Fintechs are reshaping finance—but AML expectations are intensifying. This article covers KYB, KYC, KYT, and AML requirements across the U.S., UK, EU, Australia, and Singapore, and shows how iComply helps automate compliance without sacrificing speed, security, or user experience.

For fintechs serving global users, managing AML obligations across jurisdictions can become a scaling bottleneck—unless you have the right tools.

Changing AML Expectations for Fintechs by Jurisdiction

United States

• Regulators: FinCEN, CFPB, OCC, state authorities
• Requirements: MSB licensing, BOI reporting, CDD rule compliance, SAR filing, and sanctions/PEP screening

United Kingdom

• Regulator: FCA
• Requirements: AML registration, customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and data protection (UK GDPR)

European Union

• Regulators: National authorities + EU-wide AMLA
• Requirements: 6AMLD, MiCA (for tokenization), data privacy (GDPR), UBO transparency, and secure onboarding

Australia

• Regulator: AUSTRAC
• Requirements: AML/CTF program, customer ID checks, PEP/sanctions screening, SMR reporting, and risk-based onboarding

Singapore

• Regulator: MAS
• Requirements: AML risk assessments, transaction monitoring, UBO identification, and Travel Rule compliance for crypto

Compliance Challenges for Fintechs

1. Velocity vs. Verification
Users expect real-time onboarding—regulators require thorough checks.

2. Multi-jurisdictional Complexity
Serving global clients means navigating overlapping, sometimes conflicting compliance rules.

3. Developer Disruption
Fragmented vendor stacks burden product teams and delay launches.

4. Trust and Brand Risk
Poor compliance not only invites fines but erodes customer confidence.

iComply: AML Infrastructure for Fast-Moving Fintechs

iComply offers a modular, developer-friendly platform that gives fintechs the power to build, scale, and prove compliance without slowing down.

1. KYC + KYB with Edge Security

• On-device ID and biometric checks for individuals
• KYB and UBO verification with registry and document data
• Reduce friction while protecting user privacy (PIPEDA, GDPR, etc.)

2. AML + KYT for Risk Monitoring

• Real-time transaction scoring, behaviour detection, and alerting
• Sanctions, PEP, and adverse media screening
• Automated SAR/STR triggers with full case traceability

3. Localization and Data Governance

• Support for 140+ languages and 14,000+ global ID types
• Localized workflows and data residency for U.S., UK, EU, AUS, and SG

4. API-First Integration

• REST APIs and developer docs
• SDKs and white-label options for fintech UX teams
• Webhooks and cloud/on-prem deployment options

5. Audit-Ready Case Management

• Centralized review, escalation, and reporting interface
• Export logs for regulators, banks, or investors
• Satisfy compliance diligence during fundraising or partnerships

Case Insight: Embedded Finance Startup

A U.S.-based embedded payments app integrated iComply’s KYC and AML stack. In 90 days:

• Onboarding speed improved by 40%
• KYC verification success rate increased to 93%
• Passed SOC2 and FinCEN diligence with full audit traceability

Final Take

Compliance doesn’t need to compete with UX or product speed. Fintechs that embed smart AML tools can:

• Scale faster across regulated markets
• Build trust with users and partners
• Avoid fines, audits, and reputational harm

Schedule a call with iComply to learn how we help fintechs move fast and stay compliant – without the trade-offs.