Episode 21 - The Weight of the Role (An Honest Conversation with an MLRO)

Episode 21 - The Weight of the Role (An Honest Conversation with an MLRO)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557276/fan_mail/new] 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.

Episode 20 - Looking Beyond the Sanctions List

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557276/fan_mail/new]  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.

Episode 19 - When Legitimate Looks Low Risk: Sovereign Wealth Funds, AML Judgement & Regulatory Scrutiny

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557276/fan_mail/new] 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-solomon-07102613/].

Episode 18 - How Do You Know If Your Risk Assessments Are Actually Working?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557276/fan_mail/new] This episode explores the critical differences between having risk assessments and actively using them in law firms. Hosted by Michelle Clement, with AML consultant Kayleigh Smale, it emphasises how effective risk assessments can shape decision-making, influence behaviour, and ensure compliance. This conversation is about what risk assessments are meant to evidence and why that’s harder than it looks.

Episode 17 - AI, AML and Regulatory Defensibility

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557276/fan_mail/new]  In this episode of The AML Clinic Podcast, Michelle Clement is joined by Arik Oslerne to explore one of the biggest shifts currently shaping AML and client onboarding: the rise of AI.  The episode explores: *  where AI is currently adding practical value in AML and onboarding  *  how automation is changing legal workflows and decision-making  *  the risks of over-reliance, false confidence, and loss of context  *  why AI outputs still require human challenge and interpretation  *  what makes AI-supported decisions defensible under regulatory scrutiny  *  how firms should think about oversight, audit trails, and accountability  *  where the legal market is heading as firms increasingly embed AI into practice  The conversation focuses on the reality that regulators will still expect firms to explain how decisions were reached, what information was considered, and whether the outcome made sense in context. Designed for law firm leaders, MLROs, compliance professionals, and risk teams, this episode offers a practical and grounded discussion on how firms can integrate AI into AML processes in a way that is effective, proportionate, and defensible. SRA | Compliance tips for solicitors regarding the use of AI and technology | Solicitors Regulation Authority [https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/resources/innovate/compliance-tips-for-solicitors/]