Archive

FINCEN REQUESTS INFORMATION ON AML/CFT

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 […]

FINCEN PROPOSES BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP INFORMATION

On December 8, 2021, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) proposed regulations to require certain entities to file reports with FinCEN that identify two categories of individuals: The beneficial owners of the entity; and Individuals who have filed an application with specified governmental authorities to form the entity or register it to do business. The proposed regulations would implement Section 6403 of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), enacted into law as part of the National […]

FINCEN ISSUES AN ANPRM FOR BSA RULES FOR REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

On December 6, 2021, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“ANPRM”) to solicit public comment on a potential rule to address the vulnerability of the U.S. real estate market to money laundering and other illicit activity. FinCEN said the systemic money laundering vulnerabilities presented by the U.S. real estate sector, and consequently, the ability of illicit actors to launder criminal proceeds through the purchase of real estate, threatens U.S. national […]

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 […]

FINCEN PUBLISHES NEW CDD FAQS

On August 3, 2020, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) published three new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements for financial institutions. The new FAQs clarify the regulatory requirements related to: Obtaining customer information; Establishing a customer risk profile; and Performing ongoing monitoring of the customer relationship. The new FAQs are in addition to those that were published on: July 19, 2016; and April 3, 2018. For further information regarding customer […]