In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025 and the theme of “#AccelerateAction,” this article spotlights Dr. Tanya McCartney, a trailblazer in the field of anti-financial crime (AFC) education and research. McCartney has become a driving force in advancing AFC education and advocacy through her innovative teaching methods, groundbreaking research, and unwavering commitment to empowering women. Her work exemplifies how academia can play a pivotal role in addressing the growing complexity of global financial crime.
McCartney’s Career and Impact in Academia
McCartney’s career is a testament to her dedication to bridging the gap between theory and practice in the AFC field. As an assistant professor of law at the University of the Bahamas and president of GEM Management & Advisory Services Ltd., she has played a key role in shaping the AFC landscape. Her work in curriculum development has led to the establishment of programs that integrate financial crime prevention with broader societal issues, ensuring that students are equipped to address the complexities of modern financial crime. She was a key contributor to the development of the AML compliance course at the University of the Bahamas and, while teaching this course, she encourages students in the School of Business to consider professions in AFC. McCartney also serves as a module director in the Financial Crime and Compliance MBA program at Bangor University’s Bangor Business School.
McCartney’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. Her tenure as CEO and executive director of the Bahamas Financial Services Board from 2015 to 2023 was marked by her efforts to position the Bahamas as a leader in international financial services. She facilitated collaboration between the private sector and policymakers, ensuring that the country remained at the forefront of global regulatory initiatives. Her ability to translate academic insights into actionable strategies has made her a respected figure in both academia and the AFC industry.
Educational Innovations
McCartney’s approach to AFC education is characterized by innovation and practicality. Recognizing the need for students to develop real-world skills, she has incorporated case studies, emerging technologies and interdisciplinary methods into her teaching. Her courses often feature simulations of financial crime scenarios, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges.
One of her most notable contributions is serving as project lead for the introduction of the University of the Bahamas Fintech and Regulatory Innovation course in January 2024. This program focuses on formulating evidence-based regulatory, supervisory and policy responses to the development of financial technology (fintech). Using this program as a model, she also contributed to developing the syllabus for the ICIRP InsureTech Course launched in January 2025 by the Insurance Commission of the Bahamas (ICIRP). The course covers critical topics such as emerging InsureTech technologies, regulatory and compliance considerations, and future trends and applications. McCartney ensures that her students are not only well-versed in AFC principles but are also prepared to adapt to the evolving landscape of financial crime.
Empowering Women in AFC
McCartney is a passionate advocate for the advancement of women the AFC field. Through mentorship programs, workshops and networking events, she has inspired countless women to pursue careers in financial crime prevention and take on leadership roles. Her efforts have been instrumental in creating a more inclusive and diverse AFC community where women are empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and expertise.
Many of McCartney’s mentees have gone on to further their studies and excel in their professional careers, holding senior positions in the financial services sector. Her innate ability to help individuals unearth and realize their potential has made her a respected mentor and coach.
Research and Advocacy
McCartney’s research has had a profound impact on the AFC field, influencing policy discussions and shaping industry practices. Her doctoral thesis, “Perspectives on Leading Change: Exploring Change Readiness Strategies used in the Bahamian Financial Services Sector,” focuses on creating more agile organizations and the significant role that leadership plays in this process. This work has provided valuable insights into how financial institutions can adapt to regulatory changes and emerging threats. Her research on emerging threats has shed light on the evolving financial landscape and the need for proactive measures to address these challenges.
In addition to her academic contributions, McCartney is a vocal advocate for stronger AFC measures. She regularly participates in international conferences and collaborates with industry stakeholders to promote best practices in financial crime prevention. Her advocacy efforts have helped raise awareness of financial crime's societal impact and the need for collective action to address this global issue.
Vision for Accelerating Action
As the complexity of global financial crimes continues to grow, McCartney believes that academia has a critical role to play in accelerating action. She envisions a future where academic institutions serve as hubs of innovation, bringing together diverse stakeholders to develop holistic solutions to financial crime. To achieve this vision, McCartney emphasizes the importance of collaboration, interdisciplinary research and continuous learning. She encourages academics to engage with industry professionals, policymakers and civil society organizations to ensure that their work has a tangible impact. She also calls for greater investment in AFC education and research, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, digital forensics and regulatory technology.
McCartney’s personal philosophy is rooted in the belief that education is the most powerful tool for driving positive change. By equipping students with the knowledge, skills and ethical foundation needed to combat financial crime, she is helping to build a more just and secure world. Her example serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of academia and the importance of accelerating action in the fight against financial crime.
Conclusion
McCartney’s ongoing contributions to the AFC field are a testament to the power of education, research and advocacy in driving positive change. She has set a high standard for academic excellence through her innovative teaching methods, groundbreaking research and commitment to empowering women. As we celebrate International Women’s Day and the theme of “#AccelerateAction,” McCartney’s work is an inspiring example of how individuals can make a lasting impact in the fight against financial crime.
By following her example, we can accelerate action, foster collaboration and create a brighter future for the AFC field and beyond.
ACAMS Today editorial, ACAMS, editor@acams.org
