Issuer processing company Enfuce has unveiled a new compliance and security standard, dubbed ‘the Fortitude Pledge’, in a step towards eliminating all financial crime risks across Enfuce-processed card transactions.
Through the launch of the Fortitude Pledge, Enfuce is committing to screening 100 per cent of transactions; flagging 100 per cent of high-risk transactions; blocking 100 per cent of prohibited transactions; reporting 100 per cent of suspicious transactions; and training all of its employees in anti-money laundering
(AML) and counter-terrorism funding (CTF) best practices, all in a move to tackle financial crime.
Enfuce says that aiming to stop 100 per cent of human trafficking, money laundering, and terrorist financing is not optional – it’s essential.
The issuer processor is also calling on financial institutions, businesses and industry leaders to move beyond checkbox compliance and join the Fortitude Pledge to take a clear stand against financial crime. Because this isn’t just about policy, it’s about protecting people and tackling the root causes of financial crime by rethinking how payment systems can be used – and misused.
“Let’s be clear: financial crime won’t stop unless we take action,” said Monika Liikamaa, co-CEO and co-founder at Enfuce. “We need to recognise that each of us plays a role in the problem, and that every euro we spend—and how we spend it— can make a huge difference.
“That’s why we’re proud to be the first financial institution to focus on the UN’s SDG 16 with the launch of the Fortitude Pledge. We are not only leading by example, we are challenging the global financial sector to build a financial system that protects, empowers, and creates a safer world for all.“
The changing face of fraud
Powered by AI and advanced technology, fraudsters are increasingly automating scams and exploiting weaknesses across the digital payment landscape at an alarming pace. As the world leans deeper into card-based transactions, financial crime is no longer just easier to commit – it’s also becoming more sophisticated, scalable, and dangerous. Card identity theft losses have increased by 200 per cent since 2021, while human trafficking alone has become a nearly £400billion industry.
While the payment industry and financial institutions are uniquely positioned to tackle financial crime, current regulations don’t go far enough to fully eliminate the risk of illicit financial flows – and consumers are starting to take notice.
New research conducted by CensusWide on behalf of Enfuce shows that 63 per cent of UK consumers believe that banks should go ‘above and beyond’ compliance laws and regulation to ensure that money is not used to fund illegal activities. While expectations are rising, understanding remains low.
Over half of UK adults are unaware that money from card transactions, not just cash, can be used to support criminal networks. Alarmingly, 70 per cent of young people (25 to 34) still hold this misconception, despite being the most digitally savvy generation.
A pledge for change
The Fortitude Pledge reinforces Enfuce’s position as a leader in fraud prevention and compliance, and underscores its mission to advance ESG in the payment space. From launching humanitarian ‘first-aid’ cards for refugees to promoting financial inclusion for marginalised communities, Enfuce’s dedication to building an inclusive financial system has been recognised by the prestigious UN Global Compact Network Finland’s SDG Ambition programme—the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.
Denise Johansson, co-CEO and co-founder at Enfuce, also added: “The only way to stop fraud and financial crime is through 100% commitment—anything less is not only ineffective, it means becoming part of the problem and allowing serious crimes to continue. That’s why we’re raising the bar higher than ever with the Fortitude Pledge. As global financial leaders, we have both the power and the responsibility to protect our communities – not just today but for generations to come- and we sincerely hope others will join us in our mission to create real change.”
With this new pledge, Enfuce hopes to take inclusive finance and consumer protection to the next level, while challenging the industry to raise its standards for compliance, security, and transparency.
