Human Trafficking: Financial Institutions on the Frontline

In this episode of FIBA on Risk and Compliance Excellence (The F.O.R.C.E.), David Schwartz, President & CEO of FIBA, leads a compelling conversation on the global crisis of human trafficking and the critical role financial institutions can play in addressing it.

Joining him are two powerful voices:

• Rani Hong, survivor of child labor trafficking, global advocate, and co-founder of Social Detective, a new AI-driven platform designed to detect trafficking and fraud.
• John Tobon, former Assistant Director for Homeland Security Investigations and expert in financial crimes, who brings decades of frontline law enforcement experience.

Together, they examine the human and financial dimensions of trafficking—one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises worldwide.

Key Topics Include:

• Beyond the headlines: Why forced labor represents the majority of trafficking cases—often hidden from public view.
• The financial footprint of crime: How illicit proceeds move through global financial systems, and the urgent need for vigilance by banks.
• Technology as a tool: How Social Detective uses AI to identify suspicious transactions, patterns, and red flags in real time.
• Challenges in enforcement: From secrecy and control by traffickers to limited prosecutorial support, and how collaboration can close the gap.
• Role of financial institutions: Why “every payment tells a story” and how banks can help prevent exploitation by strengthening KYC, breaking down silos, and acting on red flags.
• Looking ahead: How major global events like the World Cup and Olympics heighten risks, and why businesses and individuals alike must stay alert.