Sri Saundarajan is a Senior Analyst II at AML RightSource.
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The world of financial crime is constantly shifting. Today’s analysts are not just reviewing alerts – they’re helping institutions stay ahead of increasingly complex risks. What used to be a routine compliance role now requires deeper insight, tech fluency, strategic thinking, and ongoing learning.
This blog explores what it takes to be a successful AML analyst today, and what strengths and strategies will be more critical in the years ahead.
First and foremost, analysts should have a strong understanding of AML and sanctions regulations. They should know the basics of the BSA, USA PATRIOT Act, and relevant OFAC or FINTRAC guidance. Staying updated through internal training, industry webinars, and regulatory updates (like FinCEN notices or FATF guidance) helps keep this knowledge fresh and applicable.
Critical thinking makes the difference whether you are investigating an unusual transaction pattern or a customer’s abrupt change in behavior. Writing is just as important; your Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) or narratives must be factual, clear, and defensible.
In this role, being good at regulations alone isn’t enough anymore. We work with alerting systems, dashboards, internal tools, and constantly evolving workflows. Analysts need to understand how and why alerts are triggered, starting with the basics of the scenario logic, what specific activity caused the alert, and how that should shape how we approach our review. Suppose something feels off, especially if the alert seems to be a false positive; it’s important to raise it with management or the client. These aren’t just one-off issues but opportunities to fine-tune rules and improve overall efficiency.
Adaptability matters too. Not all customers are the same. What’s “normal” for a traditional bank may not apply to a crypto exchange or a neobank. We must assess each case in context.
Analysts today are also expected to think more strategically. If you see five different accounts all moving small amounts to one central account with no logical purpose, that could be a mule network. Identifying larger patterns has become a key part of our role.
Financial crime doesn’t stand still. Bad actors are getting more sophisticated. They’re setting up fake crypto platforms, running pig-butchering scams, and using victims as mules in ways that look legitimate on the surface.
Analysts need to expand their awareness, even if we’re not directly handling crypto or fraud cases daily. If we don’t stay updated, we’ll miss the bigger picture.
As compliance consultants at AML RightSource, we’re not just here to clear backlogs. We often identify process gaps, suggest rule logic improvements, or recommend escalation parameter changes. Some clients come to us not knowing exactly what they need – they rely on us to help them get it right and stay compliant. That’s a responsibility I take seriously.
The success of an AML program depends on strong analysts and managers who provide meaningful coaching. Effective feedback should go beyond surface-level corrections. When reviewing SARs or RFIs, managers should guide analysts to base their narratives on verifiable facts, clearly explain red flags, and avoid unsupported assumptions. This kind of support helps analysts develop stronger critical thinking skills, especially when a situation isn’t clearly addressed by existing rules.
Managers also play a key role in shaping how analysts think under pressure. By encouraging better questions and recognizing small wins like a well-written SAR or thoughtful escalation, we help build confidence, adaptability, and ownership.
This field has real career potential. I’ve seen many analysts, myself included, grow by staying curious and taking initiative. Certifications like Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) are a good starting point, but not the end of the road. There’s also:
Aside from formal certifications, I find a lot of value in reading industry books written by professionals and practitioners. These resources offer more profound insights into the evolving landscape of financial crime, enforcement trends, and real-world applications of compliance practices. They help expand our thinking beyond day-to-day tasks.
This is a tough industry but a meaningful one. It challenges you to think, adapt, and keep learning. I genuinely love my job and take pride in the work I do. It’s a professional role, and we’re making a real impact.
But doing the job well isn’t just about the hours you put in. It’s about how much you’re willing to grow. Learn new workflows. Stay updated on risks. Sharpen your judgment. And most of all, be the analyst who’s ready for any challenge.
This industry isn’t slowing down. But if you keep evolving with it, you won’t just keep up; you’ll be leading the way forward.
If you’re an AML professional on a similar journey, I’d love to hear how you’re growing in this field.