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The 2025 Financial Crime Benchmarking Report

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Published: May 12, 2025

Co-Sponsored by:

The 2025 Financial Crime Benchmarking Survey & Report, published by 1LoD offers an in-depth view of how global banks are managing AML and KYC in today’s complex regulatory environment.

The findings — drawn from 25+ Tier 1 and Tier 2 banks across the US, Europe, and Asia — highlight widespread inefficiencies, a heavy reliance on manual processes, and growing pressure to modernise compliance infrastructure.

Unpacking the Financial Crime Benchmark

Chris Owers from First Derivative hosts James Boynton from 1LOD to discuss the findings of their recent Financial Crime Benchmark report. This report, based on a global survey of over 25 tier one and tier two banks across the US, Europe, and Asia, delves into the critical pain points and priorities within financial crime, particularly highlighting the challenges and opportunities in areas such as operating models, technology, and staffing within AML/KYC functions.

Executive Overview

94%

Of banks identify high manual workloads as a top challenge in AML/KYC.

Of banks identify high manual workloads as a top challenge in AML/KYC

80%

Say technology is the area of AML/KYC requiring the most financial investment.

Say technology is the area of AML/KYC requiring the most financial investment

75%

Anticipate buying transaction monitoring (TM) technology in the next three years.

Anticipate buying transaction monitoring (TM) technology in the next three years.

60%

Of banks rely on manual intervention for more than half of AML/KYC processes.

Of banks rely on manual intervention for more than half of AML/KYC processes.

69%

Anticipate buying KYC automation technology in the next three years.

Anticipate buying KYC automation technology in the next three years.

56%

Of banks are either neutral or dissatisfied with their current AML/KYC technology.

Of banks are either neutral or dissatisfied with their current AML/KYC technology.

Workforce, Automation & Future Resourcing

Team and Automation

  • 56% use RPA | 38% use AI/ML | 6% use blockchain
  • 60% still rely on manual processing for >50% of tasks
  • 100% use vendor-based compliance tools

Resourcing Outlook

  • 53% budgets increased past 2 years
  • 31% expect increases next year; 50% expect decreases
  • 67% believe budgets meet compliance needs

Performance Metrics

  • 65% use error rates as a primary KPI
  • 47% track SLA compliance
  • 41% measure quality of investigations

Summary Insights

  • Budgets are holding steady or rising.
  • Manual effort remains the biggest operational drag.
  • Teams are clear on responsibilities but held back by outdated, poorly integrated tech
  • Experienced teams are in place, but automation is limited.
  • Performance is mostly tracked through compliance metrics.

Curious to know more?

Our Financial Crime experts are ready to walk you through the key highlights of this report—customized to your region, customer base, and product offerings. We also offer independent industry benchmarking to help you see how your organization stacks up against competitors and best practices.

Interested? Let’s explore what’s possible

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