AML Conversations: Chip Poncy - The Upgraded US FATF Status
Welcome back to another episode of AML Conversations. With the recent upgrade to the US evaluation by FATF because of the 2018 CDD rule, there has been a debate on the appropriateness of the rating given other areas of concern. Today, John Byrne and Chip Poncy, former FATF lead from the US, discuss the criticism, and Chip offers insight into FATF, their processes and where the US stacks up with their counterparts.
Pandemic Scams - Profiting from Panic
The world is currently facing a viral pandemic that threatens personal health, employment, and financial markets. Local and national news media are tasked with issuing public service warnings and updating citizens on continuously changing rules that affect everyday life and liberty. In short, it’s an unprecedented and at times, stressful situation.
FinCEN Guidance in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The operating landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic is constantly changing. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN[1]) has issued guidance twice in the last three weeks. The first, issued on March 16, 2020[2] focuses on two areas – the ability of banks to timely file required Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) reports and identifying potential scams arising out of this current environment. The second, issued on April 3, 2020[3] provides information to assist FIs in complying with BSA obligations and announces a process for making direct contact with FinCEN for “urgent COVID-19 related issues.”
A review of: The Economics of Violence: How Behavioral Science Can Transform our View of Crime, Insurgency and Terrorism
A View to a Kill?[i] I have said many times that AML professionals in today’s world need to evolve and change with the various ways criminals adjust their actions to fit technology, laws and policies. Part of that strategy is to read and listen to those that come up with different approaches to age-old challenges. It doesn’t mean, of course, that outside voices are right, but being open to different types of analysis is always useful in improving our ability to have a strong and vibrant AML community.
The State of AML Practices in 2020 eBook
Where are things in the AML compliance space going? As regulatory expectations change, Congress flirts with statutory reform, and new technologies emerge, the AML compliance landscape has never been so dynamic. With today's uncertain and ever-changing space, it's worth wondering: How will AML compliance evolve in the future?
Getting by on fewer BSA Resources?
What a Fool Believes[I] Until recently, the AML community has seen only two major cases of personal liability. Frankly, many conferences and webinars have downplayed the impact of those rulings on how institutions should either allocate AML/CTF resources or give governance prominence to the BSA function.
Avoiding “Vendor Pinch” when migrating to a new AML/Anti-Fraud/Sanctions Automation System
Regardless of the reason for migrating to a new Anti-Money Laundering Automation System, (System) the conversion process will likely be; costly, complex, challenging, and unfortunately protracted. Here are some things to consider as you begin considering a change.
AML Conversations: The Digital Age and the Challenges of De-risking
In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne sits down with Amit Sharma, CEO of Finclusive to discuss the global problem of financial access from the standpoint of using technology as a tool to give support to the underbanked and underserved. The two review the strategies of tackling access limitations as well as a project (The Rulebook) that will be a welcomed tool for those looking for enhanced compliance advice.
Political Contributions: A Fact Sheet
Ready or not, election season is officially here. The chaos of politics is hard enough to keep up with on its own, without the added stress of learning the ins and outs of campaign finance laws. However, in the course of our work as AML professionals, many of us will see political donations made lawfully...as well as those which are questionable. To help us differentiate, let's look further into the various political organizations one could donate to and some of the ways those organizations can use their donations.
