Financial Crime: AML & Sanctions for Beginners

Financial crime is everywhere, but how does it really work? Who’s responsible for stopping it? And how can everyday professionals make a difference?

In this beginner-friendly guide, Richard Andersone breaks down the complex world of financial crime, anti-money laundering (AML), and sanctions into something clear, practical, and easy to follow. Whether you're entering the industry or simply want to understand the headlines, this book gives you the tools to grasp what matters.

You’ll learn what financial crime really is, how illegitimate money moves through the system, and why AML laws exist to stop it. The book explains how criminals hide money, how sanctions are used to enforce global rules, and the role banks, businesses, and even estate agents play in identifying and reporting suspicious activity.

It also covers essential processes like Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Know Your Customer (KYC), and how risk is assessed. You’ll understand what red flags look like, the purpose of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), and the critical role of compliance teams in keeping financial systems clean.

This isn’t a dense textbook or a legal manual. It’s a straightforward introduction written for real people, those who want to build a career, meet compliance requirements, or simply be more informed.

If you’re looking to build your knowledge and confidence in AML, sanctions, and financial crime prevention, this guide is the perfect place to begin.