TD Bank’s $1 Billion Anti-Money Laundering Overhaul: A Major Milestone in Compliance and Technology
TD Bank Marks Significant Progress in Overhauling Anti-Money Laundering Program
By Naimul Karim, Financial Post | September 3, 2025
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) stands as Canada’s second-biggest bank. It reached a major milestone in revamping its anti-money laundering program in the U.S. The bank now fixes past faults that cost it billions in fines and slowed its operations.
A Collaborative Approach to Strengthening AML
Leo Salom leads TD Bank’s U.S. operations. He spoke at the Scotiabank Financials Summit in Toronto about the bank’s progress. TD set up a team of 40 top executives. These experts came from leading banks and law agencies. They include members from Homeland Security and the FBI. This small, skilled group brings solid experience. It shows TD’s will to build a strong and clear compliance system.
A Response to Previous Regulatory Penalties
U.S. regulators took punitive action about a year ago. They fined TD billions and limited its growth. The bank had failed to spot money laundering in its American branches. In response, TD began a clear fix plan to mend the problems and restore trust.
Investment in Advanced Technologies
TD is spending nearly $500 million in 2025 to upgrade its AML system. The bank plans to spend a similar amount in 2026. At the core of this work is new technology. TD recently launched a transaction monitoring platform that spots suspicious activity. It also introduced a new system to rate customer risk. In the last quarter, TD added two machine-learning tools. One tool finds unusual transactions; the other checks negative media alerts. These steps mix smart technology with close monitoring.
Positive Financial Indicators
TD’s AML overhaul comes with strong financial signs. For the quarter ending July 31, 2025, TD earned a net income of $3.3 billion. Last year, the same quarter ended with a $181 million loss due to AML costs. Growth in Canada’s personal and business banking, along with gains in wealth management and insurance, drove the profits. Salom said most key actions to overhaul the program should finish by year-end.
Looking Ahead: Continued Milestones Beyond 2025
Despite the progress, Salom said more milestones lie ahead in 2026 and 2027. The bank aims to build a sustainable and scalable AML system. Its tech upgrades are meant to create a world-class system now and speed up future fixes. This strategy strengthens TD’s long-term management. Global banks now boost their monitoring to stop financial crime. TD plans to protect its name and meet new standards with care.
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Contact:
Naimul Karim
Email: nkarim@postmedia.com
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