The AML Clinic Podcast

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 Client accounts are one of the legal sector’s most significant money laundering risks. 
In this episode, Michelle is joined by Dr Katie Benson, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Manchester, whose research on client account misuse is some of the most practically relevant academic work available to the legal sector. Together they explore how facilitation happens, what opportunity structures reveal about where the real vulnerabilities sit, and what the patterns in criminal convictions and regulatory enforcement cases tell us about where oversight breaks down.
Below are Katie’s 2024 and 2026 research papers co-authored by Bociga Gelvez 
“Occupation, Organisation, Opportunity, and Oversight: Law Firm Client Accounts and (Anti-)Money Laundering” (2024)
“Complementarity, tension and proportionality in the anti-money laundering regulation of law firm client accounts” (2026)
Katie's book -  Lawyers and the Proceeds of Crime

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 In this episode, Michelle Clement speaks with Nick Dale, Director of Intelligence and Prevention at Stop the Traffik, about how data, financial intelligence and pattern recognition can help expose trafficking and exploitation networks. He explains how seemingly insignificant pieces of information become significant when viewed in context and why the quality of a suspicious activity report can make a real difference.
 For compliance professionals, this conversation offers a different perspective on the purpose behind the work. 
 Find out more about Stop the Traffik's work at www.stopthetraffik.org.

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What is it really like to be an MLRO?
In this episode of The AML Clinic Podcast, Michelle Clement sits down with an experienced MLRO for an honest conversation about the realities behind one of the most demanding roles in AML compliance.
Together, they explore the judgement calls, competing pressures and accountability that come with the role, and why much of that responsibility often goes unseen.
Whether you're an MLRO, compliance professional, partner or member of a risk team, this episode offers a candid insight into the human side of AML compliance and the factors that support sound, defensible decision-making.
This episode also marks the conclusion of the first season of The AML Clinic Podcast. Thank you for listening, and we'll be back in the autumn with more conversations on AML, regulation and the practical realities of compliance.

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 Michelle Clement is joined by Suzie Ogilvie to discuss how firms can recognise and manage sanctions risk in practice, apply the "reasonable cause to suspect" threshold, and make defensible decisions that stand up to regulatory scrutiny.

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Sovereign wealth funds and state-linked structures are often perceived as low risk because they carry an assumption of legitimacy. But how should firms assess these relationships in practice?
In this episode, Michelle Clement is joined by Colin Solomon to explore the lessons arising from the Jersey v LGL Trustees Ltd re Angola case, and what it reveals about risk classification, onboarding assumptions, professional judgement, and regulatory scrutiny.
Together, they discuss how perceptions of legitimacy can influence decision-making, what regulators look for when reviewing files in hindsight, and how firms can ensure their risk assessments and rationale stand up to scrutiny.
Colin has also prepared a summary of the case and regulatory findings. If you would like a copy, you can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-solomon-07102613/.