Bank Secrecy Act: The Fundamentals - CIP, CDD, EDD, CTR and Current Issues

Money laundering continues to be a national concern. High levels of drug-related activity and violence have drawn additional attention. Terrorist activities need to be considered as well. Perpetrators have adapted to banks’ efforts so banks cannot combat the money laundering with yesterday’s methods. Software is widely installed to identify specific patterns and “unusual” transactions. But the fraudsters know this and are constantly striving to create new patterns where their transactions are designed not to be flagged. Like in a game of chess, the advantage goes to the side that thinks the most moves ahead.

Money laundering continues to be a national concern. High levels of drug-related activity and violence have drawn additional attention. Terrorist activities need to be considered as well. Perpetrators have adapted to banks’ efforts so banks cannot combat the money laundering with yesterday’s methods. Software is widely installed to identify specific patterns and “unusual” transactions. But the fraudsters know this and are constantly striving to create new patterns where their transactions are designed not to be flagged. Like in a game of chess, the advantage goes to the side that thinks the most moves ahead.