Countering Proliferation Financing
Proliferation financing presents a complex and evolving threat to international security, demanding specialised expertise and robust global collaboration.
Proliferating states like North Korea exploit a combination of traditional methods, innovative tactics and emerging technologies to generate the vast funds that they need to finance their development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programmes.
From crypto hacks to the use of IT workers and diplomatic networks for revenue generation, proliferation financing comes in many forms, requiring both the public and private sectors to continually monitor the threat landscape and assess their exposure to related risks. It is vital that all stakeholders understand how these proliferation networks operate and are able to identify the regional and sectoral vulnerabilities which countries like North Korea may seek to exploit. This is the first step toward building robust defences.
Overview
Our work offers critical insights, practical tools, and effective policy advice to combat proliferation financing. Through cutting-edge research, comprehensive risk assessment guidance, and globally reaching capacity-building programmes, we equip stakeholders with the knowledge and resources that they need to better counter the threat of proliferation financing.
Project team
Tom Keatinge
Director, CFS
Centre for Finance and Security
Wojciech Pawlus
Outreach and Implementation Manager
Centre for Finance and Security
Fatima Alsancak
CPF Technical Assistance Programme Research Fellow
Centre for Finance and Security
Chandana Seshadri
Research Analyst, Counter Proliferation Financing
Centre for Finance and Security
Key Associate Fellows
Allison Owen
Associate Fellow - Expert in cryptocurrency and counter-proliferation finance
Dr Aaron Arnold
Senior Associate Fellow; Former member of the UN Panel of Experts for DPRK sanctions
Centre for Finance and Security
Andrew Mackay
Associate Fellow; Independent Consultant
Dr Noémi També
Associate Fellow; Independent Financial Crime Consultant and Researcher
Dr Ashley Hess
Associate Fellow
Dr Daniel Salisbury
RUSI Associate Fellow - Expert in nuclear security and open source intelligence
Aims and objectives
Our work combines evidence-based research, tailored training programmes, and targeted roundtables to address the unique challenges of proliferation financing. These efforts aim to raise awareness and strengthen regulatory and legal frameworks to combat this global threat.
Key areas of focus include:
- Research on both the traditional and innovative methods used by North Korea to generate, launder, and deploy funds in support of its WMD programme.
 - The challenges and gaps in establishing robust regulatory and legal frameworks to effectively counter proliferation financing and how countries can look to enhance these frameworks.
 - The ways in which proliferation networks exploit the financial sector and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) to raise revenue and transfer funds for acquiring WMD-sensitive items.
 - Delivering guidance and practical support to governments and financial institutions in conducting risk assessments to identify and respond to proliferation financing threats.
