2025 was relentless for UK financial crime professionals, and 2026 shows no signs of slowing down. In this episode, Claire Rees and Phil Roberts examine four critical developments shaping the year ahead.
What we cover:
AML/CTF supervision reform – The FCA's move to become the single supervisor for professional services faces strong opposition from the Law Society, who've raised concerns about implementation speed and client confidentiality protection.
FATF mutual evaluation preparation – With the UK's 2027 evaluation approaching, there's a visible readiness programme underway. The new methodology emphasises effectiveness over compliance, requiring firms to focus on evidence and outcomes.
Economic Crime Levy changes – From 1 April 2026, the levy band structure shifts with higher amounts for firms with significant UK revenue. Understanding the impact on your calculations matters now.
Geopolitical uncertainty and sanctions – Geopolitical volatility is driving more assertive sanctions enforcement. Manual screening processes may struggle to keep pace with rapid changes, making automation critical for ongoing compliance.
Read the full blog post: https://jadethirdeye.com/view/what-2026-holds-for-uk-financial-crime-teams/
About the hosts: Claire Rees brings over 20 years of financial crime expertise from her experience in financial services as Global Financial Crime Regulatory Specialist, whilst Phil serves as Business Development Manager for ThirdEye in the UK, helping organisations navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
About ThirdEye: We partner with mid-sized banks, building societies, lenders, and credit unions across Australia, New Zealand and the UK to fight financial crime. Our flexible transaction monitoring, customer screening, and case management solutions adapt to your risk landscape, backed by local support teams who understand your compliance environment.
Learn more: https://www.jadethirdeye.com/
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