion: more than the GDP of most countries in the world. In just the last two years, the fines for non-compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements have increased by 42%, and the number of regulatory investigations has almost doubled. Virtual assets, DeFi, and stablecoins are rapidly changing the landscape of financial risks, and international AML standards are becoming increasingly stringent and complex for global business. How can you ensure compliance control without losing flexibility in the face of multi-jurisdictional regulations? Are your processes ready for the new FATF requirements and local regulators in the EU, Asia, and Africa? Why is implementing AML into business processes becoming not just a legal obligation but a matter of survival and company reputation?
Over the years, the COREDO team has frequently encountered situations where even experienced international companies underestimated the depth and speed of changes in the field of AML compliance. In this article, I will thoroughly examine the key trends of AML 2025, provide practical recommendations for implementation and improvement of financial monitoring, and share strategies that truly work in the EU, Asia, and Africa. If you want not just to meet the requirements but to use AML as a competitive advantage, read to the end. Here you will find answers to the most pressing business questions and tools for confident progress.
AML Trends in 2025
AML trends in 2025 are already shaping a new reality for financial market participants. In the near future, the anti-money laundering system is expecting major changes due to updated FATF requirements and significant legislative amendments. These changes require not only the adaptation of business processes but also the revision of internal control and compliance procedures.
New FATF Requirements and Legal Changes
Special attention is given to Recommendation 15, which regulates new technologies and virtual assets.
The solution developed at COREDO included a detailed audit of business processes, adaptation of internal AML policies, and integration with international databases, which allowed successful completion of VASP Licensing in both jurisdictions.
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in AML
AML 2025 is no longer just about regulations and paperwork. Machine learning, Big Data, and RegTech platforms are becoming standard for the automation of AML processes and financial monitoring. Modern AML systems can analyze millions of transactions in real time, identify complex money laundering schemes, and minimize the number of false positives.
Solutions integrating blockchain analytics and automatic transaction monitoring for cryptocurrencies and DeFi are particularly effective.
At the same time, the rapid development of decentralized finance and stablecoins requires separate attention from regulators and market participants.
Regulation of DeFi and Stablecoins in 2025
In 2025, the regulation of virtual assets becomes one of the key areas in the fight against money laundering. The GENIUS Act and updated VASP licensing requirements demand companies implement comprehensive AML procedures, including blockchain analytics and risk assessment when working with DeFi and stablecoins.
The introduction of automated monitoring systems and employee training on new FATF standards not only ensured compliance with regulatory requirements but also increased trust from banks and partners.
AML Compliance for International Business
AML compliance for international business is not just a formal requirement but a key element of the strategy for managing financial risks when operating in foreign markets. To effectively implement these measures, verification procedures like KYC and timely reporting of suspicious activities are of particular importance, as they create the foundation for preventing financial crimes and maintaining trust among partners and regulators.
KYC Verification and SAR Reporting
Effective compliance control is impossible without modern KYC (Know Your Customer) and CDD (Customer Due Diligence) procedures. In 2025, these processes require integration with international databases, automation of data collection and verification, as well as regular updates of client information.
AML: Differences in Implementation in the EU, Asia, and Africa
Implementing AML in the EU, Asia, and Africa requires consideration of differences in national regulations, levels of maturity of financial monitoring systems, and specifics of working with virtual assets. For instance, the EU has strict harmonization of FATF standards, but there are local nuances regarding VASP licensing and reporting requirements. In Asia, countries have diverse approaches to cryptocurrency and DeFi regulation, while in Africa, the main challenges include weak transaction control and a high proportion of offshore structures.
The COREDO team has developed multi-jurisdictional control strategies for clients entering Southeast Asian and EU markets, which minimized compliance risks and accelerated the process of registering legal entities and obtaining financial licenses.
Comparison of AML requirements in the EU, Asia, and Africa:
| Region | Main AML Requirements | Regulatory Features | Main Risks/Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | FATF standards, KYC, CDD, SAR, VASP licensing | Strict harmonization, but there are local nuances | High fines, risk of account freezing |
| Asia | Partial harmonization, local standards | Country-specific differences, focus on cryptocurrencies | Licensing risks, banking complexities |
| Africa | FATF standards implementation, low system maturity | Many offshore entities, weak transaction control | Reputational and legal risks |
Audit and Optimization of AML Processes
AML process audit is a key tool for assessing the effectiveness of anti-money laundering systems. In 2025, international regulators require not just formal compliance but the actual effectiveness of internal AML policies, regular employee training, and transparent reporting.
This approach allowed for a successful audit and timely acquisition of the VASP license without delays.
IT and Automation in AML 2025
IT and automation in AML 2025 are radically changing approaches to identifying and preventing financial crimes. Modern technologies allow real-time analysis of vast amounts of transactions, automatically detecting suspicious operations and client behavior anomalies. These tools are becoming standard for companies striving for compliance with international requirements and effective risk management.
In this context, effective transaction monitoring and timely detection of suspicious activities become particularly significant.
Transaction Monitoring and Suspicious Activities
Modern IT in AML allows for the automation of transaction monitoring, uses machine learning to detect complex laundering schemes, and reduces the share of false positives. In 2025, such solutions become a mandatory element of AML compliance for companies dealing with large transaction volumes and virtual assets.
RegTech and Blockchain Analytics for AML
RegTech platforms are becoming standard for automating AML processes, especially in transaction analysis for laundering and integration with international databases. Blockchain analytics allows tracking the origin of funds, identifying connections between addresses, and assessing risks when working with DeFi and stablecoins.
The COREDO team has implemented RegTech-based solutions for clients from the EU and Asia, ensuring compliance with new FATF requirements and boosting financial monitoring efficiency.
Cyber Risks and Digital Laundering Schemes
Effective AML risk management strategies include integration with international databases, automated transaction analysis, and employee training on new threats.
Implementing AML Compliance in an International Company
Implementing AML compliance in an international company becomes a necessity for protecting the business from financial crimes and adhering to international standards. Effective implementation of AML procedures not only minimizes legal and financial risks but also establishes a transparent, sustainable management system.
Steps to Implement AML Procedures
Based on COREDO’s experience, I suggest the following algorithm:
- Audit current processes, assess internal policy compliance with international AML standards and FATF requirements.
- Implement KYC/CDD, automate client verification procedures with integration of international databases.
- Automate transaction monitoring – introduce RegTech platforms and machine learning for transaction analysis.
- Train staff: regular training on new AML requirements, raising awareness of cyber risks.
- Integrate with international databases, ensuring access to up-to-date information on clients and transactions.
- Regular audit and optimization, continuous process improvement, preparation for regulator checks.
How to Prepare for Audits and Reduce Risks
In one of COREDO’s cases for an international payment platform, a project was implemented to integrate automated reporting systems and train employees to handle incidents, which minimized fines and maintained partner trust.
AML Requirements: Employee Training
Training employees in AML and raising awareness of new threats is a key factor in the entire system’s effectiveness. Regular training, updates to internal policies, and integration of new FATF standards into corporate culture not only ensure compliance but also build a solid market reputation.
Conclusions and Advice for Business
In 2025, anti-money laundering becomes one of the key factors for the sustainability and competitiveness of international business. Best AML risk management practices include process automation, integration with international databases, regular audits, and staff training. Implementing new FATF standards, adapting to local requirements, and using modern RegTech tools not only minimize costs but also increase ROI from compliance investments.
Summary Table: Key Trends, Risks, and Solutions in AML 2025
| Trend/Risk | Solution/Tool |
|---|---|
| Stricter FATF Requirements | Audit and adaptation of internal policies |
| Growth of virtual assets volume | VASP licensing, blockchain analytics |
| Cyber risks and DeFi | Automated monitoring, training |
| Multi-jurisdictional control | Integration with international databases |
| Increase in fines and checks | Regular audit, SAR reporting |
Actionable advice for business:
- Conduct an audit of current AML processes and adapt them to FATF 2025 standards.
- Implement automated platforms for KYC/CDD and transaction monitoring.
- Regularly train employees on new requirements and cyber threats.
- Integrate AML control into due diligence processes during mergers and acquisitions.
- Use RegTech solutions to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Useful resources and documents:
- Official FATF website
- FATF Recommendation 15 (AML for new technologies)
- Sanctions and PEP databases
- RegTech solutions overview for AML
If you are looking for a strategic partner to implement and improve AML compliance, COREDO’s team is ready to offer comprehensive solutions based on deep understanding of international standards and practical experience in the EU, Asia, and Africa.