STR: Suspicious Transaction Report
Business & Finance
About
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
- 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…
- 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 201…
- 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, '…
- 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 cou…
- 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 sys…
- 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 'Londo…
- 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 ex…
- 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…
- 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 Se…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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 co…
- 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 Fel…
- 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 D…
- 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…
- 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 R…
- 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 Kin…
- 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 Ke…
- 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 th…
- 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…
- 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,…
- 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 a…
- 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…
- 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 specialis…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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 Un…
- 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 T…
- 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 Lvovs…
- 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 Associat…
- 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 Fr…
- 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 discus…
- 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…
- 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 Swedba…
- 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. W…
- 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 Ar…
- 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 ille…
- 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 t…
- 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 smal…
- Addressing the Axis of Upheaval
In this episode, host Tom Keatinge, CFS Director, is joined by Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Director of the Transatlantic Security Program at CNAS, to discuss her co-authored article 'Axis of Upheaval'. They discuss the convergence of Russia, Ch…
- Understanding China and Economic Coercion
In the first episode of the season, host Kinga Redlowska, Head of CFS Europe, is joined by Bethany Allen, author of Beijing Rules: China's Quest for Global Influence. They discuss how China has developed its economic statecraft in recent y…
- Season Seven Teaser: The STR Podcast is Back with a New Theme: 'The Future Of'
In this teaser, host Kinga Redlowska, Head of CFS Europe, is joined by CFS Director Tom Keatinge to launch the theme for the new season, 'The Future Of'. Listen now to get a sneak peek at the range of topics and new ideas that will feature…
- A Conversation with Former FATF President T Raja Kumar
In the last episode of this season, host Tom Keatinge, CFS Director, is joined by T Raja Kumar, former President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). They discuss some of the key achievements during his presidency, such as his focus…
- Sanctions and Russia's Nuclear Diplomacy
In this episode, host Tom Keatinge, CFS Director, is joined by Darya Dolzikova, RUSI Research Fellow, to discuss her recent paper, 'Power Plays: Developments in Russian Enriched Uranium Trade'. They discuss the financial and diplomatic ben…
- The Evolution of Modern-Day Money Laundering
Host Tom Keatinge, CFS Director, is joined by Geoff White, Investigative Journalist and author of Rinsed. They discuss cybercrime, money laundering, crypto hacking by North Korea, how criminals collaborate across multiple jurisdictions to…
- Disabling the Enablers of Sanctions Circumvention
In this episode, host Tom Keatinge, CFS Director, is joined by Justyna Gudzowska, CFS Associate Fellow, and Tom Stocks, Senior Investigative Journalist at the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project. They discuss their recently pu…
- Dark Money and Politics: Is Democracy for Sale?
In this episode, CFS Director Tom Keatinge is joined by Peter Geoghegan, Investigative Reporter at the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project – a global network of journalists – and author of Democracy for Sale. They discuss the…
- The Economic Impact of Sanctions Against Russia - Fact and Fiction
Host Tom Keatinge, CFS Director, discusses the impact of sanctions against Russia with Vladimir Milov, Vice President, Free Russia Foundation. In this episode, Tom Keatinge and Vladimir Milov discuss the impact that sanctions against Russi…
- The Threat of Online Misinformation to Financial Stability
In this episode, host Tom Keatinge, CFS Director, is joined by Kathryn Westmore, CFS Senior Research Fellow, and Sahil Shah, Managing Director, Say No to Disinfo. Together, they explore how the spread of misinformation on social media is a…