KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As financial crime moves across institutions, platforms and borders, the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) and its Compliance Officers' Networking Group (CONG) are calling for stronger intelligence-sharing, responsible use of technology and closer cooperation across the financial ecosystem.

The call comes at the opening of the 16th International Conference on Financial Crime and Counter Terrorism Financing (IFCTF 2026) held from 5 to 7 October at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The urgency is evident in Malaysia, where publicly reported scam losses reached RM2.8 billion in 2025, highlighting the growing scale and sophistication of financial crime and the need for stronger intelligence-led responses.

Themed "Intelligence-Led Financial Crime Prevention: The Power of Data, Insights and Collaboration," IFCTF 2026 brings together regulators, enforcement agencies, financial institutions and technology specialists to examine how shared intelligence can lead to earlier detection and intervention.

As financial crime becomes increasingly sophisticated, AI and advanced analytics offer new opportunities to strengthen monitoring, investigations and risk detection. At the same time, criminal actors are exploiting emerging technologies to conduct fraud and other illicit activities with greater speed and scale.

Delivering the special address, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Dato' Sri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said: "In today's digital economy, every transaction leaves a trail of data. The challenge is no longer the availability of information, but our ability to transform them into actionable insights and intelligence. We need to move from a reactive model to a predictive one, and ultimately to a preventive one."

AICB Chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim said: "Technology can help detect financial crime, but skilled professionals must turn intelligence into sound decisions. At AICB, we are committed to developing the judgement and capabilities banking professionals need to respond to evolving threats and strengthen the resilience of our financial system."

For the banking industry, the challenge is to connect signals that may appear separately in a bank account, a phone number, a digital platform or an enforcement investigation.

Faradina Ghouse, FCB, Chairman of CONG and Group Chief Compliance Officer of AmBank Group, said: "Banks cannot see the full picture on their own. We need to connect what we know with insights from telecommunications providers, digital platforms and enforcement agencies, and act on that intelligence quickly. For compliance professionals, this means looking beyond individual alerts to understand the networks and behaviours behind them."

The conference examined intelligence-led and risk-based approaches to anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing, the responsible use of artificial intelligence and analytics, fraud and corruption, digital assets and governance and organisational resilience. Technology showcases demonstrated tools for fraud detection, investigations and risk management, including solutions from Platinum Sponsor SymphonyAI and Gold Sponsor LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

Now in its 16th edition, IFCTF organised by AICB and CONG with the support of Bank Negara Malaysia, The Securities Commission Malaysia and the Labuan FSA continues to provide a platform for industry and public-sector leaders to share practical approaches to preventing financial crime and strengthening public trust.

For more information on IFCTF 2026, visit www.aicb.org.my/events/ifctf-2026-event

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About Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers

AICB is Malaysia's premier professional body for the banking industry, governed by a council comprising representatives from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) and the Malaysian Investment Banking Association (MIBA). With over 39,000 members, our mission is to elevate banking standards by developing professionals who exemplify integrity, expertise and competence. As the exclusive institute in Malaysia authorised by the UK's Chartered Banker Institute, we confer the prestigious Chartered Banker status. AICB collaborates with industry leaders to ensure our qualifications remain relevant, equipping bankers with the skills needed to thrive in the dynamic banking sector. Our commitment goes beyond education, offering members opportunities for growth through innovative learning, advocacy for professionalism, thought leadership and valuable networking initiatives.

For more information on AICB, please visit www.aicb.org.my