Treasury Actions, Digital Asset Risks, and 25 Years After 9/11

This week, John Byrne and Elliot Berman examine a wave of regulatory and enforcement developments shaping the AML landscape. Topics include new U.S. Treasury sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector, FinCEN's renewal of Southwest Border Geographic Targeting Orders, guidance on SAR confidentiality, and growing concerns over digital asset scams and cryptocurrency regulation. They also discuss FATF's latest reports on underground banking networks, money-laundering risks in the gambling sector, and AUSTRAC's enforcement actions against remittance and crypto firms. In recognition of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the conversation turns to the lasting impact the attacks had on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and public-private partnerships. John and Elliot reflect on how the Patriot Act transformed financial crime prevention, why collaboration between financial institutions and law enforcement remains essential, and the importance of ensuring future generations understand the role AML professionals play in protecting the financial system.