On June 4, 2025, Trapets will sponsor the AML Arena taking place in Helsinki.
Anti-money laundering (AML) teams are going through a major transition. What used to be a primarily reactive task is now a strategic, tech-supported function deeply embedded in the day-to-day operations of financial institutions. This shift is being driven by automation, smarter technology, and rising customer and regulatory expectations.
From rules-based monitoring to smarter detection
In the past, transaction monitoring relied heavily on rules-based systems. These rules flagged activity outside normal behaviour patterns, but accuracy was often a challenge. False positives were common, while sophisticated criminal patterns flew under the radar.
Today, many organisations use a mix of traditional rules and enhanced insights. Some of our customers mentioned in an interview that they still use rule-based systems, but they’re supported by internal and external data sources, and tools that find complex patterns they couldn’t identify before.
Advanced analytics, including machine learning, are starting to support teams by spotting patterns, drawing links between entities, and helping prioritise reviews. The result: quicker and better-informed decisions.
The essential skills of an AML professional
The modern AML role involves a wide mix of skills. Besides regulatory knowledge, AML teams need to know how their business operates, the products they offer, and how those can be exploited for money laundering. This demands deep insight into data sources, both internal and external.
As Niklas Rosvall, Chief product Officer at RegTech company Trapets, states: “We’re seeing a growing need for technical competence inside AML teams. They need to be able to adjust thresholds, update monitoring logic and evaluate data quality without having to wait on IT support.”
Real-time monitoring is becoming a necessity
As real-time payment services become the norm, financial institutions face new challenges. Monitoring systems that rely on batch analysis can’t react fast enough.
Real-time monitoring flags activity as it happens. This allows AML teams to block fraudulent transfers immediately, and review or freeze an account without delay. It’s becoming the standard many regulators expect.
Authorities are also pushing in this direction. “The European Banking Authority’s guidelines point to the need for transaction monitoring that’s risk-based, and in many cases, that means real-time,” says Niklas Rosvall.
What AML teams can focus on
To keep up with the pace of change, AML teams can focus on these five areas:
- Data quality and access: Better decisions start with better data. Combine internal and external KYC (know your customer) information to improve accuracy.
- Adaptable systems: Choose platforms that allow your team to update rules and logic without waiting for technical support.
- Collaborative models: Build strong working relationships between AML, IT, and cybersecurity teams.
- Technical skill-building: Equip teams with the skills to understand, test and adjust their monitoring systems.
- Real-time readiness: Start transitioning from batch-based systems to real-time transaction analysis.
Balancing automation and human oversight
Automation will continue to play a bigger role in monitoring and analysis, but human will continue to be essential. As Niklas notes: “Technology must support decision-making, not replace it”.
Another critical point is explainability. Systems that make automated decisions must also be able to justify those decisions, especially in environments regulated by strict compliance requirements.
Collaboration: the key to success
For AML teams to succeed, they need support from leadership. Strategic decisions shouldn’t be left to compliance teams alone. Resources, visibility, and cross-department backing are all essential.
Stronger cooperation between institutions also matters. Shared data sources, joint initiatives, and public-private partnerships could help raise the overall standard of AML across the industry.
Final thoughts
AML teams are gaining better tools and stronger roles. But to keep up with the demands of faster transactions and higher expectations, ongoing investment and internal support are critical. With the right systems and partnerships in place, these teams can help secure not just their institutions, but the entire financial ecosystem.
Author
Gabriela Taranu is a Content Manager with a strong background in B2B marketing, currently driving content strategy at RegTech company Trapets in Stockholm. With a background in content writing and experience across several tech companies, she focuses on creating and optimising content for various platforms, including social media, blogs, and websites. Gabriela approaches her work with a structured mindset, aligning content with business goals and audience needs.
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Want to hear more? Join us on June 4th in Helsinki for a day dedicated to advanced insights, innovative strategies, and dynamic discussions in anti-money laundering.
