In the landscape of financial regulation, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) frameworks form the backbone of combating financial crime. Recent proposals for regulatory changes from FinCEN have sparked vital conversations about the effectiveness of these systems. To delve into this pressing topic, the Huggard Consulting Group is hosting a workshop on April 22, 2026, at the St. Regis Hotel located in Washington, D.C.
The workshop, entitled 'AML/KYC – Improving Effectiveness and Addressing Unintended Consequences: The Way Forward and Insights from the OECD Better Regulation Perspective,' will bring together industry leaders and policymaking experts for a detailed analysis of current compliance practices and their social and economic impacts. Money laundering is often connected to more severe crimes, including human trafficking, corruption, and environmental offenses. Despite spending roughly $180 billion annually on compliance measures, it's reported that less than 1% of illicit funds are recovered.
The event's distinguished panel will include notable figures such as Richard Meads from Business Decisions Limited and Him Das, former Acting Director of FinCEN. The discussion aims to evaluate how adherence to procedural compliance has led to high rates of false positives, ultimately detracting from the goal of effective regulation. Participants will reflect on how existing frameworks can adapt to provide better outcomes and avoid unintended consequences. Notably, insights will also be drawn from the OECD’s Best Regulatory Practice, ensuring a broad perspective is shared.
The workshop serves as an excellent platform for interaction among diverse participants, including policymakers, regulators, and leaders from financial institutions. By engaging in this dialogue, attendees can work towards refining the global approach to financial crime prevention, emphasizing the need for impactful strategies in AML and KYC compliance.
The significance of this event extends beyond theory; it is a call to action for all stakeholders entrenched in the financial services sector. They must re-evaluate compliance systems, harmonizing regulatory mandates with practical outcomes that effectively minimize financial crime risks.
The discussions held during this workshop are expected to inform future legislative initiatives and shape the trajectory of AML and KYC regulations. As the global landscape continues to evolve, this kind of proactive engagement is critical to ensuring a safer and more transparent financial environment.
For those interested in attending, registration details can be found at
Huggard Consulting Group's event page, and participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure their place in what promises to be a consequential event. With the convergence of esteemed experts and the critical examination of regulatory systems, this workshop represents a pivotal opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in the fight against financial crime.