FROM THE EDITOR
Future gazing
Years ago , while living in Paris , France , I had the great fortune to meet a lovely elderly woman who had lived a full and amazing life . Another friend and I would visit her at her small apartment in the 11th arrondissement each week . Our routine consisted of reading together and engaging in lively conversation while having an apéro .
One day she had another guest at the apartment . She introduced us to her animated friend who regaled us with stories of her life in the Paris art scene . She had made art , known famous artists and spent time modeling for many . She also happened to be a bit of a mystic and a palm reader . Of course she wanted to do a reading for us . As she read my palm , she told me I had the “ spirit of a galloping horse ,” which is the only thing I remember from her vast predictions for my future . I have often reflected on that phrase and have wondered how having the “ spirit of a galloping horse ” would affect my future . What exactly did that mean ? Even today , every time I encounter a challenging project or I am faced with a difficult decision , I say to myself “ you have the spirit of a galloping horse .”
Predicting the future is an uncertain art form . No one really can tell you what the future holds . We have not mastered palm reading or gazing into a crystal ball , but we can prepare for what the future might bring with the tools and knowledge we have before us . The cover article of this memorable edition , “ Predicting the future : LLMs in AML regulation ,” walks us through the potential that artificial intelligence ( AI ), specifically large language models ( LLMs ), could have in reshaping the future of anti-money laundering ( AML ) compliance . Although there are risks and challenges ahead with the adoption of LLMs , collaboration between human intelligence and AI could enhance innovation and productivity in the AML sector . Read more on page 60 about this exciting new future .
Much like palm reading at first glance seems like random lines , so too emojis can seem nonsensical if you do not know at what you are looking . As the team was working on this edition , we learned a portion of the language of emojis . The second cover article , “ Smileys to syringes : Deciphering emojis and slang in illicit drug sales ,” increases both the awareness and understanding of slang , emojis and stickers that can be used to identify illicit activity involving drug sales .
I hope you ― the reader ― will take a deep dive into the other topics in this edition covering instant payments and sanctions screening , AI ’ s impact on AFC careers , SAR optimization , when to partner with law enforcement and more .
This noteworthy issue is the last edition of ACAMS Today to appear in print . We are extremely proud of the legacy we created over the last 23 years . We are equally enthused by the digital offerings we have produced for the last 15 years . To better serve our 115,000-plus member community and to take advantage of the ever-evolving digital landscape , we are now transitioning to an exclusively digital format . We will continue to offer ACAMS Today as an online publication as well as additional web content including our monthly columns and weekly articles . We are also excited to introduce more interactivity to ACAMSToday . org and elevate the user experience . We will keep you up to date on all new digital enhancements .
As we continue our pursuit of stopping financial crime , I hope we remember that the future can be unpredictable . But if we strive to equip ourselves with the latest tools and perhaps the “ spirit of a galloping horse ,” we can boost our potential and enhance our AML processes .
Karla Monterrosa-Yancey , CAMS editor-in-chief Follow us on : @ acamstoday , 10 acamstoday . org