There is a lot of gray space ― much of the regulations are risk-based and have various contingent factors. Of course, we have to follow federal, state and local laws along with regulatory guidance, but there is room to apply certain aspects of the AML and BSA regulations differently, while still being compliant. This means, we have to think through what is best for each institution, where the risk is and how similar institutions are successfully ― or unsuccessfully ― mitigating these risks.
Being resourceful: Rely on regulatory guidance, frequently asked questions, industry best practices, legal opinions, training content, etc., to provide valuable insight in all areas of your job. Do not fall into the philosophy of“ fake it till you make it.” Do not provide guesses or assumptions as fact, and always follow up to inquires if you are unsure of an answer. You cannot know every detail about every topic, so use your resources to gather the correct or best answer instead of providing unsubstantiated opinions or inaccurate information.
APC: What emerging technologies do you believe will have the biggest impact on financial crime prevention? How do you stay updated with the latest technological advancements in the AML field?
AK: I think the obvious answer is artificial intelligence( AI). There are so many ways to use AI in combating financial crime. While all new technology takes time to be perfected, the possibilities are seemingly endless. AI can be used to do things like streamline suspicious activity reporting, writing narratives for suspicious activity reports( SARs), high-risk customer reviews and risk assessments, as well as reviewing current policies, procedures and processes for inaccuracy, enhancements and gaps. Overall, AI has the ability to enhance and streamline many functions within the AFC space.
I am fortunate to work for a company that is focused on forward-thinking and excited about the opportunities stemming from AI. This is a major focus at my place of work, and we have very intelligent individuals working to put tools and controls in place which will afford us to be true trailblazers in this area. Crowe is truly diving into the AI space, embracing the changes and taking the opportunity to mold and refine AI-based tools which will allow us to gain efficiency to better serve our clients.
APC: How has your role evolved since you started in the AFC field, and what are your future career aspirations within the AML field?
AK: I have worked within the AML space for over 10 years. My career has shifted from an AML / BSA employee within the financial industry to consulting and auditing AML / BSA programs for the financial industry, including banks, credit unions, trust companies, broker dealers, money services businesses, payment processors and other fintech companies.
While within industry I was hands-on, completing tasks such as reviewing high-risk customers, performing quality review on various functions of AML, researching and working alerts related to regulatory violations, filing required government reports( currency transaction reports, SARs, etc.), leading a department and managing teams, updating, enhancing, as well as creating new policies, procedures and processes, training staff on existing and new processes and rebuilding an underdeveloped AML program. Currently, in the consulting space, I have learned to apply the practical knowledge and experience gained through working within the financial industry to assist those within the industry to enhance existing programs, build new programs, review and test existing controls and suggest best practice and industry standard recommendations. My primary goal has shifted from completing daily tasks within regulatory expectations and having a strong program to using my knowledge of the regulations coupled with my practical experience to provide guidance and opportunities for enhancements to AML / BSA officers to assist with strengthening their programs.
APC: When you are off the clock, what is your favorite way to give back to your community?
AK: Being a mother of two young boys, I do not have as much opportunity to volunteer as I would like. However, when I can, I try to support organizations focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, primarily the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and organizations that specialize in veteran suicide prevention. In addition, I try to be hands-on in the local youth sports community. My husband and I take turns coaching; while he focuses on baseball and I focus on soccer. Coaching children in youth sports can provide valuable lessons to these children, even without them realizing it. I have set a goal for myself to expand the time I spend volunteering throughout 2025 and 2026.
ACAMS Pittsburgh Chapter Board
ACAMS Today | September – November 2025 105