Tailored Compliance Solutions for Exposed Industry Sectors
In today’s globalised and interconnected business world, industries face unique challenges in complying with anti-money laundering (AML), sanctions and environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. WIACON offers customised solutions tailored to the specific vulnerabilities and issues of each industry.
Financial institutions ensure the stability of the global financial system, but are highly vulnerable to money laundering, terrorist financing and fraud. According to EU estimates, between 140 and 208 billion euros are moved through money laundering in the EU alone each year, which corresponds to around 1 - 1.3% of the GDP of the 27 EU states. [1]
The risk of indirect exposure to sanctioned entities, combined with the pressure to integrate ESG metrics into compliance frameworks, further complicates their environment. These challenges are compounded by the need to adapt quickly to changing regulatory frameworks, such as the EU AML directives and FATF recommendations. For many institutions, the sheer volume of data from customer due diligence and transaction monitoring can be overwhelming, making it difficult to achieve efficiency and regulatory compliance at the same time.
WIACON addresses these issues by developing robust AML and sanctions screening frameworks and conducting independent ESG policy reviews to ensure compliance while maintaining investor confidence.
Manufacturing and export-orientated companies are particularly at risk due to their complex supply chains and international activities. Violations of trade embargoes or doing business with sanctioned companies pose a significant risk, as does trade-related money laundering through the under- or over-invoicing of goods. In addition, these companies are increasingly being held accountable for compliance with environmental and labour standards in their supply chains, which puts ESG compliance challenges on their agenda. Ensuring transparency in supplier screening and product sourcing can be very challenging, especially without real-time monitoring of sanctions lists and dual-use goods classifications.
WIACON helps companies minimize these risks by developing automated sanctions screening tools and providing due diligence support to ensure compliance is integrated into business operations.
The retail and eCommerce sectors, as well as digital platforms, are highly vulnerable to fraudulent transactions and money laundering activities, particularly due to the proliferation of digital payment systems. Given the high volume of transactions and limited resources, these companies often struggle to conduct comprehensive due diligence on their customers or monitor the rapidly changing sanctions lists of the authorities. Added to this is the growing consumer demand for sustainable and ethical practices, making ESG compliance an important issue for many companies.
WIACON's flexible compliance programs integrate seamlessly with digital platforms, enabling companies to effectively address AML and sanctions risks while educating their teams on the importance of ESG in achieving long-term business goals.
The professional services sector, which includes law firms, accountants and property companies, operates in a high-risk environment where large cash transactions, property investments and complex corporate structures are common. These firms often face the dual challenge of balancing client confidentiality with legal disclosure obligations. In addition, the lack of transparency in corporate structures can make identifying beneficial ownership a time-consuming and complex task. As ESG principles become increasingly important, many companies are under pressure to integrate sustainable practices into traditionally conservative business models.
WIACON supports these companies by developing practical AML guidelines, streamlining client onboarding processes and providing training on new ESG regulations and best practices.
Non-financial businesses and SMEs often face significant compliance challenges despite having fewer resources than larger organisations. These companies are at risk of inadvertently becoming involved in money laundering due to weaker controls or limited awareness. Many also find it difficult to understand the risks of sanctions, especially if they operate internationally. In addition, the increasing demand for ESG compliance presents another hurdle, as SMEs often do not have dedicated compliance resources or expertise in ESG reporting.
WIACON creates scalable compliance frameworks tailored to the needs of smaller organisations. By offering outsourced compliance solutions, WIACON enables SMEs to fulfil regulatory obligations without overstretching their resources.
Why choose WIACON?
WIACON understands that every industry has its own regulatory landscape and compliance challenges. By focusing on mitigating vulnerabilities and addressing sector-specific pain points, we provide tailored AML, sanctions, and ESG strategies that keep businesses compliant and competitive in a fast-changing world.
[1] European Economic and Social Committee (2021), EWSA verabschiedet Stellungnahme zum Legislativpaket zur Bekämpfung der Geldwäsche, https://www.eesc.europa.eu/de/news-media/news/ewsa-verabschiedet-stellungnahme-zum-legislativpaket-zur-bekaempfung-der-geldwaesche?utm.com