As I have done in previous years, will be looking ahead to 2019 and what may be in store for the AML/CTF/Financial Crime Prevention community. With new committee chairs in the US House and several retirements in the Senate, it is a safe bet that any policy debates in our area will be somewhat different than the last two years. If you add on what is likely to be a financial focus on investigations of this Administration, and in several other countries, money laundering related topics will be front and center.
The following list is both serious and has some tongue-in-cheek points too. As always, please do not use the following for any wagering, and Have a Great and Safe New Year!
OUT |
IN |
GTO renewal for title insurers (Nov) | GTO Expansion to variety of real estate providers |
CDD implementation | Agency examination of CDD compliance |
Confusion on AML Innovation | Joint agency statement encouraging innovation |
Searching for methods to address human trafficking | The STAT collaborative platform |
UBS, Danske, Deutche Bank fines | More fines and penalties on FI’s |
Questioning SAR filings by regulators | Hope for reason and fairness |
Attempts to change BSA thresholds | Law enforcement proving BSA data value |
2018 FATF Mutual Evaluations | 2019 schedule to include Russian Federation and Turkey |
Wondering when FFIEC Manual is updated | Still wondering |
Standing by while de-risking continues | Document to be produced by FI’s and NPO’s |
Sanctions, sanctions, sanctions | More of the same |
Learning about virtual currency | Regulation and additional guidance about VC |
US House hearings on deregulation | House hearings on AML gaps and various bank scandals |
Discussion on AML reform | Action but with inclusion of ALL stakeholders |
Reliance on best practices to prevent art/antiquity theft | Laws to prosecute criminals/require CDD |
Coverage of potential ML in real estate | Investigations and prosecutions worldwide |
More debate on information sharing | Improvement to AML regime to allow more sharing |
Debate on extent of culture of compliance | Continued improvement of that culture |
Examiner second-guessing | Improved training and communications by both sides |
Private-Public Partnerships | Never goes away—too essential! |