Fintech Forward Newsletter - Issue 26
27 January 2026
Welcome to the first newsletter of 2026 – with a focus on the latest insights, analysis, and events shaping the fight against financial crime.
Financial services are at a critical crossroads as AI and technology transform fraud detection and compliance. However, a recent UK Treasury Select Committee report warns that regulators are not doing enough to manage AI risks, leaving consumers and the financial system potentially exposed to serious harm.
Even with widespread AI adoption, financial crime continues to thrive, fuelled by phishing, social engineering, and highly organized global scams. Experts stress that technology alone isn’t enough – coordinated education, human oversight, real-time monitoring, and cross-border collaboration are essential.
AML and KYC is one area where practices are evolving rapidly. Using AI for continuous monitoring and behavioural insights is crucial in flagging up anomalies, yet human judgment remains central to effective compliance.
To discuss these challenges and more, financial crime professionals will be coming together at a range of events in the year ahead, including the ICA Future of FinCrime & Compliance Summit in May, and the NextGenFinCrime forum in July.
Financial services face ‘serious harm’ from AI risks, committee warns
MPs warn that UK regulators are not doing enough to manage AI risks in financial services, despite widespread adoption. The Treasury Select Committee calls for clearer guidance, stress testing and stronger oversight to prevent serious harm to consumers and the financial system.
Build vs. buy: The real trade-offs in financial crime technology
Financial institutions are investing in unified fraud and AML platforms, but the choice to build or buy has major cost and risk implications, with limited independent benchmarks to guide decisions.
Why AI isn’t stopping financial crime
Financial crime is booming, driven by AI, phishing and social engineering. Experts say coordinated education, monitoring, and cross-border action are essential to protect victims and fight sophisticated, global scams.
Top Takeaways
Key takeaways in fin crime
AI and real-time monitoring are reshaping AML and KYC, but human oversight remains crucial. Effective compliance increasingly depends on cross-organization collaboration and adapting to fast-evolving crypto and financial crime risks.
Event
Future of fincrime summit
On 20th May 2026 over 600 professionals will gather for a hands-on, interactive conference featuring workshops, roundtables, and case studies across 4 tracks, offering real-world insights, networking, and peer-to-peer learning.
Report
Metia Insight Studies
Use data driven insight to inform and improve your customer experiences, engagement and relationship strategies. Our insight studies give you actionable insights and practical recommendations, all built using advanced data science techniques and expert analysis.