Abstract: A cutting element retention system is shown for a diamond drill bit. The drill bit has a bit body with a bit face, the bit face having polycrystalline diamond cutting elements received thereon within mating recesses provided in the face. Each cutting element has a mounting body with a leading face and a trailing face and a diamond layer carried on the leading face. At least one fin with associated troughs are located behind the mounting body on the bit face or within the carrier substrate or cutting element itself and arranged transverse to the cutting element layer. The fins are separated by a trough which extends for substantially the entire cross-sectional depth of the diamond cutting face.