A big variety of articles and resources.

A practical look at how internal control failures—not policy gaps—are driving regulatory penalties. Despite having certified staff, formal policies, and documented procedures, many financial institutions across Europe are still falling short of regulatory expectations. This article explores why: weak or inconsistently applied internal controls. From banks to fintechs and CASPs, we examine the operational breakdowns behind enforcement actions—and offer a blueprint for building stronger, more resilient compliance frameworks.

For years, the crypto industry thrived in a legal grey area, with regulators struggling to keep pace with its rapid evolution. However, those days are behind us—especially in the European Union. With the introduction of MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation), the 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD 6), and the 16th EU sanctions package on Russia, the EU has firmly integrated crypto into its financial oversight framework. These measures demonstrate that crypto is no longer a regulatory blind spot. From anti-money laundering (AML) obligations to sanctions enforcement, the European regulatory landscape is tightening, and crypto businesses must adapt or face severe consequences.

The Fowler Oldfield case, which resulted in a £226 million fine for the Bradford-based scrap jeweler, serves as a reminder that even seemingly straightforward businesses can become conduits for sophisticated money laundering operations. This scandal also highlights and implicates NatWest bank, a financial institution, in significant anti-money laundering (AML) failures. This case is a compelling example that urges us to revisit the foundational principles of AML.

With 2025 already marked by a surge in new regulations—from the AI Act to DORA and MiCA—compliance teams are under intense pressure to keep up. But in the race to meet these growing demands, one major risk is being overlooked: burnout. This article explores why compliance burnout isn’t just a personal issue, but a business one. We break down the hidden costs, risks to your compliance program, and most importantly, how organizations can build more resilient, sustainable compliance cultures.