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When an existing customer becomes a politically exposed person (PEP), the KYC analyst should perform enhanced due diligence (EDD) for that customer. EDD involves gathering additional information about the customer, assessing the risk associated with their PEP status, and updating the KYC profile accordingly. The goal is to ensure compliance with regulations, verify customer identities, and mitigate the higher risk posed by PEPs. Regular monitoring and updates during the review/refresh period are essential to stay informed about any changes in the customer’s status or risk profile1.

References:

PEP in KYC & KYB: Requirements and Steps for PEP Screening

Politically Exposed Persons (PEP): Definition and Risks | Okta

How to effectively screen PEPs to meet KYC requirements - Castellum.AI

When a financial institution is requested to provide data and information to a law enforcement agency for matters related to the financing of terrorism, assistance cannot be refused on the grounds of tipping-off. Tipping-off refers to disclosing to a customer or any third party that a suspicious activity report (SAR) has been filed. However, in this specific context, the obligation to provide information to law enforcement takes precedence over any concerns related to tipping-off. Financial institutions must cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies in such cases to combat money laundering and terrorist financing12.

References:

31 CFR 1010.520 (a) (2)

FinCEN: Fact Sheet on the Rapid Response Program (RRP)

FinCEN.gov

Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) BSA/AML Examination Manual

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography to secure and verify transactions. Cryptocurrencies are decentralized and operate outside the control of any central authority, such as a government or a bank. This makes them attractive for money launderers, who can use them to transfer funds anonymously, quickly, and globally, without leaving a trace or being subject to regulation. Cryptocurrencies pose more risk of money laundering than other sources of money, such as wire transfers, credit cards, or money service businesses, which are subject to more oversight, verification, and reporting requirements.

References:

CAMS Study Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 1, Section 1.9, page 37

CAMS eLearning Course, Module 1, Lesson 9

ACAMS Crypto Hub

The risk-based approach (RBA) is an essential foundation of the FATF Recommendations, as it allows countries, competent authorities and financial institutions to adopt a more flexible set of measures to target their resources more effectively and apply preventive measures that are commensurate to the nature of risks, in order to focus their efforts in the most effective way. The RBA is not optional, but a prerequisite for the effective implementation of the FATF Standards. The RBA requires the identification, assessment and understanding of the ML/TF risks to which the countries and FIs are exposed, and the implementation of AML/CFT measures that are proportionate and tailored to those risks. The RBA is not a “zero failure” approach, but a way to mitigate the risks in the most efficient and effective manner.

References:

FATF Recommendations, Introduction, page 11

FATF Guidance on the Risk-Based Approach to Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing - High Level Principles and Procedures, page 3

Risk-based Approach (RBA), What is the Risk-based Approach (RBA)?