How AI and Fraud are Reshaping AFC: Inside the ACAMS Global Threats Report 2026

Every year, I have the privilege of seeing our global ACAMS community come together to do something incredibly powerful: share what you are seeing on the front lines and turn it into actionable AFC intelligence for all. 

The 2026 Global AFC Threats Report is the result of that effort.

Our annual report brings together the perspectives of nearly 1,400 AFC professionals across more than 200 jurisdictions, and reveals a clear message – the threat environment is moving faster, becoming more complex, and placing unprecedented strain on the organizations and people who protect the financial system. In fact, 84% of respondents say they are now focused on scams and fraud against individuals, while 79% cite sanctions and export-control evasion as a top concern – underlining just how sharply the risk landscape is shifting.

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Across fraud, sanctions, crypto, data, and insider risk, the pace of change is now outstripping many traditional controls. Criminal networks are using AI-powered technology, exploiting geopolitical fragmentation and regulatory gaps to scale their illicit activity in ways we have never seen before.  

That is why this report matters. It shows what the community is seeing – and what AFC professionals should focus on next.  This Report also sets the direction for how we will support the AFC community in 2026 through our learning content and the new acams.org, all to help you stay ahead. 

What are the biggest threats facing the global AFC community?

Several defining themes emerge from this year’s report, and they cut across regions, institution types, and risk areas. 

1. Generative AI has changed the fraud equation 

   AI-powered scams, deepfakes, and synthetic identities are now being deployed at scale. “Fraud-as-a-service” has lowered the barrier to entry for criminals, eroding trust in traditional verification methods and forcing institutions to rethink how they detect and prevent fraud. 75% of respondents now rate the malicious use of generative AI as a high or very high risk to their financial crime programs over the next two years, making this the top external risk for the third consecutive year. 

2. Geopolitical fragmentation is increasing compliance risk

   Diverging regulations across sanctions, export-control, and data-privacy regimes are creating blind spots that criminals are quick to exploit. As cross-border complexity grows, compliance teams are being asked to manage risk in a more uncertain and politically fragmented environment. Survey data reflects this growing pressure, with 79% of AFC professionals now focused on sanctions and export‑control evasion.

3. Criminal networks are moving faster than global controls

   Digital hawala networks, shell companies, and regulatory “deflection” – where illicit activity shifts to weaker jurisdictions – allow criminal organizations to stay one step ahead of enforcement. Without stronger cross-border intelligence and cooperation, this gap will continue to widen. The report points to hundreds of billions in suspicious transactions tied to Chinese laundering networks, highlighting the scale of these operations. 

4. Data, AI, and crypto are redefining AFC capabilities 

   Fragmented data and legacy systems are now one of the biggest internal risks facing compliance teams. 52% of respondents say outdated data and legacy IT systems are a high or very high risk to their AFC programs – more than staffing or budget pressures. At the same time, rapid crypto adoption and the use of AI are creating skill shortages and new exposure, making data modernization and upskilling strategic priorities. 56% of AFC teams are already using AI in their compliance programs, and 72% expect AI regulation to change within the next 12 months – highlighting just how quickly this environment is shifting. 

5. Insider threats are becoming more sophisticated

   Collusion, compromised vendors, and AI-enabled deception, including deepfake job applicants, are increasing the risk of breaches from within. Technology alone is not enough -- strong culture, training, and internal safeguards are now critical lines of defense.  39% of respondents consider inability to prevent or detect these risks as high or very high risk to their financial crime program.  
    

Together, these themes tell a clear story: financial crime is evolving faster than ever, and the cost of standing still has never been higher.  

This is where ACAMS and our team of subject matter experts will continue to support our global member community. We will be drawing on the insights from the Global AFC Threats Report and breaking them down into practical, actionable guidance across each of the top 10 threats, with the first article going live in February.

We will also continue to support AFC teams with expert analysis and industry-leading content, all delivered through the new acams.org. Our commitment is to give you not just insight, but intelligence you need to stay ahead – all year long. 

Thank you to all our members who shared their insights, to the wider ACAMS Thought Leadership team for their inputs, and to my colleagues, Sam Cousins and Craig Timm, who worked with me to co-author this report. 

Explore the 2026 Global AFC Threats Report 

Shaped by nearly 1,400 AFC professionals across more than 200 jurisdictions, this year’s report explores the top 10 threats for 2026 -- and what they mean for your organization. 

Available now, exclusively to ACAMS members. 

Download the report

How can ACAMS members stay ahead in 2026?

Discover insights, news, and training across the new ACAMS digital experience – all designed to help you tackle AFC threats head-on. 

• Training webinars: Masterclasses, AFC Trends & Typologies, AFC in Practice, and Professional Development  
• Moneylaundering.com articles: The latest news from our journalists, including enforcement actions and regulation changes  
• Premium Insights: Expert commentary, analysis, and deep-dive resources from our global team of AFC experts  
• ACAMS Today: Perspectives, interviews, and career advice written by and for our member community 
• Details on ACAMS training products: certifications, certificates, events, and seminars