Nathan Spinder

Independent AML Consultant | CAMS Certified | Brazil/U.S. Regulatory Experience

Ambitious, self-driven AML risk and compliance professional with 4+ years of hands-on experience in policy development, cross-border programs, and AI-assisted detection improvements. I love using AI and machine learning technologies to improve and facilitate the detection of Money Laundering or other financial crimes. Let me help you follow global regulations, while enhancing your AML program!

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AML Overview

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What Is AML?

Anti-money laundering (AML) efforts, encompassing global laws, regulations, and procedures, are essential for detecting and preventing the transformation of illicit funds into legitimate income. AML regulations exist to prevent the concealment of criminal profits within the financial system. Financial institutions use Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) processes to identify and mitigate potential money laundering activities. Money laundering involves three main stages: placement (depositing), layering (obscuring origins through various transactions), and integration or extraction (using the funds for large purchases or withdrawals).

AML programs are regulated at both national and international levels. A strong AML program reduces financial crime risk, supports legitimate business growth, and helps maintain trust with customers and regulators.

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Why Are AML Regulations Important

AML regulations are crucial because they prevent illicit funds from entering the financial system, thereby combating terrorism financing, corruption, fraud, and other criminal activities that undermine economic stability and public trust. They achieve this by requiring financial institutions to implement controls such as customer due diligence, ongoing transaction monitoring, and reporting of suspicious activities to regulators. Compliance protects businesses from hefty fines and legal penalties, safeguards their reputation, and maintains the integrity of the global financial system.

Regulators expect robust governance, risk-based monitoring, and evidence of ongoing training and testing. Non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions, fines, and licensing issues.

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What can I do for you?

I bring cross-border AML program experience (Brazil and U.S.), hands-on policy development, AI/ML-enhanced monitoring, and practical training to reduce false positives while maintaining strong detection. I enhance transaction monitoring rules and thresholds using advanced technology to decrease manual work and increase overall efficiency. I also have an excellent track record in training analysts to improve both production and quality.

From regulatory liaison to product-launch compliance, I help design scalable programs that adapt to growth, mergers, and new markets while keeping costs in check.

Approach & Services

My approach is rooted in developing customized AML strategies that align with both global and local regulatory expectations. I specialize in policy creation, control mapping, and transaction monitoring optimization using AI and machine learning to streamline detection and reduce false positives. I also provide comprehensive KYC, EDD, and SAR process design, ensuring compliance teams have the right workflows and escalation procedures. Additionally, I offer regulatory audit preparation, ongoing training, and governance frameworks that keep your institution ready for review and confident in its AML posture.

How I Work

I believe in a collaborative and transparent approach. I work closely with Legal, Product, and Technology teams to identify key risks, align compliance goals, and implement efficient monitoring solutions. Each engagement starts with a discovery phase to understand your specific risk profile and operational environment. From there, I build risk-based plans that drive measurable improvements and efficiency gains. My communication style is clear and structured, ensuring leadership teams receive concise reports, dashboards, and ongoing progress updates.