AML Solutions For Banks and Building Societies

There are three stages in the money laundering process, but it is most easy for Banks and Building Societies detect during the first stage, which is placement. During the placement stage, cash is broken up into smaller amounts, and moved around in an attempt to put distance between the money and its illegal origins. Some launderers may make deposits in shell bank accounts at this point – and these can be easy for financial institutions to spot, if they appear in a large lump sum or a suspicious number of smaller deposits. Shell bank accounts are also used in the second stage of money laundering – layering – where the money is passed through multiple transactions and movements to “wash” it, but this is often harder to detect.

Banks and Building Societies in the UK can prevent money laundering by following the AML regulations from the FATF, and meeting the guidelines from the FCA. That means implementing a risk-based approach, with an extensive screening process including KYC, PEP and sanctions checks, as well as ongoing monitoring and Enhanced Due Diligence on any matches. KYC checks specifically can be used to prevent the creation of shell accounts by those who have a history of financial crime, as they enable you to verify the identity and reputation of your clients and customers, before you enter into business with them.

The UK anti-money laundering regime requirements are set out in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA 2002), the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017 (MLR 2017), the Terrorism Act 2000 (TA 2000), the Crime and Security Act 2001 (ATCSA 2001) and the Terrorism Act 2006 (TA 2006).

Using EV is by far the most reliable way to carry out know your customer and know your business checks on new and existing clients. As criminals produce ever-more sophisticated fraudulent versions of documents like passports and driving licences, EV can also verify official documentation quickly and reliably.