This review article examines the intersection of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance and financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa. It analyzes the impact of AML regulations on access to financial services, the financial burden on institutions, and the effectiveness of risk-based approaches. Policy recommendations focus on balancing AML requirements and inclusion objectives, enhancing regulatory and institutional capacities, and fostering innovation and collaboration. The future outlook considers technological advancements and regulatory trends shaping the region's AML regulation and financial inclusion dynamics. AML regulations are designed to prevent illegal activities such as money laundering and financing of terrorism, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of financial systems globally. However, these regulations often have stringent compliance requirements that can inadvertently hinder financial inclusion efforts, particularly in regions with developing economies like Sub-Saharan Africa. Financial inclusion aims to provide access to financial services for all individuals and businesses, regardless of their economic status, thereby promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. The significance of AML compliance in Sub-Saharan Africa cannot be overstated. The region is often perceived as high-risk for money laundering due to various factors, including political instability, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited resources for enforcement. Effective AML measures are essential for curbing illicit financial flows, which can undermine economic stability and development. Without robust AML frameworks, the region remains vulnerable to financial crimes that can erode public trust in financial institutions and deter foreign investment. Conversely, financial inclusion is a pivotal component of socio-economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Access to financial services enables individuals and small businesses to invest in education, health, and entrepreneurship, fostering economic growth and reducing inequality. According to the World Bank, approximately 57% of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa remain unbanked, highlighting a significant gap in financial service accessibility. Improving financial inclusion is crucial for empowering marginalized populations and integrating them into the formal economy. However, the stringent requirements of AML regulations can pose significant barriers to financial inclusion. Compliance measures often require extensive documentation and verification processes that can be challenging for low-income individuals and small businesses to meet. This can result in financial exclusion, where those most in need of financial services are unable to access them. Moreover, the cost of compliance can be burdensome for financial institutions, particularly smaller ones, potentially leading to higher fees and reduced availability of services. This paper explores the complex relationship between AML compliance and financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objectives are threefold: first, to provide a comprehensive overview of the current AML regulatory landscape and its impact on financial inclusion in the region; second, to analyze the challenges faced by both regulators and financial institutions in balancing these two priorities; and third, to propose practical recommendations for harmonizing AML compliance with financial inclusion goals. By examining these issues, the paper seeks to contribute to the existing knowledge on AML and financial inclusion, offering insights that can inform policy and regulatory decisions in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.This review article examines the intersection of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance and financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa. It analyzes the impact of AML regulations on access to financial services, the financial burden on institutions, and the effectiveness of risk-based approaches. Policy recommendations focus on balancing AML requirements and inclusion objectives, enhancing regulatory and institutional capacities, and fostering innovation and collaboration. The future outlook considers technological advancements and regulatory trends shaping the region's AML regulation and financial inclusion dynamics. AML regulations are designed to prevent illegal activities such as money laundering and financing of terrorism, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of financial systems globally. However, these regulations often have stringent compliance requirements that can inadvertently hinder financial inclusion efforts, particularly in regions with developing economies like Sub-Saharan Africa. Financial inclusion aims to provide access to financial services for all individuals and businesses, regardless of their economic status, thereby promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. The significance of AML compliance in Sub-Saharan Africa cannot be overstated. The region is often perceived as high-risk for money laundering due to various factors, including political instability, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited resources for enforcement. Effective AML measures are essential for curbing illicit financial flows, which can undermine economic stability and development. Without robust AML frameworks, the region remains vulnerable to financial crimes that can erode public trust in financial institutions and deter foreign investment. Conversely, financial inclusion is a pivotal component of socio-economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Access to financial services enables individuals and small businesses to invest in education, health, and entrepreneurship, fostering economic growth and reducing inequality. According to the World Bank, approximately 57% of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa remain unbanked, highlighting a significant gap in financial service accessibility. Improving financial inclusion is crucial for empowering marginalized populations and integrating them into the formal economy. However, the stringent requirements of AML regulations can pose significant barriers to financial inclusion. Compliance measures often require extensive documentation and verification processes that can be challenging for low-income individuals and small businesses to meet. This can result in financial exclusion, where those most in need of financial services are unable to access them. Moreover, the cost of compliance can be burdensome for financial institutions, particularly smaller ones, potentially leading to higher fees and reduced availability of services. This paper explores the complex relationship between AML compliance and financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objectives are threefold: first, to provide a comprehensive overview of the current AML regulatory landscape and its impact on financial inclusion in the region; second, to analyze the challenges faced by both regulators and financial institutions in balancing these two priorities; and third, to propose practical recommendations for harmonizing AML compliance with financial inclusion goals. By examining these issues, the paper seeks to contribute to the existing knowledge on AML and financial inclusion, offering insights that can inform policy and regulatory decisions in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.