On February 28, 2025, an AML roundtable was held to discuss the current state of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) practices in Malta. The event brought together professionals from a variety of sectors, including finance, compliance, law enforcement, academia, and regulatory bodies.

The session served as a space for open dialogue around the practical realities of AML implementation, regulatory demands, and sector-specific challenges  to engage in a dynamic and forward-looking conversation about the current state and future direction of AML efforts.

Conversations touched on a range of topics—from the role of technology in compliance processes to the complexities of inter-agency communication and the impact of evolving regulations. Participants exchanged perspectives on the importance of training, the balance between compliance and operational efficiency, and the need for more structured collaboration between entities.

From an academic standpoint, the roundtable offered valuable context on how AML is being addressed in practice. For IDEA College, such discussions are particularly useful in understanding how educational programmes can better reflect the operational landscape.

The insights gathered contributed to a clearer picture of where learning outcomes can align more closely with workplace realities, particularly in areas such as critical thinking, applied compliance skills, and the integration of digital tools in AML work.

Throughout the event, there was a strong sense of commitment to creating a more connected and agile AML ecosystem—one that supports both compliance excellence and sustainable growth.

The event provided a space to engage with ongoing developments in the field and to consider how various sectors are adapting to shifting expectations. It also served as a reminder of the value of dialogue between practitioners and educators, especially in a field as dynamic as financial crime prevention.

The AML roundtable offered a timely platform for reflection, learning, and exchange across sectors. It underscored the importance of continued collaboration in navigating the evolving demands of AML work, while also reinforcing the relevance of practical, informed education in this space.

As the regulatory and technological landscapes continue to shift, forums like these remain important in shaping approaches that are both responsive and grounded in real-world experience.