Licit and illicit trade have existed side by side for centuries. Fraudsters, money launderers and criminals in general have long abused the infrastructure of the legitimate economy to make their illegitimate activities pay.

We’ve made money laundering and deceptive practices the themes of RiskConnect Virtual 2020. After all, financially motivated crime is pointless without a pay-out.

As banks and others have increased their anti-money laundering and anti-financial crime controls, criminals are turning to less observed parts of the financial system. Acquirers and those providing payment services to merchants are in the criminals’ line of sight.

The conference is also taking place against the backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19 has shown how quickly criminals are able to invent new scams and re-purpose old ones. It’s not just criminals that can adapt and evolve. Risk professionals can, too. It’s actually something they’re quite good at because risk is dynamic by nature — as are risk professionals.

Increasing the effectiveness of any response through collaboration with vendors, peers, card schemes and law enforcement is now more important than ever. With that in mind, we’re pleased to welcome you to RiskConnect Virtual, the aim of which remains connecting the industry and encouraging dialogue and collaboration in these business-as-unusual times.