As regulators push for advanced AML analytics, new partnership delivers rapid AI implementation on top of existing systems

ThetaRay, a global leader in Cognitive AI financial crime compliance, and Matrix USA, a premier global service integrator of anti-money laundering (AML), financial crime and compliance systems, today announced a strategic partnership designed to help financial institutions modernize their transaction monitoring programs ahead of major supervisory shifts coming into effect across the U.S. and Europe in 2026.

Banks and fintechs globally are under increasing pressure from regulators to improve the effectiveness of their AML programs, not simply maintain compliance checklists. FinCEN’s modernization initiatives in the U.S., alongside the European Union’s new AMLR and the establishment of AMLA, are accelerating the industry’s shift toward advanced analytics, machine learning (ML), and adaptive monitoring. Yet many organizations face the practical challenge of deploying AI technologies within existing, often rigid, legacy rules-based environments.

A Partnership Built for Banks and Fintech That Cannot “Rip and Replace”

Matrix USA brings over two decades of experience working with hundreds of global banks and payment firms, including institutions operating complex cross-border programs and legacy on prem or hybrid infrastructures. ThetaRay contributes its Cognitive AI detection engine and agentic investigation suite Ray, purpose-built to enhance, not replace, existing controls. Together, this partnership offers a turnkey AI overlay that allows banks to layer ML-driven scoring and anomaly detection on top of established platforms.

“Banks want to modernize, but many operate mission-critical AML programs that were built over decades,” said Lior Blik, CEO of Matrix USA. “This partnership gives them a practical path forward: enhance their current systems with AI, adopt better analytics, and meet regulatory expectations—without rebuilding their entire stack.”

“As global AML standards evolve, institutions need partners who understand both the legacy landscape and the new AI-powered future,” said Idan Keret, Chief Revenue Officer at Matrix USA. “ThetaRay’s AI combined with Matrix’s delivery expertise allows banks to strengthen detection, reduce investigation workload, and move forward with confidence without throwing away their original investments.”

"Every conversation we’re having with banks right now comes back to the same issue: they don’t have time for another multi-year AML transformation. What they need is speed, certainty, and proof that AI can deliver results inside the systems they already run. This partnership is built around that commercial reality,” said Jeff Otten, Chief Revenue Officer at ThetaRay.

“AML is entering its next phase. The question is no longer whether AI belongs in financial crime compliance, but how responsibly and effectively it’s deployed at scale. Partnerships like this are what turn innovation into infrastructure,” said Brad Levy, CEO of ThetaRay.

By combining ThetaRay’s AI detection and investigation center insights with Matrix’s integration capabilities, financial institutions can preserve prior investment in their legacy platforms while rapidly achieving a 2026-ready AML posture aligned with supervisory expectations across risk, analytics, and program effectiveness.

Key benefits of the combined offering include:

• AI-driven detection overlay that complements and enhances existing rules engines
• Smooth, low-disruption implementation led by Matrix’s AML and financial crime experts
• Significant false-positive reduction without compromising risk sensitivity
• Automated transaction monitoring investigations on ThetaRay’s Investigation Center supported by Ray, the agentic AI investigation suite
• Faster alert resolution and improved analyst productivity
• A pragmatic, regulator-aligned modernization path that preserves legacy investments and accelerated readiness for 2026 and beyond

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About ThetaRay

ThetaRay harnesses the power of Cognitive AI for financial crime compliance, enabling financial institutions to precisely identify legitimate customers while flagging bad actors. The SaaS solutions overcome the limitations of traditional rule-based systems by shortening long implementation lifecycles, enabling efficient, risk-aware compliance operations. By transforming compliance from a regulatory obligation into a driver of growth, ThetaRay allows institutions to scale faster and expand confidently into new markets. By uncovering hidden criminal networks and delivering actionable insights, ThetaRay empowers organizations to combat evolving threats, maintain positive regulator relationships, and enhance customer experiences. Implemented at some of the world’s leading financial institutions including Santander, Clear Bank, Mashreq Bank, Payoneer, Onafriq and Travelex, ThetaRay helps financial institutions thrive, fostering trust and confidence across the global financial ecosystem. For more information, visit www.thetaray.com.

About Matrix USA

Matrix USA is a global technology and consulting firm trusted by leading financial institutions to modernize financial crime, risk, and operations. Combining deep banking and payments expertise with advanced AI and data capabilities, Matrix helps organizations protect critical systems and meet regulatory demands, supported by a global team of 18,000+ professionals operating across North America, EMEA, LATAM and APAC. www.matrix-ifs.com/

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"The question is how responsibly and effectively AI is deployed at scale."