AML Failures Cost FIs More Than Money—They Threaten Their Existence
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance is no longer just a regulatory checkmark for financial institutions. It’s a survival mechanism. Hear from Natech's AML Product Owner on why FIs can't afford not to invest.
By Ioannis Papastergiou, AML Product Owner at Natech
In today’s increasingly scrutinized financial landscape, regulators aren’t just watching—they’re acting decisively. In 2024 alone, global financial institutions were fined over $4.5 billion for AML failures—led by TD Bank’s record-setting $3 billion penalty for facilitating suspicious transactions tied to criminal networks (Wall Street Journal, 2024). From high-profile failures in Western Europe to compliance breakdowns in mid-sized institutions across Southern Europe, the message is clear: fail at AML, and you may not be in business tomorrow.
At Natech, we believe the real question isn’t “Should we invest in AML?” but “Can we afford not to?”
The Risk is Real: Fines, Jail Time, and Operational Shutdowns
A 2025 LexisNexis report found that compliance costs have risen by 22% YoY, but the alternative—non-compliance—is even costlier. Fines have ballooned, and reputational damage is often irreversible. In some cases, banks have lost their licenses, been barred from operating in certain countries, or faced class-action lawsuits.
Forrester’s recent analysis highlights that 70% of banking executives believe their legacy systems can’t keep up with regulatory shifts—leaving institutions exposed just when scrutiny is highest.
Staying in business today requires AML resilience.
Why Modern AML Solutions Are Not a Luxury, But a Lifeline
AML compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about:
- Early detection of suspicious transactions
- Real-time insights into high-risk customers
- Automated reporting that keeps regulators satisfied
According to LexisNexis, firms using modern AML platforms report a 43% reduction in investigation time and a 35% drop in compliance-related costs. The ROI is not just measurable—it’s vital.
Natech’s AML Offering: Proactive, Affordable, and Regulator-Trusted
Natech’s AML solution is available both as a standalone solution, which can be easily integrated with your systems, or as a seamlessly integrated part of our cloud-native banking platform. It allows for:
- Real-time transaction monitoring
- Automatic SAR filing
- Full audit trail and regulatory compliance across EU standards
Our solution is the #1 AML platform in Greece—trusted not just by clients, but by local regulators themselves. It’s fast to deploy (in just 2 weeks), cost-effective, and tailored to small and mid-sized banks that often lack the infrastructure to tackle AML in-house.
Download our AML Solution Brochure to discover why Natech is trusted by regulators and financial institutions alike. Learn how we reduce compliance costs, increase detection efficiency, and help banks stay ahead of regulatory risk.
We’ve already helped banks like Cooperative Bank of Chania significantly reduce their compliance burden, improve audit readiness, and lower costs. Our technology powers Snappi—Greece’s first ECB-licensed neobank—where AML excellence is baked into the digital-first experience.
Compliance Isn’t Optional—It’s Operational Insurance
Think of AML as your bank’s insurance policy. Not the kind you renew annually, but one that actively protects your institution from existential threats—daily.
Without it, a single lapse can lead to frozen assets, regulator interventions, or worse—an abrupt end to operations. And as neobanks and fintechs push the boundaries of digital finance, regulators are tightening the net, not loosening it.
If you’re still relying on legacy compliance tools or siloed spreadsheets, you’re not just behind—you’re vulnerable.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Legacy tools may feel “safe” because they’re familiar—but that illusion is costly. The real risk lies in standing still.
With regulatory scrutiny intensifying, operational complexity growing, and financial crime becoming more sophisticated, inaction is no longer neutral—it’s dangerous.
At Natech, we help financial institutions stay ahead of threats, not just respond to them.
Ready to rethink compliance?
Request a demo to see first-hand how we’re helping banks across Europe build resilience—and future-proof their operations.
