The Banking Executive Magazine - December 2025 Issue

PSD 2025 After the opening remarks, the con- ference proceeded through three fo- cused panel sessions, each examining a critical aspect of finan- cial compliance and collaboration. Senior U.S. officials, Arab regulators, international experts, and private sector leaders featured prominently across these discussions, providing a rich exchange of perspectives. Below is an overview of each session and its key takeaways: SESSION I: STRENGTHENING AND MODERNIZING FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS’ AML/CFT PROGRAMS The first session, Moderated by UAB’s senior adviser Dr. Chahdan Je- beyl, centered on how banks can bolster their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) frameworks in light of new regulations and emerging risks. Mr. Sean O’Malley, Managing Direc- tor and Head of the Financial Intelli- gence & Investigations Unit at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, set the scene with an engaging and forward-looking overview of how evolving U.S. regulatory priorities and global financial intelligence trends are reshaping the compliance landscape. The panel included pan- elists from U.S. and MENA institu- tions – among them, compliance veterans like Chip Poncy (K2 In- tegrity), Jacqueline Shire (Federal Re- serve Bank of New York), Dr. Mazen Soueid (head of Lebanon’s Banking Control Commission), -Mr. Sameer Pandit, MD/Chief Compliance Offi- cer – Treasury Services, Global Client Management & Credit Services, BNY, Mr. Jamal El-Hindi, Counsel, Clifford Chance US LLP, Former Acting Di- rection FinCen, US Treasury, USA, and Mr. Mitch Berger, Senior Partner, Squire Patton Boggs. A major focus was “what’s new” in U.S. AML/CFT programs and how these develop- ments impact banks abroad. For ex- ample, the panel examined the recent introduction of U.S. National AML/CFT Priorities (as outlined by FinCEN in 2024) and strategies for banks to integrate these priorities into their own institutional risk assess- ment frameworks. This includes aligning internal risk models with the areas highlighted by regulators (such as combating cybercrime, terrorist fi- nancing, fraud, corruption, etc.) and ensuring that board-level governance is attuned to these national priorities. Building on that, participants dis- cussed advancing risk-based compli- ance approaches to make AML/CFT efforts more effective. This entails moving beyond a tick-box mentality and using data-driven methods to al- locate compliance resources where risks are highest. The panel empha- sized the importance of embedding strong governance and oversight at the board and senior management level so that compliance considera- tions are woven into strategic deci- sion-making. By strengthening the “tone at the top,” financial institu- tions can better cultivate a culture of compliance that is proactive rather than reactive. ISSUE 204 DECEMBER 2025 the BANKING EXECUTIVE 35 FORUM SESSIONS OVERVIEW