Kimberley Pagès-Greslon (BearingPoint): Turning compliance into strategic value
Kimberley Pagès-Greslon, Senior Manager at BearingPoint Luxembourg, describes how regulatory pressure in AML/KYC can become a source of operational advantage. Interview.
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How does BearingPoint support institutions navigating today’s AML/KYC complexity?
At BearingPoint Luxembourg, we have a dedicated Anti-Financial Crime Competency Center, where our AML/KYC expertise is structured around two complementary pillars: strategic transformation and operational excellence. The first pillar is Compliance Advisory. We support financial institutions with their “Change the Bank” initiatives: helping them shape strategic direction, design target operating models, improve processes, manage change, and select the right technologies. We also prepare them for regulatory reviews through maturity assessments and compliance readiness checks. The second pillar is our AFC Factory, which focuses on the “Run the Bank” dimension. This includes day-to-day operational support for AML/KYC activities, large-scale KYC remediation programs, and ensuring compliance tasks are executed efficiently and in line with regulatory expectations. For us, AML/KYC is more than just a regulatory requirement; it’s a strategic opportunity. We empower our clients to turn compliance into a competitive advantage by navigating complexity with agility and driving operational efficiency.
“We empower our clients to turn compliance into a competitive advantage.”
Which emerging technologies have the greatest impact on AML/KYC?
Technology is truly reshaping AML/KYC, and one of the most promising innovations is Perpetual KYC, or P-KYC. Unlike traditional periodic reviews, P-KYC enables institutions to update client data continuously and in real time. This means due diligence happens exactly when needed, improving both accuracy and efficiency. Technologies like AI through the use of machine learning, robotic process automation, and APIs make this possible. They automate identity checks, integrate external data sources, and dynamically adjust risk profiles based on client behaviour and transactions. For clients, this translates into fewer repetitive document requests and a much smoother experience. Of course, there are challenges, such as data privacy concerns, infrastructure complexity, and the cost of building scalable P-KYC frameworks. But with the right planning and investment, these technologies can truly transform AML/KYC.
What new AML/KYC obligations do you foresee over the next 2 to 3 years?
We’re entering a new era of AML regulation in Europe, driven by harmonisation and stronger enforcement. Over the next three years, the EU’s new AML package will significantly reshape the compliance landscape. Starting in 2026, the 6th AML Directive will introduce stricter governance requirements, tougher sanctions for legal entities, and more frequent verification of beneficial ownership registers. Then in 2027, the AML Regulation will come into effect. For the first time, AML rules will be directly applicable across all EU Member States. This means a harmonised framework with consistent definitions like Ultimate Beneficial Owners, standardised review timelines, and higher due diligence thresholds. And by 2028, the newly established Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) will begin supervising forty high-risk financial institutions across the EU. This centralised oversight will drive consistency, increase regulatory pressure, and require institutions to elevate their AML/KYC capabilities to meet a new level of scrutiny.