On December 15, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a request for information (RFI) to solicit comment on ways to streamline, modernize, and update the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime of the United States. FinCEN seeks comment on ways to modernize risk-based AML/CFT regulations and guidance, issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), so that they, on a continuing basis, protect U.S. national security in a cost-effective and […]
Category: AML
FFIEC UPDATES BSA MANUAL
On December 1, 2021, the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) released one new section and updates to three sections of the Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML) Examination Manual. Today’s updates affect the following sections: Introduction – Customers (new) Charities and Nonprofit Organizations Independent Automated Teller Machine Owners or Operators Politically Exposed Persons The updates should not be interpreted as new requirements or as a new or increased focus on certain areas. Rather, these sections provide […]
BSA Modifications Included in National Defense Authorization Act
On January 2, 2021, the United States Congress enacted the National Defense Authorization Act for 2021 (H.R. 6395) (NDAA of 2021 or the Act), which passed both the House of Representatives and Senate in early December but was vetoed by the President in late December, by voting to override the President’s veto on the legislation. The NDAA of 2021 includes banking industry backed provisions to modernize, enhance, and reform anti-money laundering processes as outlined in […]
AGENCIES UPDATE BSA/AML ENFORCEMENT STATEMENT
The Federal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and National Credit Union Association (Federal Banking Agencies or the Agencies), issued a Joint Statement on Enforcement of Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering Requirements (Statement) updating their 2007 Statement. The Agencies note this Statement does not create any new expectations or standards; rather, it clarifies how the Federal Banking Agencies evaluate enforcement actions when financial institutions fail to meet Bank Secrecy […]
AGENCIES ISSUE GUIDANCE ON SERVING HEMP RELATED BUSINESSES
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in consultation with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (the Agencies) have released a joint statement titled Providing Financial Services to Customers Engaged in Hemp-Related Businesses. The Agencies note the following: Hemp may be grown in compliance with one of the following: 1) Valid USDA-issued license; […]