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AIA Champions International Cooperation to Combat Financial Crime in Singapore

Last updated: 02 Oct 2025 11:00 Posted in: Anti-money laundering

The Association of International Accountants (AIA) reaffirms its dedication to supporting global efforts against money laundering and financial crime at ALB Pan-Asian Regulatory & Compliance Summit 2025 in Singapore, attended by Michael Chow, former AIA Council Member, UK Chartered Banker (LIBF) and prominent figure in the corporate advisory, banking and compliance sector.

The event brought together leading voices in anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime prevention, including T. Raja Kumar, 2022-2024 President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the international watchdog combatting money laundering and terrorism financing, and Elaine Dayanghiran, AML Officer at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Upon reflection, Michael Chow highlighted the urgent need for strong leadership, international cooperation, and intelligence sharing to address emerging risks, particularly as cybercriminals increasingly deploy AI tools to carry out sophisticated online scams and fraud.

Chow, who has an extensive background in trade banking, forensic investigation, risk management, and governance, described the event as “so much in alignment with AIA.” He added:

“We all need to combat and prevent money laundering and proliferation financing. Professionals, institutions, and agencies must share intelligence and provide technical assistance among themselves. Many lives have been destroyed by such horrendous crimes, and we all have a responsibility to act.”

The event reinforces the responsibility of accountants and finance professionals to uphold global standards and safeguard against financial crime. As a professional body, AIA provides members with comprehensive resources on AML, counter-financing of terrorism (CFT), and proliferation financing. These include:

  • Practical guidance and regulatory updates to help members stay compliant with evolving global standards.
  • Training and CPD resources covering AML, financial crime, cyber risk, and ethical practice.
  • Access to international networks and peer support, enabling members to share insights and best practices across borders.

Through such initiatives, AIA members are equipped not only to meet compliance obligations, but also to actively contribute to the integrity and resilience of the global financial system.

This latest event in Singapore highlights AIA’s ongoing dedication to providing its members with the knowledge and resources needed to combat financial crime in an era of increasing technological complexity and cross-border challenges.

AML RESOURCES FOR AIA MEMBERS
“We all need to combat and prevent money laundering and proliferation financing. Professionals, institutions, and agencies must share intelligence and provide technical assistance among themselves. Many lives have been destroyed by such horrendous crimes, and we all have a responsibility to act.”

Michael Chow, UK Chartered Banker (LIBF), Former AIA Council Member