AML Conversations

This week FinCEN issued the first Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism National Priorities. They identify eight areas of focus for the next four years. John and Elliot discuss the Priorities, what they mean for the focus of enforcement going forward, how they may impact the examination process, and how FIs may consider responding publication of the Priorities.

This week John and Elliot discuss the recent FinCEN recognition of a number of organizations related to the use of a Bank Secrecy Act, how they are using the data to aid in law enforcement efforts. They go through a handful of the examples listed in the document, and also talk about how friends of the show made this list!

John Davidson, AML expert from the securities industry, shares his views on the difference between traditional banking and securities, recent cases and actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and how he sees the financial crime prevention area changing in the coming years.

The US Administration is continuing its focus on domestic terrorism. This week it published its National Strategy for Combatting Domestic Terrorism. This week, Executive Vice President John Byrne, and Creative Director Elliot Berman of the AML RightSource staff discuss the key elements of the strategy and what it may mean for Bank Secrecy Act compliance going forward.

In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne sits down with Kerry Donley, a financial services executive who spent 18 years on the Alexandria, VA City Council and as Mayor for 8 of those years. Kerry had to navigate work-life balance with the added challenge of public service. He has dealt with the impact of 9/11 on his community, working closely with law enforcement and the unique nature of historical Alexandria that contains the home of George Washington. A compelling and insightful conversation that is relevant to today’s challenges.

The US Administration and the United Nations are focusing on the adverse impact of corruption on the global economy and political stability. This week, Executive Vice President John Byrne, and Creative Director Elliot Berman of the AML RightSource staff discuss the these efforts and how both organizations are working to create change and motivate nations around the world to take up actions to reduce this nefarious activity.

This week, John Byrne is joined by AML RightSource resident Sanctions expert and Special Advisor, Tim White. John and Tim discuss the recent release of the Global Magnitzsky Designations, and a few examples of what's happened recently in Bulgaria relating to the release. From gambling institutions, to professional basketball teams, the designations will undoubtedly affect a substantial amount of assets, now frozen.

The European Commission has issued a Communication on Business Taxation for the 21st century. The focus of the communication is to “promote a robust, efficient and fair business tax system” in the EU. This week, Executive Vice President John Byrne, and Creative Director Elliot Berman of the AML RightSource staff discuss the communication and its recognition that increasing the fairness in a tax system requires dealing with the problem of shell companies. John and Elliot explore the importance of transparency and the alignment of the EU effort with those of the current US administration.

The OCC has issued the Spring 2021 edition of its Semiannual Risk Perspectives. This week, Executive Vice President John Byrne, and Creative Director Elliot Berman of the AML RightSource staff discuss the report and its value to the financial crimes compliance community. John and Elliot explore some of the themes in the report and the importance of understanding how FI regulators are looking at various risks going forward.

There are many forces influencing global directions and the ability of governments, NGOs and individuals to respond to crises and political events. This week, Executive Vice President John Byrne, and Creative Director Elliot Berman of the AML RightSource staff talk about the report Global Trends 2040, issued by the National Intelligence Council. John and Elliot explore the themes identifies in the report and how they may influence global events over the coming decades.