STR: Suspicious Transaction Report
by Royal United Services Institute
From the team analysing the intersection of finance and security, tune into compelling conversations on the real-world impact of global illicit finance.This podcast explores the financial dimensions of today's leading transnational security challenges. Host Tom Keatinge and the team from the Centre for Finance and Security at RUSI bring you unique insights on the challenges posed by illicit finance and practical analysis of the policy responses. They interview top thinkers and influential voices who unpack the complex world of money laundering, corruption, sanctions evasion and illicit flows, and explain how this shapes the evolving global security landscape, and what democracies and international institutions must do to stay ahead when it comes to the financial dimensions of the global threat outlook.Suspicious Transaction Report is also home to CFS's 'Financial Crime Insights' podcast, which ran from 2020 to 2023.
Episodes
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Kleptocracy: Exposing It is Not Enough
Why civil society, financial institutions and governments must connect their evidence and capabilities to dismantle kleptocratic networks. Kleptocracy is not simply corruption on a grand scale. It is a system in which stolen wealth is used to capture institutions, preserve political power and...
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A7A5: Russia's Stablecoin Lifeline
How a rouble-backed stablecoin, Tether's USDT and an alternative payments network are testing the reach of Western sanctions. Russia's search for alternatives to the Western financial system is increasingly moving into crypto. One experiment in particular has attracted attention: A7A5, a...
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From 1MDB to The China Contract
Clare Rewcastle Brown on how Malaysia's 1MDB scandal became a story of debt, infrastructure, China and geopolitical leverage. The 1MDB scandal exposed how billions of dollars were stolen from Malaysia, moved through offshore structures and the international financial system, and used to fund...
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Financing War in the Grey Zone
This episode explores how conflict financing and hybrid threats expose gaps in the global anti-financial crime framework. Wars and hostile state activities are not sustained by weapons alone. They depend on money, commercial networks, natural resources, corruption and access to the international...
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From Compliance to Risk Management: A View from the US Treasury
This episode examines how the US Treasury thinks about financial crime, sanctions, fraud and protecting the integrity of the financial system. Financial crime, sanctions and illicit finance have become central to national security and economic security. But how can governments and the private...
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Can the Financial Action Taskforce Turn Standards into Results?
How can the global anti-financial-crime system become more inclusive, proportionate and effective in delivering meaningful results? Few institutions have as much influence over the global response to money laundering and terrorist financing as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). But the value...
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Can Terrorist Financing Ever Be Stopped?
Why disruption, intelligence and genuine public–private partnership matter more than promises to eliminate every terrorist dollar. Terrorism may have slipped down the political agenda, but its financing remains a critical national security challenge. Attacks can be inexpensive, but terrorist...
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Iran's Long (Financial) Arm in Europe
How Iran uses proxies, shadow banking and criminal cut-outs to fund external operations and evade sanctions. Iranian-linked plots, surveillance activity and intimidation operations are drawing growing concern across Europe. But behind these activities sits a wider financial and logistical...
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Chinese Money Laundering and the 'Flying Money' Threat
How Chinese money laundering organisations exploit capital controls, criminal cash and informal value transfer systems to move illicit wealth across borders. Chinese money laundering organisations have become a growing concern for law enforcement, policymakers and the private sector. But how do...
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Is Populism a Business Model?
Money, media and influence networks are turning political grievances into engines of power and profit. Populist movements are reshaping politics across Europe and North America. But beyond the rhetoric, rallies and social media campaigns lays a critical question: who is funding this political...
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Crypto and Sanctions Evasion: Russia's Growing Shadow Economy
Crypto use is central to Russia's evasion of sanctions aimed at restricting its military procurement. It is past time for action. Over the past four years, sanctions against the financing and resourcing of the Russian military have been a key pillar of the West's response to the Kremlin's illegal...
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From Passive to Active: The Revolution at UK Companies House
The long-derided corporate registry is finally coming into its own as a central player in confronting the UK's role in global illicit finance. When the UK government opened its company register – Companies House – to public scrutiny in 2015, campaigners and journalists cheered. But as everyone…
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Oliver Bullough: Why We Get Fighting Financial Crime Wrong
Laundering money has never been easier, cheaper, or more secure for bad actors, so why do we persist with our current response? In this latest episode, host Tom Keatinge is joined by journalist Oliver Bullough to discuss his latest book, 'Everybody Loves Our Dollars: How Money Laundering Won',...
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Latvia's Transformation: From Laundromat to Leader
Motivation, coordination and making the right choices has brought a remarkable turnaround in the financial crime fighting fortunes of Latvia. If you are involved in the fight against financial crime in Latvia then 2018, the year of the country's last FATF assessment, is a date that is both…
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Countering Russia's Shadow Fleet and the Limits of Sanctions
How has Russia managed to keep its oil exports flowing despite sanctions and what can governments do to more effectively disrupt the shadow fleet? As Russia adapts its energy exports to withstand sanctions pressure, a parallel maritime system has emerged to keep oil flowing across global markets....
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Russian Oligarch Sanctions: Frozen Assets, Due Process and What Happens Next
Following Russia's full-scale invasion, Western governments issued a slew of sanctions against oligarchs. But to what end? What's been achieved, and what happens next? Over the past decade, the UK has grappled with its reputation as 'Londongrad': a home for oligarchs – most often from Russia – to...
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EU Sanctions on Russia: Four Years After the Invasion
Marking four years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we examine how EU sanctions have evolved, expanded and intensified enforcement. As we mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this episode explores how EU sanctions on Russia have evolved from an...
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Controlling Crypto in UK Politics: Is a Ban What's Really Needed?
As the UK brings forward new electoral legislation, what should the government do about crypto donations, and does it really understand the risks? Discussion about cryptocurrencies is often polarised. Nowhere is this more so the case than in the ongoing discussion about the inclusion – or not –…
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How Russian Sabotage Is Financed and How to Disrupt It
Financing is a critical yet overlooked element of Russian sabotage in Europe, shaping how operations unfold and where they can be disrupted. In this latest STR episode, host Kinga Redłowska is joined by CFS Director Tom Keatinge and CFS Senior Associate Fellow Matthew Redhead to review the team's...
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Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea Football Club
Over two billion pounds from the sale of Chelsea FC languishes frozen in a UK bank account. Why is that, and what happens next? Nick Purewal, news and sports journalist, and author of 'Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC' joins host Tom Keatinge to explore the sanctioning of...
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Creating an AML System that is Fit for Purpose
In a new book, author Anton Moiseienko argues that designing the right incentives will determine the future success of financial crime fighting. In this latest episode of the STR podcast, host Tom Keatinge is joined by former CFS colleague Anton Moiseienko, who is now a Senior Lecturer and…
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How and Why the AML Status Quo Needs to Change
Jeffrey Robinson writer, storyteller, and passionate believer joins host Tom Keatinge to think the unthinkable and challenge the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) status quo. After all these years of effort to combat economic crime, are we so convinced that our approach is the right one that we are...
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The Growing Threat of Terrorist Financing Through Online Gaming
Gonzalo Saiz and Galen Lamphere-Englund speak with host Tom Keatinge about how online gaming might be exploited by extremist and terrorist actors. In this latest episode of the STR podcast, host Tom Keatinge caught up with CFS Research Fellow Gonzalo Saiz and Galen Lamphere-Englund co-founder and...
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How Useful is the FATF Terrorist Financing Typologies Report?
Jessica Davis, Stephen Reimer and host Tom Keatinge discuss the Financial Action Task Force's recent report on terrorist financing. In this latest episode of the STR podcast, host Tom Keatinge caught up with CFS Associate Fellows Jessica Davis and Stephen Reimer to review the Financial Action…
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On the Frontline of Financial Intelligence with Daniel Thelesklaf
With three FIU (financial intelligence unit) leadership positions under his belt, and much more besides, Daniel Thelesklaf shares his varied and valued experience in tackling financial crime. In this latest episode of the STR podcast, host Tom Keatinge catches up with Daniel Thelesklaf, long-time...
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Crypto and Sanctions Circumvention
Elise Thomas speaks with Tom Keatinge about why the growing role of cryptocurrencies in sanctions circumvention needs urgent attention. In this latest episode, host Tom Keatinge caught up with Elise Thomas from the Centre for Information Resilience during a recent visit to London, to dive into…
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Economic Statecraft and Economic Security in Global Affairs
Kimberly Donovan joins Kinga Redlowska to discuss the evolving role of economic security and economic statecraft in global affairs. Kimberly Donovan, Director of the Economic Statecraft Initiative at the Atlantic Council, talks to host Kinga Redlowska about the important differences between...
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Strategising the Use of Sanctions: in Conversation with Wally Adeyemo
The effective use of sanctions needs clear objectives and outcomes, multilateral coordination, and rigorous enforcement; their overuse can have unintended consequences. Former US Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo talks to host Tom Keatinge about the 2021 US Treasury Sanctions Review, the…
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Imprisoned for Reforming Myanmar's Broken Financial System
A personal story exploring the challenges of introducing financial integrity and transparency to Myanmar's financial system - and of 650 days of imprisonment as a result. We talk a lot about the realities of fighting financial crime and the harms that these crimes cause. But what happens when the...
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Suspicious Transaction Report: Season 8 Preview
Host Tom Keatinge reveals what's in store for Season 8 of the Suspicious Transaction Report. Some great episodes are already lined up, delving into terrorist financing, what it's like to be imprisoned after attempting to reform a country's financial system, how to lead not one, not two, but three...
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10 Years at the Intersection of Finance and Security
Kinga Redlowska and Tom Keatinge reflect on the latest season, the CFS's 10th anniversary and the future of finance and security work. In this special season-wrap episode of the Suspicious Transaction Report podcast, host Kinga Redlowska, Head of Centre for Finance and Security (CFS) at RUSI...
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A Year of Labour: Assessing the UK's Progress Against Illicit Finance
After 12 months in office, has the new Labour government turned the page on the fight against illicit finance, or is governing harder than opposition? CFS Director Tom Keatinge speaks with CFS Financial Crime Policy lead Kathryn Westmore and Associate Fellow Josie Stewart about the progress made…
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Moldova's Elections: Fighting Financial Interference
A look behind the curtain at the financial dimension of Russia's attempts to undermine Moldova's 2024 presidential election and EU referendum. CFS Director Tom Keatinge speaks with Veronica Dragalin, former Chief Anti-Corruption Prosecutor in Moldova, who had a front row seat as the country...
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Strengthening the Financial Frontline on Russia Trade Sanctions
How the compliance systems of financial institutions have adapted in response to post-2022 trade restrictions on Russia. CFS Director Tom Keatinge speaks with CFS Associate Fellow Olivia Allison and Jinesh Amin, a financial crime specialist at Quantexa. They discuss the latest CFS policy brief...
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Chokepoints – How the Global Economy Became a Weapon of War
Sanctions have become the go-to policy tool of our times, yet the lessons of the past are often forgotten by those at the centre of the world's stage today. CFS Director Tom Keatinge speaks with Eddie Fishman, a former US State Department sanctions official, about his new book 'Chokepoints.'…
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The Financial Dimension of Online Child Sexual Exploitation
A new report from the Financial Action Task Force examines how financial intelligence can be used to protect children from online sexual exploitation. CFS Director Tom Keatinge speaks with Abi Harrison from the United Kingdom's HM Treasury and Stefan Jerga from the Australian Federal Police about…
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Banks and Geopolitical Risk – a Dutch Perspective
With geopolitical risk rising, this episode examines a recent Dutch National Bank report on how banks should navigate growing global tensions and fragmentation. CFS Director Tom Keatinge speaks with Thomas Vos, Strategy & Policy Advisor of De Nederlandsche Bank and Haroon Sheikh, Senior Research...
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The Future of Frozen Russian Assets
How could frozen Russian assets be used and what are the legal and geopolitical implications? Head of CFS Europe, Kinga Redlowska, is joined by Anton Moiseienko, CFS Associate Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Law at the Australian National University, along with Tom Keatinge, Director of CFS. They...
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Hennie Verbeek-Kusters on Combatting Financial Crime
This episode explores the role of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)-the Netherlands in combating financial crime, featuring insights from its head, Hennie Verbeek-Kusters on challenges, strategies and global cooperation. CFS Director Tom Keatinge speaks with Hennie Verbeek-Kusters, Head of...
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Belarus: The Forgotten Sanctions Regime
Sanctions on Belarus cover multiple issues: fraudulent elections, human rights abuses, and complicity in Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. But what is their real impact? Head of CFS Europe Kinga Redlowska is joined by Lev Lvovskiy, Senior Researcher at the Belarusian Economic Research...
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Canada Under Pressure: Tariffs, Illicit Finance and Trump
Tom Keatinge and Jessica Davis explore the impact of Trump's tariff threats on Canada, alongside the country's ongoing challenges with illicit finance and money laundering. CFS Director Tom Keatinge is joined by Jessica Davis, CFS Associate Fellow and President and Principal Consultant with…
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Eyes on the Inside: Incentivising Whistleblowers to Expose Economic Crime
This episode explores the potential of whistleblower reward programmes to transform economic crime investigations. CFS Director Tom Keatinge is joined by Eliza Lockhart, Research Fellow at CFS, and Nick Ephgrave, Director of the Serious Fraud Office, to discuss Eliza's SOC ACE research paper…
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State Threats – Same Old Same Old, or Something Different?
Talk of state threats, hostile states and hybrid warfare has notably increased. But how do these threats differ from those faced in the past? CFS Director Tom Keatinge is joined by Matthew Redhead, Senior Associate Fellow at CFS, to discuss his new Serious Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption...
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Understanding Russia's Growing Campaign of Sabotage
We explore the growing threat of sabotage attacks across Europe and the technological tools used for financing and recruitment. Host Tom Keatinge is joined by Dr Daniela Richterova, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor at the Department of War Studies at King's College London, and Holger...
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The Honey Trap: A Tale of Scandi-Banking Noir
This episode explores the astonishing case of one of the world's biggest money-laundering schemes via the well-known Swedish Bank, Swedbank. Host Tom Keatinge, CFS Director, and investigative reporter Axel Gordh Humlesjö examine the Swedbank story, what led to the investigation and how, even if...
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Uncertainty Ahead: Sanctions and Trump's Return
How might a second Trump term reshape the US's use of sanctions? Host Kinga Redlowska, CFS Director Tom Keatinge and sanctions expert Jeff Lord examine the potential impact of a second Trump term on Russia, and how Europe should respond. With the rise of China and changing global dynamics, the...
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Inside the Financial Empire of the Wagner Group
Tom Keatinge and Wagner expert Jack Margolin discuss how the group became a global mercenary powerhouse and how to counter the rise of such groups. With insights from Jack Margolin, author of 'The Wagner Group: Inside Russia's Mercenary Army', this episode explores how the Wagner Group evolved…
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The Economic War Against Russia
Host Kinga Redlowska, Head of CFS Europe, and Tom Keatinge, CFS Director, are joined by Stephanie Baker, Bloomberg investigative journalist and author of Punishing Putin. They delve into the impact of sanctions on Russia following its illegal invasion of Ukraine, exploring Russia's evasion…
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Addressing Authoritarian Abuse of the FATF Standards
Host Tom Keatinge sits down with CFS Associate Fellow Stephen Reimer and international lawyer Ishita Chakrabati to discuss how authoritarian regimes are abusing the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. Drawing on insights from a two-year RUSI study, this episode analyses how the FATF...
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Frankfurt Calling: A Conversation with Former FATF President Dr Marcus Pleyer
In this episode, host Tom Keatinge speaks with Dr Marcus Pleyer, former FATF president, about his role in shaping global financial crime policies and EU anti-money laundering efforts. They explore Marcus's professional journey, from a small corner of Germany's Ministry of Finance to leading the...
About this show
From the team analysing the intersection of finance and security, tune into compelling conversations on the real-world impact of global illicit finance.This podcast explores the financial dimensions of today's leading transnational security challenges. Host Tom Keatinge and the team from the Centre for Finance and Security at RUSI bring you unique insights on the challenges posed by illicit finance and practical analysis of the policy responses. They interview top thinkers and influential voices who unpack the complex world of money laundering, corruption, sanctions evasion and illicit flows, and explain how this shapes the evolving global security landscape, and what democracies and international institutions must do to stay ahead when it comes to the financial dimensions of the global threat outlook.Suspicious Transaction Report is also home to CFS's 'Financial Crime Insights' podcast, which ran from 2020 to 2023.
Hosted by
Royal United Services Institute
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