March’s ACAMS AML Professional of the Month was awarded to Ursula M’Crystal. M’Crystal was recognized by her peers for her high level of dedication to the anti-money laundering (AML) profession. M’Crystal is head of the Money Laundering Surveillance Unit with Standard Bank and has been specializing in the AML environment for over 20 years. In addition, she was a detective in the South African Police Service’s Organized Crime Unit for many years and has conducted investigations and provided consulting services in relation to industry compliance programs for KPMG Forensic.

M’Crystal has also assisted with the establishment of the asset tracing capability with the Asset Forfeiture Unit, as well as the establishment of the Financial Intelligence Centre in South Africa. She has extensive knowledge of both the law enforcement and private sector requirements in this field and has conducted country assessments for international organizations in this regard. Moreover, M’Crystal has lectured and conducted training nationally and internationally in this field.