Marco Beranzoni

To start—can you tell us a bit about yourself? How did you get into investigations, and what drives your work today?

I’ve been working in financial crime prevention for nearly two decades, both in the private sector and more recently with increasing exposure to the public sector, including international institutions. I entered the field somewhat unexpectedly — what started as a compliance role soon turned into a deep interest in understanding how illicit financial networks operate and how institutions can better detect and disrupt them. Over the years, I’ve held roles across AML, sanctions, FIUs, and risk assurance, and this broad exposure helped me understand not only the technical side of financial investigations but also the systemic challenges we face across jurisdictions and industries. What drives me today is twofold: on one side, the constant evolution of criminal methodologies keeps the work intellectually stimulating; on the other, I feel a strong responsibility to help elevate the next generation of professionals through practical education and knowledge sharing. That’s what inspired me to create the FinCrime Agent platform — to give back to the community and help others navigate this complex but crucial field with confidence and clarity.

In your experience, what’s one skill or mindset every great analyst should have—and why?

If I had to choose just one, I’d say intellectual curiosity—paired with a healthy dose of scepticism. Great analysts don’t just look for what’s visible; they question what’s missing. In my early years, I focused too much on fitting cases into checklists. But financial crime rarely follows a checklist. It thrives in grey areas and loopholes. Learning to stay curious, ask better questions, and think beyond what’s in front of you made a real difference in how I would approach investigations today. Being curious also means staying up to date with evolving threats, typologies, and technologies—because this field never stands still.

You have been nominated as a key influencer in the financial investigations field. What project or accomplishment are you most proud of to date?

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is creating FinCrime Agent—a platform I launched to help professionals navigate and grow within the world of financial crime prevention. What started as a personal side project has evolved into a global community, a YouTube channel with over 21,000 subscribers, and an online course that has helped people from several countries upskill and transition into impactful roles. Equally meaningful was being invited to speak this year at the OECD Forum on Countering Illicit Trade, where I had the opportunity to share insights on Trade Based Money Laundering risks. Being on a panel alongside representatives from FATF, UNODC, and the U.S. Department of State was a moment of recognition—not just for me, but for the importance of practical, cross-sector collaboration in our field. These milestones represent what I care about most: making financial crime prevention more accessible, actionable, and globally connected.

What’s a trend or challenge in digital investigations that you think deserves more attention right now?

One challenge that deserves far more attention right now is the exploitation of emerging technologies—particularly AI-driven tools and deepfake content—by organised criminal networks. These tools are lowering the barrier to entry for fraud, identity theft, and social engineering at scale, and many institutions are not yet equipped to detect or respond effectively. What complicates this further is the slow adoption of new technologies by many large, regulated firms. The need to comply with strict oversight—paired with a regulatory landscape that isn’t always receptive to innovation—means financial institutions often struggle to experiment or move quickly. This creates a dangerous gap: while criminals can adapt and deploy these tools almost overnight, we are frequently stuck playing catch-up. Bridging that gap will require not just better technology, but a shift in mindset—among both institutions and regulators—toward more agile and risk-informed innovation.

A lot of people in the field admire professionals like you. What advice would you give to someone starting in financial investigations or as an analyst?

My advice? Focus on building real-world understanding, not just collecting certifications. The financial crime space is full of theory—but investigations demand critical thinking, curiosity, and pattern recognition. Learn to connect the dots, not just tick boxes. Also, don’t be afraid to start small. Some of the best analysts I’ve worked with began in entry-level roles but grew fast because they asked smart questions, stayed humble, and kept learning. Lastly, build your network early. Whether it’s through LinkedIn, events, or communities like FinCrime Agent, connecting with others in the field will expose you to different perspectives and open doors you might not expect.

And finally—what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? Any hobbies, passions, or routines that help you recharge outside of work?

Something people are often surprised to learn about me is how much of my energy comes from creative pursuits. I have a real passion for the arts—whether it’s creating content, experimenting with visual storytelling, or even producing the occasional artwork. That creative mindset has helped me think differently in my professional work too. And when I really want to disconnect, you’ll probably find me on a racing track. I’ve been passionate about motorbikes for years, and I try to join track days whenever I can. There’s something about the focus and adrenaline of riding at speed that completely resets my mind. For me, it’s that balance between structure and creativity, analysis and adrenaline, that keeps things sustainable and exciting.

Anything else you'd like to add or share?

Just a thank you for the nomination—it means a lot. The financial investigations space is evolving rapidly, and I’m glad to contribute by sharing what I’ve learned along the way. If this helps even one person feel more confident in their journey, it’s worth it. And of course, I’m always open to connect with others who are passionate about fighting financial crime—whether they’re just starting out or looking to collaborate on bigger challenges.

🔗 Want to learn more from Marco?

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