08:15 – 09:00 Registration & Networking
Main Stage - Orchid Ballroom
09:00 – 09:05 Opening Remarks
09:05 – 09:15 Regulatory Keynote
09:15 – 09:55 Dialogue: Global Risk & Regulation 2025
Fraud, Scams, Geopolitics, and Conflict. A Fractured Globe.
In 2025 and beyond, geopolitical tensions, conflict, and political violence will create a more polarised and complex landscape for fraud and financial crime. The weaponisation of tariffs will further complicate matters, as nations leverage trade policies as tools of economic warfare. Diverging views on balancing risk exposure and de-risking will dominate discussions, challenging regulatory priorities and compliance strategies. This dialogue will explore the implications of these evolving threats, examining regional case studies, the role of technology in enhancing anti-financial crime efforts, and the necessity for international cooperation. As stakeholders brace for an unpredictable threat environment, we aim to provide insights into navigating these complexities and adapting to emerging risks.
09:55 – 10:15 Fireside: Crisis of Trust
Addressing the Surge in Fraud Complaints in Middle East
In this session we explore the alarming rise in fraud complaints reported in Middle East and its implications for trust in our banking systems. We analyse the interplay between fraud and broader financial crimes, emphasising how these activities facilitate money laundering and organised crime. By examining illicit fund flow, we uncover where these resources are being diverted and their impact on the economy.
Drawing insights from recent research by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), we highlight the need for financial institutions to strengthen their security measures, adapt to regulatory change, and enhance consumer education. We also discuss successful collaborative efforts between banks and law enforcement that have effectively countered fraud, showcasing best practices that can be adopted across the region.
10:15 – 10:55 Live Hacking: Behind the Screen
Inside the Mind of a Criminal and Live Hacking
In this session, we delve into the psychology of cybercriminals, uncovering their key traits and motivations and debunking common misconceptions. We trace the evolution of criminal tactics, highlighting how methods have adapted to technology over time. A live hacking demonstration will provide real-time insights into the tools and techniques used by criminals, showcasing the thought processes behind their actions and emphasising ethical considerations. We then discuss the security implications, illustrating how insights into criminal behaviour can enhance protective measures and promote proactive strategies.
10:55 – 11:15 Networking Break
Opportunity to meet the sponsors, as well as network with other attendees.
Main Stage - Orchid Ballroom
11:10 – 11:50 Interactive Roundtable 1 (40m)
11:50 – 12:30 Interactive Roundtable 2 (40m)
Roundtable Topics include:
- Geopolitics & regulation
- Payments fraud
- Scam-prevention
- Shadow networks
- Capital markets
- Wealth management
- Synthetic IDs, deepfakes
- Entity risk
- Cybercrime
- Sanctions screening
- Digital assets
- Conduct & culture
- Market abuse
- Data-driven approaches
- AI & fraud/financial crime
- Money-mules
12:30 – 12:40 Regulatory Lunch Keynote
12:40 – 13:30 Lunch & Networking Break
Opportunity to meet the sponsors, as well as network with other attendees.
Main Stage - Orchid Ballroom
Stream 1: Banking & Payments Stream
13:30 – 13:40 Regulatory Keynote: Fraud As a National Security Priority
Melati Ballroom
Stream 2: Entity Risks, Complex Structures, and KYB
13:30 – 13:40 Regulatory Keynote: FATF Grey List, Truths & Myths
13:40 – 14:10 Dialogue: Scams Inc. – Taking on the Fraud Ecosystem
This dialogue explores the evolving landscape of fraud in today’s digital world, highlighting trends such as phishing, identity theft, and investment scams. The panel will discuss the roles of regulation and law enforcement in combating fraud, effective prevention strategies for individuals and organisations, and the necessity of collaboration across sectors. Additionally, we examine how emerging technologies like AI and blockchain may shape future fraud trends and the adaptations needed to address these challenges.
13:40 – 14:10 Dialogue: Ending The Shell Game
Suspect Wealth and the Role of the Offshore World
Singapore’s recent proliferation financing national risk assessment has brought significant attention to the abuse of shell companies and nominee directors. This panel will navigate the complex and often opaque world of entity risks and corporate structures that undermine transparency in the financial sector. We examine the challenges posed by these entities and how they facilitate illicit activities while evading regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, we explore the offshore world’s role in harbouring suspect wealth, addressing the opportunities and risks associated with these jurisdictions. Experts will emphasise the critical importance of robust Know Your Business (KYB) practices in identifying and mitigating these risks, as well as innovative strategies for enhancing due diligence.
14:10 – 14:30 Threat Talk: From Casinos to Cybercrime
Unravelling the evolution of Southeast Middle East’s Scam Factories
This session will examine the transformation of Middle East casinos into epicentres of cybercrime and organised illicit activities, including North Korea’s involvement in similar nefarious practices. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies in the region, we discuss how criminal enterprises have been driven to seek refuge in the less regulated environments of Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, and how these jurisdictions have facilitated the establishment of sophisticated “scam factories”. The discussion examines the complex interplay between shadow banking systems, online gambling, and the surge of cyber fraud, highlighting how criminal networks can facilitate not only substantial financial losses but also the funding of rogue states like North Korea. We will also address the devastating impacts of human trafficking and the seamless movement of illicit funds across borders, underscoring the urgent need for heightened awareness and decisive action to combat these critical challenges that span the region and beyond.
14:10 – 14:30 Threat Talk: Navigating Shadows
The Evolving Landscape of TBML, Shadow Supply Chains and Underground Networks
This discussion will explore emerging trends and threats related to illicit financial flows, particularly TBML and tactics for sanctions evasion and tariff avoidance. We will examine key techniques used by criminals, including over- and under-invoicing, shell companies, and falsified documentation. Additionally, we’ll address the adaptability of corporations in leveraging new channels to navigate and reflect changing political narratives.
14:30 – 15:00 Dialogue: Targeting Mule Networks with Precision
Payments Risk Scoring, Fraud, and AI, and the 2026 World Cup
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the proliferation of mule accounts poses a significant challenge, facilitating the flow of illicit funds and obscuring the origins of money—especially in the realm of illegal gambling. This discussion will explore innovative techniques for identifying and dismantling mule account networks that are increasingly involved in money laundering and fraud during major sporting events. By leveraging advanced data analytics and AI, we can uncover hidden connections between suspicious accounts, revealing the intricate relationships that enable these covert transactions.
14:30 – 15:00 Dialogue: Towers of Cash
Unpacking Money Laundering through Real Estate and other DNFBPs
Australia’s AML/CTF expansion will bring 90,000 new entities under supervision, reshaping compliance for real estate, legal, and other high-risk sectors. This discussion will explore the impact of these reforms, how financial crime risks in DNFBPs are evolving, and what’s next for regulatory oversight in Middle East. Experts will examine enforcement challenges, cross-border implications, and the steps businesses must take to adapt.
15:00 – 15:20 Networking Break
Opportunity to meet the sponsors, as well as network with other attendees.
15:20 – 15:40 Threat Talk: Regional Faster Payments Under the Microscope – Gaming Communities, Radicalisation, and Terror Financing
This discussion will delve into the intricate relationship between gaming communities, radicalisation, and terrorism financing (TF), particularly in light of Singapore’s latest national risk assessment. As financial hubs like Singapore continue to evolve, the potential exploitation of online gaming by violent extremists becomes a pressing concern. Recent research highlights how extremist actors utilise gaming-adjacent communication platforms to foster radicalisation and facilitate illicit financial flows. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective countermeasures in both the financial and digital landscapes.
15:20 – 15:40 Threat Talk: Criminal Connections
Financial Flows, Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Exposed
In this session, we will explore the critical intersection of money laundering and human trafficking, examining how illicit financial flows facilitate these heinous crimes. Participants will gain insights into the mechanisms traffickers use to disguise their profits and the challenges faced by financial institutions in detecting and reporting suspicious activities.
15:40 – 16:10 Dialogue: From Golden Passports to Proof of Address – Redefining Customer Risk and Ensuring Information Integrity in the Age of AI
As the landscape of global mobility evolves, with increasing scrutiny on golden passports and the rise of sophisticated digital identity verification, it’s crucial to redefine our understanding of customer risk and information integrity. This discussion will explore how institutions can leverage technology, data analytics, and AI to enhance detection and compliance efforts, not only in uncovering hidden relationships and risks associated with schemes like golden passports but also in ensuring the reliability of seemingly basic information like proof of address.
15:40 – 16:10 Dialogue: Bribe, Swindle or Steal
When is Corruption Not Corruption?
With the pause on FCPA actions in the US, the global fight against bribery and corruption is at a crossroads. This panel will examine the implications for financial institutions and businesses operating in Middle East, the potential enforcement gaps, and how regulators may respond. The panel will discuss the future of Anti-Corruption efforts, shifting compliance risks, evolving enforcement priorities, and strategies to mitigate longer remediation.
16:10 – 16:30 Threat Talk: Deepfakes, AI and Underground Malware/Crime-as-a-Service Markets
In an era where technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the intersection of deepfakes, AI, and underground malware markets presents a complex landscape of emerging threats. This discussion delves into how sophisticated AI technologies enhance security measures and empower cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities with alarming efficiency. As deepfake technology makes it increasingly easy to create convincing yet fraudulent media, the potential for misinformation, identity theft, and social engineering attacks escalates. Simultaneously, underground markets thrive, facilitating the exchange of malware and hacking tools that leverage these advancements.
16:10 – 16:30 Threat Talk: Unacceptable Failures
Unpacking Enforcement Trends and Recent Regulatory Failures
In this session, we delve into the enforcement trends surrounding financial crime compliance and the escalating costs associated with non-compliance. The landmark case involving HSBC, which faced a staggering $1.9 billion fine from U.S. authorities due to significant anti-money laundering failures, serves as a critical case study. This incident not only triggered widespread reforms across financial institutions but also ignited essential discussions on regulatory policies.
Main Stage - Orchid Ballroom
16:30 – 16:45 Roundtable takeaways and Closing Remarks
An opportunity to hear from our moderators as they showcase the outputs from the morning’s roundtables.
16:10 – 16:30 Threat Talk: Deepfakes, AI and Underground Malware/Crime-as-a-Service Markets
In an era where technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the intersection of deepfakes, AI, and underground malware markets presents a complex landscape of emerging threats. This discussion delves into how sophisticated AI technologies enhance security measures and empower cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities with alarming efficiency. As deepfake technology makes it increasingly easy to create convincing yet fraudulent media, the potential for misinformation, identity theft, and social engineering attacks escalates. Simultaneously, underground markets thrive, facilitating the exchange of malware and hacking tools that leverage these advancements.
16:45 – 18:00 Cocktail Reception
Opportunity to meet the sponsors, as well as network with other attendees.
SAMA Compliance Regulations
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) has implemented stringent compliance regulations to strengthen the financial sector’s resilience against fraud and financial crime. At the Anti-Fraud event, experts will discuss the latest regulatory frameworks, including guidelines on fraud risk management, transaction monitoring, and cybersecurity measures required for financial institutions operating in Saudi Arabia. Understanding these regulations is crucial for businesses to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and maintain trust in the financial system.
Attendees will gain insights into the evolving regulatory landscape, enforcement actions, and best practices for aligning their fraud prevention strategies with SAMA’s guidelines. The session will highlight how financial institutions can implement effective compliance programs, leverage regulatory technology (RegTech), and stay ahead of emerging threats in the fight against fraud.
Fraud Prevention Technologies
The rapid evolution of fraud tactics has driven the development of advanced fraud prevention technologies that help businesses detect and mitigate financial threats in real time. This session will explore cutting-edge solutions such as AI-powered fraud detection, behavioral analytics, and biometric authentication systems. Experts will showcase how these technologies are transforming fraud prevention, enabling organizations to identify suspicious activities and enhance security measures.
By attending this session, participants will gain valuable insights into the latest tools and methodologies used to combat digital fraud. From real-time threat intelligence platforms to blockchain-based security solutions, the discussion will focus on how businesses can integrate innovative technologies into their existing fraud prevention strategies to safeguard financial transactions and protect customers from cyber threats.
Fraud Prevention Specialists
Fraud prevention specialists are the backbone of anti-fraud initiatives, working tirelessly to identify, analyze, and mitigate fraudulent activities. Their expertise in digital forensics, fraud detection algorithms, and real-time threat monitoring makes them critical participants at the Anti-Fraud event. These specialists will showcase advanced fraud prevention strategies, including AI-powered risk assessment, anomaly detection, and behavioral biometrics to combat cyber fraud.
Attendees will benefit from their deep knowledge of fraud trends, case studies, and proactive defense mechanisms that help businesses minimize losses and reputational damage. Fraud prevention specialists will also facilitate discussions on collaboration between industry sectors, emphasizing the importance of intelligence sharing and automated fraud detection systems in mitigating financial crime at scale.
The Role of AI to Combat Fraud
Artificial intelligence has become a game-changer in the fight against fraud, offering sophisticated methods to detect anomalies, prevent fraudulent transactions, and automate risk assessment processes. At the Anti-Fraud event, experts will delve into the role of AI-driven fraud detection models, machine learning algorithms, and predictive analytics in combating cybercrime. The session will explore how AI enhances fraud detection by analyzing vast amounts of data, identifying patterns, and adapting to emerging fraud techniques.
Participants will learn how AI-powered systems help financial institutions reduce false positives, improve transaction security, and enhance customer verification processes. The discussion will also cover the ethical implications of AI in fraud prevention and how organizations can implement AI solutions while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Identification of Money Laundering
Money laundering remains one of the biggest challenges for financial institutions and regulators worldwide. This session will focus on the latest techniques used to identify suspicious financial activities, track illicit transactions, and prevent the flow of illegal funds. Experts will provide insights into red flags, transaction monitoring systems, and forensic accounting techniques that help uncover money laundering schemes.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how criminals exploit financial systems and how businesses can strengthen their anti-money laundering (AML) efforts. The discussion will highlight case studies, real-world investigations, and regulatory requirements that organizations must adhere to in order to prevent financial crimes and ensure compliance with global AML standards.
Enhancing KYC Mechanisms
Know Your Customer (KYC) is a critical component of fraud prevention, helping businesses verify customer identities, assess risks, and comply with financial regulations. This session will examine how organizations can enhance their KYC processes using advanced technologies such as biometric authentication, blockchain-based identity verification, and AI-driven risk scoring.
Participants will learn about the latest advancements in digital identity verification and how financial institutions can balance security with user experience. The session will also cover the challenges of implementing robust KYC measures, including regulatory requirements, privacy concerns, and the need for real-time identity verification to prevent fraud and financial crime.
International Cooperation
Fraud and financial crime are global challenges that require cross-border collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies. This session will highlight the importance of international cooperation in combating fraud, including intelligence-sharing initiatives, joint investigations, and coordinated policy frameworks. Experts will discuss how countries and organizations can work together to track fraudulent activities, disrupt criminal networks, and enhance financial security on a global scale.
Attendees will gain insights into successful international fraud prevention strategies, challenges in cross-border investigations, and the role of organizations such as INTERPOL and FATF in global financial crime prevention. The discussion will emphasize the need for seamless collaboration, data sharing, and unified regulatory approaches to tackle fraud and financial crimes effectively.