Money is the lifeblood of the economy. Banks, merchants and capital markets ensure that payments and investments keep flowing. This drives economic growth and supports social progress.

But the financial system can also be exploited by bad actors. Fraudsters rob people of their life savings. Tax evaders deplete public funds. Criminal organisations seek to “launder” their dirty money — that is, to hide and legalise the proceeds of crime. In the deepest shadows, terrorist groups move cash across borders to fund their hostile plans.

At clean finance, we find out how the European Union prevents such abuses. We introduce the EU institutions dedicated to preventing financial crime, explain the laws and meet the people in charge. Keeping the financial system safe is an invisible struggle – here we shine a light on it.