AI, Deepfakes Are Top Risks for Financial Crime Specialists

ACAMS Says Investigators Need Better Data, Architecture and AI-Based Detection Jennifer Lawinski • January 29, 2026

The financial system has a trust problem driven by artificial intelligence and deepfakes. Investigators looking to prevent fraud and other financial crimes will only face more challenges as criminals find new ways to use AI to swindle, according to the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists' Global AFC Threats Report 2026.

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The rapid acceleration of AI, deepening geopolitical fragmentation and the increasing sophistication of criminal networks, are all converging to create a perfect storm for the world's anti-financial crime professionals.

"Baseline expectations now have gone from down here to up here," said Justine ...