Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. These tasks include problem-solving, learning from experience, understanding language, recognising patterns, and making decisions. AI systems rely on algorithms, data processing, and advanced computing power to analyse large sets of information and make predictions or perform actions autonomously. Machine learning, a subset of AI, enables systems to improve their performance over time by learning from data. 

In the context of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and financial crime compliance, AI can be used to detect suspicious patterns in financial transactions, enhance due diligence processes, and reduce false positives in fraud detection. By automating routine tasks and identifying risks more accurately, AI helps compliance teams focus on more critical investigations and improve overall efficiency in combating financial crime.