The Financial Services Sector plays a critical role

Modern Slavery thrives on the financial gains it generates – but the financial services sector has the potential to help disrupt those gains. Financial institutions are on the frontlines of identifying and reporting suspicious activity linked to human trafficking and exploitation.

Human trafficking is a predicate offence for money laundering. Increasingly, regulation such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires institutions to embed modern slavery risks into their governance, due diligence, and disclosures.

And financial institutions are rising to the challenge. From integrating red flag indicators into transaction monitoring, to enhancing staff training and strengthening supply chain transparency, many FIs are already innovating in this space. Still, systemic challenges remain — including data quality, siloed operations, and the complexity of global financial flows.

The Power of Collaboration

This is where collaboration becomes critical. By working in partnership with NGOs, law enforcement, regulators, and tech providers, FIs can overcome barriers and accelerate impact. The Harcourt Programme is designed to harness this collective capability — providing the structure, insights, and shared purpose in leading the way in dismantling the financial infrastructure of modern slavery.

Coordinated information sharing can enable early detection and more robust financial evidence to support investigations and victims.

Recognising this, EY Ireland alongside the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) are leading a sector-wide initiative aimed at creating comprehensive frameworks for identifying, preventing, and disrupting the financial structures that enable modern slavery.

Introducing the Harcourt Programme

Launched in 2023, the Harcourt Programme is a groundbreaking initiative involving BPFI, An Garda Síochána, STOP THE TRAFFIK, EY, and representatives from across the financial services sector. Its mission: to dismantle the financial infrastructure of modern slavery and empower the sector to act through:

• Preventing modern slavery through increased awareness and collaboration

• Detecting through collaboration, technology and data

• With the ultimate aim of supporting in law enforcement in the conviction of offenders

The Programme is structured around three strategic pillars:

Awareness: Heightening the level of awareness amongst the general public and professionals through campaigns that highlight real survivor stories and teach how to recognise signs of exploitation.

Collaboration: Building a united front through cross-sector partnerships, knowledge sharing, and joint action.

Technology and Data: Leveraging data analytics and tech-driven tools to flag suspicious financial activity and strengthen law enforcement cooperation.

Through these pillars, the Harcourt Programme aims to create an effective, scalable model for detecting, disrupting, and ultimately eliminating modern slavery’s financial enablers.

Launching Project Aware

Set to launch in 2025, Project Aware is a national awareness campaign under the Harcourt Programme. It aims to:

• Foster public support for anti-slavery initiatives.

• Empower victims to seek help.

• Educate citizens on recognising and reporting signs of exploitation.

• Mobilise stakeholders across sectors to take unified action.

• Secure sustainable resources for long-term change.

• Advocate for stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms.

By illuminating the connections between everyday financial transactions and human trafficking, Project Aware seeks to make modern slavery visible — and actionable.

The campaign’s strategy includes pre-launch surveys to identify awareness gaps, followed by tailored content and outreach to specific communities, ensuring maximum relevance and impact.

More updates will be shared on Project Aware in the coming months.

Call to Action: How You Can Make a Difference

For the General Public:

• Educate Yourself: Learn to spot signs of trafficking.

• Stay Alert: Report suspected exploitation to authorities or victim support groups like STOP THE TRAFFIK.

• Spend Responsibly: Choose ethical businesses.

• Raise Awareness: Share information on social media.

• Support NGOs: Volunteer or donate to organisations combating slavery.

For Organisations:

• Train Employees: Educate staff on identifying trafficking indicators.

• Audit Supply Chains: Ensure transparency and ethical sourcing.

• Partner with NGOs: Amplify impact through collaboration.

• Push for Policy: Support legislation that combats modern slavery.

• Join the Movement: Engage with the Harcourt Programme and Project Aware.

Together, we can make a difference

Each of us has a role to play. By working collectively, we can dismantle the systems that sustain modern slavery and create a more just society. Let us stand with survivors, amplify their voices, and drive lasting change.

The Harcourt Programme and Project Aware mark significant steps in Ireland’s fight against modern slavery. Through awareness, collaboration, and data-driven action, we can dismantle criminal enterprises and build a safer, more ethical financial ecosystem.

The time for action is now. Join us in making a tangible difference.

EY’s Global Commitment

Globally, EY is committed to fighting modern slavery. This includes developing an advanced typology library to identify red flags, leveraging data analytics to assess risk, and convening industry-wide discussions through roundtables and alliances.

For more information, talk to EY today.