Understanding global corruption and how to prevent it
Corruption can lead to ethical and reputational problems at a private and public level, heightening the need for recognition across the globe about how to both report and prevent it. At the end of 2021, the Biden Administration announced their plans for an anti-corruption strategy to tackle corruption’s ‘ability to corrode democracy’. This echoed other foreign governments around the world which have sought methods to mitigate risk and combat corruption. There have been developments across the globe to combat corruption in recent years, which helps draw conclusions for financial institutions on how to mitigate risk; we can offer solutions to help with these risks.
FinCEN Issues Advisory on Kleptocracies and Foreign Corruption
On April 14th, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an advisory on kleptocracy and foreign public corruption. This alert urges financial institutions to make a concerted effort to detect any proceeds of Russian or other foreign corruption. This foreign public corruption includes bribery, embezzlement, extortion, and misappropriation of public assets. This guidance comes following the sanctions against both entities and individuals after Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine.
What are the money laundering risks surrounding migrant smuggling?
Migrant smuggling arises due to global conflict, including fleeing from war, political instability, and violence, as well as a yearning for better opportunities and quality of life. This desire is capitalized by smugglers to use migrants as a source of profit, with this illegal industry having estimated annual profits exceeding $10 billion, according to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). More recently, the disastrous conflict happening in Ukraine has forced citizens to flee and seek refuge in neighboring countries.
How to prevent money laundering through real estate
Money laundering through real estate is one of the common methods for criminals to clean their money as they take advantage of large amounts of money exchanging hands, thus transforming illegitimate funds into a safe investment. According to FATF, real estate accounted for a third of criminal assets confiscated globally between 2011 and 2013.
Staying Compliant & the Money Laundering Red Flags to Watch
Banks and other financial service providers can be put under the microscope by the Federal Government and Regulatory Agencies in a multitude of ways and face punishment with fines and penalties. But this can be avoided with the right protocol and attitude towards AML laws and regulations.
How can Financial Institutions Combat Domestic Terrorism?
In June 2021, the US National Security Council published its strategy for countering domestic terrorism, following an increase in the number of terrorist incidents from American citizens with motives surrounding anti-Semitism, homophobia, Islamophobia, or racism. This led to a four-pillared approach to tackling the threat of domestic terrorism as well as the US Department of Justice forming a unit at the beginning of 2022 solely devoted to countering domestic extremism.
2022 Financial Crime Market Outlook | Africa & Middle East
In this part of our global anti-money laundering outlook, we are delving into Africa and the Middle East and what is to come this year. The Middle East and Africa anti-money laundering market is projected to register a CAGR of 13.5% in the forecast period of 2021 to 2028, according to a report conducted by Data Bridge Market Research. This has been bolstered by technological advancements in AML software and the growth of automation needed in the region.
Understanding Market Implications from the Sanctions in Russia
Welcome to part two of our interview with Tim White, a Special Advisor at AML RightSource and our global sanctions expert, where we delve into the market outlook and what the long-term effects could be from the sanctions on Russia.
2022 Financial Crime Market Outlook | Latin America
Welcome back to our 2022 outlook on the AML industry across different parts of the world. In this part, we’re looking at Latin America, where there is a dire need for compliance teams to step up their AML efforts to fight corruption, money laundering, and drug trafficking. According to Financier Worldwide, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) calculated that tax evasion and illicit financial flows in the region could be estimated at about $325bn a year.
