As financial crime grows more complex, traditional AML approaches are no longer sufficient. This keynote explores how perpetual KYC—spanning customer behavior, lifecycle, and cross-border data collaboration—will become the cornerstone of effective AML. Drawing on real-world insights from KBC Group and Discai, we outline the strategic and technological steps financial institutions must take today to prepare for tomorrow. From AI-driven modernization to data readiness and regulatory alignment, we’ll show how to unlock short-term wins while building long-term resilience. We’ll also reflect on why past European initiatives failed, and what we can learn from them to succeed in a globally connected AML future.