AML challenges for 2021: 6MLD, Brexit and Covid-19
The New Year message on money laundering could hardly have been clearer. Just seven days into 2021, HM Revenue & Customs published its latest list of businesses fined for breaches of money laundering regulations – including a record £23.8m
The continued shortfall in combatting trade based money laundering
Some 15 years after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published its first landmark report on trade-based money laundering (TBML), new research from the independent inter-governmental body makes sobering reading. Organised crime groups continue to exploit the complexities of
Why AML partnerships need a broader base
In the battle against financial crime, the partnership model makes sense. The world’s law enforcement agencies are charged with investigating and prosecuting crimes such as money laundering. But banks are responsible for operating the systems and processes through which
UWOs raise the stakes for banks on anti-money laundering
The UK has a new weapon at its disposal in the battle against money laundering – and it is not afraid to use it. Unexplained wealth orders (UWOs) potentially enable the UK authorities to seize the assets of those
Avoiding the next Wirecard scandal
Hindsight packs a powerful punch. Looking back at the Wirecard scandal, it seems remarkable that regulators, investors, suppliers and other stakeholders did not see the downfall of the German payment processing company coming. The Financial Times began investigating the
Managing the due diligence challenges posed by HNWIs
High net worth individuals (HNWIs) are an important target for asset and wealth managers (AWMs) in markets all around the world. But while HNWIs are an attractive and growing market, increasing 9% by number globally over the past year
Why five Dutch banks are teaming up to counter money laundering
The banking sector in the Netherlands knows it has to take tough action against money laundering. A series of scandals in the country have resulted in tough regulatory sanctions – and concern that trust in Dutch banking could be
How technology could help banks beat the 6AMLD deadline
Six months and counting. The European Union’s Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive comes into effect across its member states on 3 December 2020; regulated financial institutions will then need to be compliant by 3 June 2021. Getting to grips with 6AMLD
Why the COVID-19 crisis poses such a compliance challenge for banks
In times of crisis, we often see the best of people, with selfless and heroic individuals doing all they can to alleviate the suffering of others. Unfortunately, there are also people for whom crisis brings out the worst –
The case for enhanced due diligence in the pharma sector – and how to achieve it
Pharmaceutical companies are among the most regulated businesses in the world, from drug safety bodies with exacting requirements to competition authorities determined to prevent market abuse. But while pharma businesses have developed sophisticated compliance functions to meet their obligations,
Why insurers must get to grips with due diligence and financial crime
Insurers might assume financial criminals such as money launderers do not have them in their sights, but there is no room for complacency. It is true that they represent a less direct means to legitimise dirty money and to
Why mining companies must know their customers – and how to do it
How well do mining companies know their customers and suppliers? Those not engaged with the process around who they work with, could be storing up all sorts of trouble for the future. Mining companies have become accustomed to tough scrutiny