UWED Lecturer Leads Masterclass on Digital Financial Security for Finalists of the International Financial Security Olympiad

On 1 October 2026, Naubakhar Bakhadir kizi Uzakbayeva, a lecturer at the Department of International Law and Public Law Disciplines of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, delivered a masterclass for the finalists of the VI International Financial Security Olympiad. Held at Siberian Federal University in Krasnoyarsk, the session focused on “Typologies of Money Laundering through Crypto Mixers”.

The masterclass explored emerging threats to financial security amid the development of decentralised finance (DeFi), alongside methods for detecting them. Participants examined how traditional money laundering schemes involving cash, banking transactions and shell companies are evolving in the digital environment.

In particular, the session addressed the illicit use of cryptocurrency mixers, decentralised exchanges (DEXs), blockchain bridges, privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, fraudulent initial coin offerings (ICOs), NFTs and gaming assets. Particular attention was given to the “peeling chain” technique, in which funds are split into smaller amounts and transferred to different addresses through successive transactions. For each typology, participants examined risk indicators that can help identify suspicious transactions.

The session also highlighted the conversion of cryptoassets into fiat currency. This stage was presented as an important opportunity to trace financial flows and identify the individuals behind transactions. Participants also discussed regulatory challenges arising from the operation of certain DeFi services through smart contracts rather than centralised governing bodies.

The finalists were introduced to modern financial intelligence tools, including AI-assisted analysis of transaction links, heuristic address clustering and transaction risk scoring.

The masterclass helped broaden young participants’ knowledge of digital finance, develop their analytical skills and facilitate international exchange of expertise in financial security. Its content aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; and Partnerships for the Goals.