ACAMS, the global leader in anti-financial crime (AFC) education and professional development, has released its annual Global Anti-Financial Crime Threats Report, revealing a growing gap between the evolving tactics of financial criminals and the capabilities of AFC professionals. The report, based on a survey of 1,400 AFC practitioners across more than 200 jurisdictions, highlights how the convergence of advanced technology, geopolitical instability, and innovative criminal behavior is generating threats of unprecedented scale and complexity. A key finding shows that 75% of AFC professionals identify the malicious use of generative AI and large language models (LLMs) as a major external risk. Many anticipate that regulatory frameworks around AI will undergo significant changes by 2026, underscoring the urgency for proactive policy development and industry adaptation. The report outlines ten critical threats facing the AFC community, with the top five being: - Generative AI and LLMs acting as force multipliers for transnational criminal networks - AI-driven identity fraud eroding trust and security in digital systems - A multipolar, competitive, and volatile geopolitical landscape hindering global cooperation - Sanctions and export control evasion evolving from niche compliance issues to systemic risks - Underground banking networks increasingly leveraging technology to obscure illicit financial flows Justine Walker, Executive Vice President of Thought Leadership at ACAMS, emphasized the escalating challenge: “The threats facing AFC professionals continue to intensify and expand into new sectors year over year. The challenges are significant, but collaboration and knowledge sharing remain among our most powerful defenses.” Neil Sternthal, CEO of ACAMS, added, “The scale and sophistication of financial crime attacks are overwhelming for professionals to manage alone. These findings reinforce the importance of our mission—to strengthen the global AFC community through education, collaboration, and standardized best practices. Cross-border cooperation, harmonized regulations, and continuous training must be prioritized to safeguard the integrity of the global financial system.” The report also identifies persistent internal barriers that hinder effective AFC responses, including limited access to advanced analytical tools, staff burnout, siloed organizational structures, and fragmented data systems. The Global AFC Threats Report 2026 is available exclusively to ACAMS’ 120,000+ members worldwide. It draws insights from global conferences and executive roundtables held in key financial centers such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan. This year’s findings directly inform ACAMS’ programming, including webinars, events, and certification courses, helping professionals stay ahead of emerging risks. The association’s suite of credentials—CAMS, CGSS, CAFS, and CCAS—along with its 65+ global chapters, supports a robust ecosystem for training, networking, and public-private dialogue. For more information and to access the report, visit acams.org. Press inquiries can be directed to [email protected].