Joshua Tjeransen is a Research Assistant focusing on outreach activities, capacity building and investigation at the Centre for Science & Security Studies (CSSS). His research focuses upon proliferation finance, sanctions evasion, alternative payment methods, illicit financial activity, and cashless economies.

Before working with CSSS, Joshua worked in the private financial sector in a compliance capacity focusing on anti-money laundering and sanctions evasion. Joshua also served as a Police Officer for four years whereby a large proportion of his work consisted of investigations into financial offences pertaining to the proceeds of crime.

Joshua holds a BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and a MSc in Countering Organised Crime and Terrorism from University College London. Joshua is also a PhD Student at King’s College London. Situated in the Dickson Poon School of Law and the Department of War Studies, Joshua’s research focuses upon the impact of a cashless economy upon financial crime prevention.

Outside of work Joshua volunteers with Locate International, a charity focused on solving cold missing person cases, is a dedicated Rotarian and an avid Rugby player.

Thesis

Assessing the impact of a cashless economy upon financial crime prevention.

Abstract

Joshua’s thesis aims to explore the impact of a cashless economy upon financial crime prevention. A cashless economy is not considered to be the removal of cash but a transition from cash to a digitised currency, known colloquially as CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency). Calls for cashless economies have been on the rise with some notable developments either underway or on the horizon. However, the associated positives are contested. This thesis aims to assess the impact of removing physical currencies upon the commission and prevention of financial crime, including the effects upon, and potential changes in, regulatory and legal frameworks to address these developments. The research will address associated arguments surrounding civil rights, use cases, and societal impact. Joshua’s research will take theoretical approach including an empirical examination with associated professional, industry exports and officials.

Supervisors

Primary – Dr Aleksandra Jordanoska
Secondary – Professor Matthew Moran

Research Interests

• Proliferation finance
• Cashless economies
• International sanctions
• Export controls and compliance
• Multilateral implementation of non-proliferation regimes
• Deterrence and coercive diplomacy
• Arms control and strategic stability

Teaching

• History of the International System
• Law and Policy of Financial Technologies
• Legal Regulation of Economic and Financial Crime