Regulators globally are using "tech sprints" to test new anti-money-laundering solutions. More can be done, but it's a good start.

Despite complaints about the slow pace of change within government, policymakers, including agency heads, are increasingly focused on modernizing regulation, an important step forward for the industry.

Instead of focusing on testing grounds for fintech startups, regulators should develop initiatives to improve their own oversight and compliance technologies.

Modernized bank technology and improved data sharing would sharpen anti-money-laundering efforts, making crime like human trafficking more risky and less profitable.