New LLM in Financial Crime launches at Cardiff University to meet growing industry demand

Responding to the growing global challenge of financial crime, Cardiff School of Law and Politics has launched a new LLM, equipping students with specialist knowledge and skills to tackle increasingly sophisticated criminal activity.

From money laundering and fraud to terrorist financing, this type of criminal activity has become a significant challenge across the world. The programme prepares graduates to make a tangible impact in protecting people, economies and global security from financial crime.

Students will develop specialist legal expertise in anti-money laundering, sanctions, bribery, proceeds of crime and counter terrorist financing combined with strong regulatory and compliance insight.

Professor Nicholas Ryder says: "There is a demand for professionals with specialist legal, regulatory and investigative expertise in tackling financial crime. He adds:

Through a distinctive socio-legal lens, the programme examines international standards and analyses real-world cases, developing a clear view of where global practice aligns and where it falls short.

The LLM is taught by leading researchers who advise governments, international organisations and regional forums. This means students will be engaging with current and developing research, real-world experience and emerging challenges.

Graduates will be well placed to work in financial crime prevention, compliance, regulation, banking, fintech, law and policy roles.

Applications are now open for the September 2027 intake.

Discover more about Financial Crime (LLM)