At The Institute of Money Laundering Prevention Officers (The Institute), we are at the forefront of pioneering research in the financial crime prevention profession. Our commitment represents an active pursuit to understand and tackle the complexities and challenges inherent within the profession. In an era where both the nature and scope of financial crimes are rapidly evolving, our mission is to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical, real-world application, thus enriching and advancing professional practice.

Our research agenda stands testament to this mission. This comprehensive blueprint addresses a wide spectrum of critical issues, ranging from the strategic role of financial crime compliance to the pressing concern of mental health among professionals engaged in the field. Our agenda also encompasses studies on evolving financial crimes, the implications of regulatory policies, the integration and impact of emerging technologies, and the imperative of ongoing professional development.

Research Agenda and Focus 

Research in financial crime prevention has predominantly been policy-centric, focusing extensively on the creation, implementation, and effectiveness of laws, regulations, as well as national and international strategies. This approach, while necessary, often overlooks a critical element in the prevention of financial crime: the professionals who implement these policies in the regulated sectors. Financial crime prevention professionals are the linchpin in the practical application of financial crime prevention measures. They interpret, navigate, and implement these policies, often facing complex, real-world challenges that policy alone cannot address. Without understanding their experiences, challenges, and perspectives, there is a significant gap in our overall comprehension of the field.

Policy-focused research can lead to a top-down view that may not accurately reflect on-the-ground realities. While policies provide the framework for action, they are not self-executing. The effectiveness of any policy is heavily dependent on those who enforce and operationalize it. Ignoring this human element can lead to a disconnect between theory and practice, potentially resulting in less effective crime prevention strategies.

The law alone is not able to address socio-economic issues like financial crime. A deeper understanding of the lived experience and professional identities of financial crime prevention professionals is needed to effectively bridge the gap between legislative intent and real-world application. Such understanding will empower us to develop strategies that are not only compliant with the law but also resonate with the practical, ethical, and psychological dimensions encountered by these professionals daily. This approach ensures a more nuanced, human-centric framework in financial crime prevention, leading to enhanced efficacy and sustainability of efforts against such socio-economic challenges. The benefits of shifting research focus include:

  • Enhanced Effectiveness of Policies: By understanding the experiences of frontline professionals, research can inform more practical, ground-level focused policies, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness.
  • Professional Development: Researching the needs, challenges, and skills of financial crime prevention professionals can lead to better training and support systems, ultimately strengthening national and international financial crime prevention endeavours.
  • Ethical and Practical Insights: Frontline professionals often face ethical dilemmas and practical challenges unseen at the policy level. Research in this area can provide valuable insights into these aspects, leading to more comprehensive approaches to financial crime prevention policy and practice.
  • The Creation of Feedback Loops: A focus on the professionals involved in financial crime prevention can create a feedback loop where practical experiences can inform policy-making, leading to more dynamic and responsive strategies.

Invitation to Engage with our Research Agenda and Share Research Findings

It is with this backdrop that we extend a heartfelt invitation to the academic and professional research community to join us in this significant and impactful endeavour. The expertise, insights, and research acumen of academics and professional researchers are invaluable to our collective goal of refining and elevating financial crime prevention. We welcome and value their participation in our ongoing projects, and encourage them to initiate new research studies under our umbrella. We offer our platforms to share findings and perspectives with a wider audience. Engaging with us in this collaborative effort will not only further the advancement of knowledge in financial crime prevention but will also enhance their professional trajectory, positioning them at the leading edge of this dynamic field.

We understand the commitment and expertise required to undertake research in such a complex and evolving area. The Institute is dedicated to supporting researchers in these ventures, providing guidance, resources, and a collaborative network to ensure the success and reach of their research. Through our collective efforts, we are confident of achieving ground-breaking advancements that will shape the future of financial crime prevention and contribute positively to society at large.

The diverse challenges within financial crime prevention require rigorous research, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts. Should researchers wish to collaborate with The Institute or learn more about the opportunities for involvement, we invite you to contact our research coordination team at [email protected]. We are eager to discuss how their research interests can align with our research agenda and explore potential avenues for collaboration. 

While we are not able to provide research funding, we are enthusiastic about the potential collaborations and advancements that await and hope to welcome academics and professional researchers as part of this pioneering journey; and look forward to the possibility of working together towards creating a more secure, effective, and well-informed financial crime prevention environment.


Yours in research and collaboration,
The Institute of Money Laundering Prevention Officers

The Institute of Money Laundering Prevention Officers trading as The Institute. © Copyright Institute of Money Laundering Prevention Officers. All rights reserved.
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