About the project
The project “AI in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) according to Prof. Benson” aims to raise awareness of the problem and scale of money laundering and to present anti-money laundering (AML) solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) that can support the identification and prevention of illegal financial transactions. The project involves teaching students and young scientists in the region, improving their AML skills. A world-class scientist, Professor Vladlena Benson from Aston University, has been invited to be a guest speaker for the project.
Money laundering poses a significant global and regional threat, resulting in substantial economic losses in Poland and worldwide. According to a report by the General Inspector of Financial Information (GIIF), over 16,000 suspicious transactions related to money laundering were reported in Poland in 2022. The growing complexity of financial systems and the shortage of qualified AML specialists necessitate modern solutions, such as the utilization of artificial intelligence.
The project addresses the needs of the financial sector in the Metropolis GZM region, where institutions report a shortage of qualified specialists in anti-money laundering (AML). Employees of the University of Economics hold talks with industry representatives to adapt study programs, such as the planned “Financial Analyst 2.0” program.
The project's second goal is to enhance the scientific excellence of research activities conducted by researchers at our University, focusing on improving research methods and internationalizing scientific work, including opportunities for establishing scientific and research cooperation. The activities planned by Prof. Vladlena Benson will enable this goal to be achieved in many key aspects of scientific work. The Professor will conduct workshops and methodological consultations to support cooperation with UE Katowice researchers who are undertaking research projects, providing mentoring support.
The project manager is dr hab. Bożena Frączek, prof. UE. This project is implemented with the support of the Internationalization Office.
The project has been co-financed by the Metropolis GZM within the framework of the "Metropolitan Science and Education Support Fund" program. All activities planned for the project are scheduled to be implemented in 2025, with a total grant amount of PLN 44,847.00.
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Scientist's profile
Prof. Vladlena Benson is a world-renowned expert in the disciplines of cybersecurity, modern technologies, artificial intelligence, and anti-money laundering (AML). She has already participated in previous editions of projects funded by Metropolis GZM, including "Artificial Intelligence & Education" and "AI in Cybersecurity and Finance." Her scientific and professional achievements, as well as the awards she has received, attest to her high standing in the international academic and business communities.
Positions held in academia include: IS (Information Systems) Group Leader at Aston Business School; Director of the Center for Research on Innovation in Cybersecurity at Aston University.
The significance of her scientific achievements and their recognition in the international community is also confirmed by numerous projects she has led and been invited to participate in as a partner, including Erasmus, Horizon, Digital Europe in Cyber, IoT, and AI, among others. It should be emphasized that Prof. Vladlena Benson's research activities have a significant impact on the shaping of security policy, both at the national level (the UK National Cyber Strategy) and the international level (European Commission initiatives).
She is an undisputed leader in securing research funding, having raised over £17 million for projects such as Horizon CL3 in collaboration with Europol.
Awards and distinctions:
Professor Vladlena Benson has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) – a prestigious honor bestowed by the Queen or King of Great Britain for outstanding service to society and science. Professor Benson received the award for her contributions to the development of cybersecurity and the promotion of diversity in the technology industry, particularly for her support of women in the field of technology.
Further prestigious awards, such as the ISACA Inspirational Leadership Award and the Women in Tech Academic Award, have confirmed her significant contributions to the development of modern research and teaching methods in cybersecurity.
Positions held and functions performed in the industry: Vice President of ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association).
Numerous publications, exclusively in leading journals in Management and Quality Sciences, Informatics, and many others.
Timetable
Date | Activity | Participants |
13.05.2025 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Research and editorial work – preliminary analysis and research planning | Project team |
14.05.2025 9:50 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. room No. 333A | Public lecture "AI in Anti-Money Laundering" | The academic community of the UE Katowice, the Academy of Silesia in Katowice |
14.05.2025 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. TBD | Workshops for young scientists: "How to conduct scientific research and write publications" | Young scientists of UE Katowice |
15.05.2025 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Mentoring as part of an ongoing research project conducted by an academic team from the Department of Banking and Financial Markets | Project team |
16.05.2025 8:00 a.m. - 9:50 p.m. room No. 335 A | Workshops for students: "Artificial intelligence in counteracting money laundering" | Students of UE Katowice |
16.05.2025 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Meeting with the Dean of the Faculty of Finance and meeting with employees of the Internationalization Office | Representatives of the Faculty of Finance, employees of the Office |
17.05.2025 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Research and editorial work – planning and organizing research | Project team |
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