Deficient regimes of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism: agenda of digital banking and financial inclusion

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sisira Dharmasri Jayasekara
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Quantitative Measure ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bank Branches ◽  
Compliance Level ◽  
Financing Of Terrorism ◽  
Work Done ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the dilemma of digital banking and the financial inclusion agenda of countries with the level of strength of the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime. Design/methodology/approach This study develops an AML/CFT compliance index using the assessment data of FATF to measure the level compliance strength of countries to measure the impact of the strength of the AML/CFT regime on the financial inclusion. Financial literacy, literacy, number of bank branches and income level of countries are used as other control variables in regression analysis, which is used to test the developed model. Findings The results suggest that the AML/CFT compliance level of a country is a significant factor in determining the level of financial inclusion. Besides, the number of bank branches for 100,000 people, literacy and financial literacy are significant factors in financial inclusion. However, the results reveal that financial literacy is significant over literacy in determining financial inclusion. Therefore, having considered the importance of the AML/CFT regime for financial inclusion, regulators are required to strengthen the AML/CFT regime and make clarity on the AML/CFT regulations. This clarity will promote the digitalization and financial inclusion over time. Practical implications Most of the studies related to financial inclusion and AML/CFT aspects are qualitative. Therefore, this is only the start of measuring the strength of an AML/CFT regime. More appropriate measures will be developed in the future based on this foundation. Originality/value This paper is an original work done by the author, which discusses the issues of digital banking and financial inclusion agenda of countries with the compliance strength of the AML/CFT regime. The AML/CFT compliance index is the original idea of the author, which can be used as a quantitative measure to capture the strength of the AML/CFT regimes in future studies.

Suspicious transaction reporting: an Indian experience

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Viritha ◽  
V. Mariappan ◽  
Irfan Ul Haq
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Reporting System ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Suspicious Transaction ◽  
Financing Of Terrorism ◽  
Secondary Information ◽  
Financial Intelligence ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of anti-money laundering (AML) reporting system in India in terms of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and its impact on countering money laundering through the conviction and confiscation. The main emphasis of financial action task force (FATF) guidelines on AML and countering of financing of terrorism (CFT) is the obligation of financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions to instantaneously report the suspicious transactions to Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), an agency with a mandate to deal with AML. Design/methodology/approach – It is a descriptive study to explore the outcome of the AML process. The study has used the secondary information published in the annual reports of FIU-India and FATF. The study period is 2006-2007 to 2011-2012. Findings – Though there is a significant increase in the STRs filed, the impact of AML is not realized in terms of neither AML-related convictions nor confiscations, since the enactment of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). However, the AML/CFT regime in India has just started earnestly, and it still has to go a long way before stabilizing and achieve tangible results. Research limitations/implications – In the Indian context, only few of the effectiveness indicators of the FATF methodology 2013 could be selected due to the limited availability of data, as much of the information maintained by various stakeholders, including reporting entities, FIU-India and other investigative and enforcement agencies, is kept confidential. Thus, it is difficult to establish the effectiveness of enforcement function of AML. Evaluation of effectiveness of AML is judged on the basis of convictions and confiscations. Originality/value – There is a dearth of studies assessing the reporting system under PMLA and thus this paper attempts to throw some insights on the outcome of AML chain, especially the impact of reporting suspicious transactions.

Balancing anti-money laundering measures and financial inclusion

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-76
Author(s):  
Ehi Eric Esoimeme
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial System ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financing Of Terrorism ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Fair Balance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the anti-money laundering measures of the UK and Nigeria, to determine what the best approach is. The best approach is likely the one that strikes a fair balance between protecting the financial system against money laundering and promoting financial inclusion. Design/methodology/approach This paper relies mainly on primary and secondary data drawn from the public domain. It also relies on documentary research. Findings This paper critically analysed the anti-money laundering measures of the UK and Nigeria to determine that the anti-money laundering measures of Nigeria does not strike a fair balance between protecting the financial system against money laundering and promoting financial inclusion because it does not expressly provide for verification of a customer’s identity at the account opening stage for low risk accounts. The paper, however, determined that the anti-money laundering measures of the UK does strike a fair balance between protecting the financial system against money laundering and promoting financial inclusion because it requires customer identification and verification before the establishment of a business relationship for customers who want to open a basic bank account. Research limitations/implications This paper focuses on the anti-money laundering and financial inclusion measures in the UK’s Payment Accounts Regulations 2015 and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism in Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria) Regulations, 2013. Originality/value This paper offers a critical analysis of the anti-money laundering and financial inclusion measures of the UK and Nigeria as provided in the UK’s Payment Accounts Regulations 2015 and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism in Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria) Regulations, 2013. The paper will provide recommendations on how the measures could be strengthened. This is the only article to adopt this kind of approach.

Money-laundering risk and preventive measures in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 699-714
Author(s):  
Irfan Hassan Jaffery ◽  
Riffat Abdul Latif Mughal
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Task Force ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Due Diligence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Financing Of Terrorism ◽  
Customer Due Diligence ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of anti-money laundering/combating of financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) measures in Pakistan. Key variables of AML/CFT regulations of Pakistan are used. This study explores the impact of customer due diligence, record keeping, wire transfers, correspondent banking, reporting of transactions, new technology and internal controls/compliance/trainings on money-laundering risk. Design/methodology/approach Data is collected with the help of questionnaires developed in light of Financial Actions Task Force (FATF) recommendations and the AML/CFT regulations of Pakistan. Findings Results show that customer due diligence, correspondent banking and new technology may help control money-laundering risk in Pakistan, whereas impact of record keeping, wire transfers and reporting of transactions did not have an effect on money-laundering risk. This study suggests a better implementation of these measures. Research limitations/implications The current study was limited to Pakistani banks. For more conclusive results, future studies should replicate similar studies in other countries. Practical implications Findings of this study may help the State Bank of Pakistan in taking measures to simplify the process of implementing FATF rules and regulations regarding AML/CFT, regular monitoring and trainings to the staff of banks and development finance institutions in customer due diligence, correspondent banking and new technology. Further, it helps to take appropriate measures in resolving banks-specific issues related to AML/CFT. Social implications Effective AML/CFT control measures would strengthen socio-economic growth in a country. Further, formalization, compliance and integrity would eliminate money laundering risk. It would create an economy that works with equity and promotes transparency. Originality/value This research paper supports implementation of AML/CFT regulations, proper monitoring and novel supervision of banks.

How effective are the current global standards in combating money laundering and terrorist financing?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sisira Dharmasri Jayasekara
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Quantitative Measure ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Terrorist Financing ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Effectiveness Index ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of global anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) standards on combating money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) efforts. This study will assess the impact of AML/CFT legal framework as well as the effective implementation of the framework on combating crimes. Design/methodology/approach The author develops an AML/CFT effectiveness index using the results of 11 immediate outcomes in mutual evaluation reports to measure the overall effectiveness of regimes in combating ML/TF. In addition to this index, the AML/CFT compliance index is used to measure the strength of the AML/CFT legal framework of countries. A model was developed and tested to measure the impact of the AML/CFT legal framework and its effective implementation on corruption, bribery, terrorism and crimes. Findings The results suggest that the effective implementation of the AML/CFT legal framework is important to combat ML/TF. The existence of a sound AML/CFT legal framework alone will not be sufficient to combat ML/TF. Therefore, countries are required to implement their legal framework effectively to achieve the AML/CFT goals of the country as well as the global policymaker. The empirical results show a significant relationship between the AML/CFT effectiveness index with the proxies the author used to capture corruption, bribes and crimes. Considering the wide range of implications of the crimes, which are related to ML/TF, this study suggests the global policymakers to further strengthen the monitoring mechanism of AML/CFT deficient countries to protect the global financial systems from criminals. Practical implications There is a dearth of studies on the impact of the effectiveness of the AML/CFT regime on combating ML/TF. Therefore, this study will lay the foundation for future studies on measuring the effectiveness of an AML/CFT regime. More appropriate measures will be developed in the future based on this foundation. Originality/value This paper is an original work done by the author, which discusses the impact of Financial Action Task Force standards on combating ML/TF. The AML/CFT effectiveness index is the original idea of the author, which can be used as a quantitative measure to capture the effectiveness of the AML/CFT regimes in future studies.

Financial literacy in emerging economies

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (12) ◽  
pp. 1310-1331 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Okello Candiya Bongomin ◽  
John C. Munene ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Charles Akol Malinga
Keyword(s):  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Functional Measures ◽  
Poor Households ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Functional Components

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of individual components of financial literacy in promoting financial inclusion of poor households in rural Uganda. Design/methodology/approach The study was cross-sectional combined with correlation and regression analyses. Data were collected from 400 poor households drawn from four regions in rural Uganda. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test for the contribution of individual components of financial literacy on financial inclusion of poor households in rural Uganda. In addition, confirmatory factor analysis was used to establish existence of convergent validity between the items used to measure the different constructs under study. Furthermore, analysis of variance was also adopted to test for variation in perceptions of poor households on being financially included. Findings The results generated from the study revealed that only attitude as a component of financial literacy significantly and positively predicts financial inclusion of poor households in rural Uganda. Contrary to previous thinking and empirical studies, behavior, knowledge, and skills are not significant predictors of financial inclusion of poor households in rural Uganda. Overall, the combined effect of the different components of financial literacy explains about 11.2 percent of the variance in financial inclusion of poor households in rural Uganda. Research limitations/implications The study was not without limitations. The study adopted only cross-sectional study design, thus, leaving out longitudinal study. Therefore, future studies employing longitudinal research design worth undertaking. Furthermore, the sample although large enough focused only on poor households located in rural Uganda, therefore, ignoring peri-urban and urban areas in Uganda. Besides, the study used only quantitative data, thus, qualitative study using key informant interviews may be considered for further research. Practical implications The paper indicates that policy makers, advocates of financial inclusion and researchers, should reconsider investigating individual contribution of the different components of financial literacy in promoting financial inclusion of poor households in rural Uganda. For researchers, it is important to re-analyze the individual components of financial literacy of behavior, knowledge, skills, and attitude in influencing financial inclusion of poor households in rural Uganda. Originality/value This paper combines both functional components (behavior and attitude) and non-functional measures (knowledge and skills) of financial literacy to explain financial inclusion of poor households in rural Uganda. Most financial literacy studies have mainly adopted only non-functional measures of knowledge and skills. Besides, these studies ignore the individual contribution of functional components and non-functional measures of financial literacy in explaining financial inclusion of poor households. Thus, this study is the first to examine the impact of individual components of financial literacy in explaining financial inclusion of poor households in rural Uganda.

Struggling to make ends meet: can consumer financial behaviors improve?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa K. Meneau ◽  
Janakiraman Moorthy
Keyword(s):  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Thinking Styles ◽  
Financial Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Behaviors ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to examine the following two research objectives. The first was to examine the predictive relationships that consumer characteristics of financial literacy, thinking styles and self-control have with a consumer's financial behaviors. The second goal was to ascertain financial management products' ability to aid those consumers who need it the most by weakening the predictive effects of consumer traits on financial behaviors.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a web-based survey to gather information. The measurement and structural models were analyzed using generalized structured component analysis (GSCA), a component-based structural equation model. The mediation effect of self-control is assessed using the GSCA. The conditional mediation of demographic variables and use of personal financial management products are evaluated using multi-group analysis (MGA) in GSCA.FindingsAntecedents, financial literacy, thinking styles and self-control consumer characteristics are predictors of financial behaviors. However, self-control plays a more prominent role as a mediator between the other variables, strengthening the overall relationship. Also, financial products can have a beneficial moderation effect assisting those consumers who need them the most.Practical implicationsThese insights help in creating target specific financial literacy strategies to influence consumers' financial behaviors. Also, there is a need to develop mechanisms to influence a consumer's self-control and thinking styles to improve financial behavior. In conjunction with other initiatives, the impact of financial literacy has a greater effect on financial behaviors. Further, the insights assist financial institutions and financial technology firms in offering and creating products to help customers make better financial decisions and improve their financial behaviors.Social implicationsThe research addressed a significant global issue – consumer financial health. The Great Recession and the COVID-19 recession highlight the need to focus on the consumer and efforts to improve their financial health.Originality/valueThis research highlighted the mediating role of self-control and suggested that existing and future financial products can positively influence consumer behavior drivers.

Social and economic empowerment of women through financial inclusion: empirical evidence from India

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukesh Pal ◽  
Hemant Gupta ◽  
Yogesh C. Joshi
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Social Welfare ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Rural India ◽  
Women Empowerment ◽  
Bank Account ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Decision Making ◽  
Financial Decision ◽  
The Impact

PurposeWomen empowerment becomes an important policy discussion in development economics and modernization theory. The empowerment of women can lead to an increase in the quality viz-a-viz the capacity of human resources accessible for economic development. The purpose of this study is to evidence the impact of social and economic dimensions on women empowerment through financial inclusion in rural India.Design/methodology/approachTo reveal the research objective, the study has utilized a primary survey of women respondents from the Gujarat state of India by a simple random sampling method and applied a logistic regression approach to identify the relationship between the need of a bank account (determinant of financial inclusion) as a dependent variable and social and economic dimensions of women empowerment such as earning status, participation in financial decision-making, recipient of social welfare schemes and perception towards the safety of saving as independent variables.FindingsThe results of this study show that earning status, participation in financial decision-making at household level and recipient of social welfare schemes by women have a significant impact on women empowerment through financial inclusion; however, safety of their savings is observed as an insignificant variable, yet the odd value is very high (2.437) in the present study.Originality/valueThe present study is the first of its kind to examine the social and economic status of women and its impact on their requirement of a formal bank account for the overall empowerment of women in rural India.

The essential role of the investigation in fighting economic crime in Italy

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 465-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domitilla Vanni
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Economic Crime ◽  
European Convention ◽  
Right To Privacy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Law ◽  
The Law ◽  
Financing Of Terrorism ◽  
The Right

Purpose This paper aims to analyse the evolution of European anti-money laundering discipline passing from the First Money Laundering Directive 91/308/EEC, that was only referred to banks and financial intermediaries, that has been furthermore extended to some activities and professions outside the financial sector. The research examines the different steps done buy Italian Legislation in the field of economic crime: at first Law n. 14/2003 of 3 February 2003 (Community Law 2002), they transposed the 2001 Directive 2001/97/EC and then the Law n. 56/2004 of 20 February 2004, that has implemented Directive 2001/97/EC. Now it is urgent to implement Directive 2005/60/EC that has extended the scope of the legislation, including the fight against the financing of terrorism and modified anti-money laundering obligations. Design/methodology/approach This paper deals with the Legislations of some European States (in particular UK and Italy) interpreting them by a comparative method. Findings This paper has put in clear some differences and some analogies between national legislations of different countries. Research limitations/implications In Italy, at first Law n. 14/2003 of 3 February 2003 (Community Law 2002), has transposed the 2001 Directive 2001/97/EC and then the Law n. 56/2004 of 20 February 2004, has implemented Directive 2001/97/EC. In 2005, Directive 2005/60/EC has extended the scope of the legislation, including the fight against the financing of terrorism and modified anti-money laundering obligations. Practical implications In the context of economic crime, capital investigations represent one of the most effective tools to fight the activities of organized crime in the phase of managing wealth illicitly produced and its immission in the circuit of the legal economy. Social implications The need of fighting economic crime must always be harmonized with the protection of right to privacy that has been acknowledged by Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights of 1950 as a fundamental right. Originality/value This paper develops the need to balance the right to privacy of every European citizen (Article 8 CEDU) with investigative power exercised by Public or Private Authorities, considering the possibility to comprise the first – if necessary – to allow the regular exercise of the second.

FIFA – highlighting the links between global banking and international money laundering

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ahmad Naheem
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Due Diligence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Financial Services Sector ◽  
Global Banking ◽  
Beneficial Ownership ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper uses the recent (August 2015) FIFA arrests to provide an example of how illicit financial flows are occurring through the formal banking and financial services sector. The purpose of this paper is to explore which elements of anti-money laundering (AML) compliance need to be addressed to strengthen the banking response and reduce the impact of IFFs within the banking sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the indictment document currently prepared for the FIFA arrests and the District Court case of Chuck Blazer the FIFA Whistleblower. It uses the banking examples identified in the indictment as typologies of money laundering and wire fraud. Corresponding industry reports on AML compliance are included to determine where the major weaknesses and gaps are across the financial service.FindingsThe main findings from the analysis are that banks still have weak areas within AML compliance. Even recognised red flag areas such as off shore havens, large wire transfers and front companies are still being used. The largest gaps still appear to be due diligence and beneficial ownership information.Research limitations/implicationsThe research topic is very new and emerging topic; therefore, analysis papers and other academic writing on this topic are limited.Practical implicationsThe research paper has identified a number of implications for the banking sector, addressing AML deficiencies, especially the need to consider the source of funds and the need for further enhanced due diligence systems for politically exposed and influential people and the importance of beneficial ownership information.Social implicationsThis paper has implications for the international development and the global banking sector. It will also influence approaches to AML regulation, risk assessment and audit within the broader financial services sector.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is the link between the emerging issues associated with allegations of bribery and corruption within FIFA and the illicit financial flow implications across the banking sector.

scholarly journals An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Agency Banking on Financial Inclusion in Benue State, Nigeria: Implications for Economic Activities

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
David Terfa Akighir ◽  
Tyagher Margaret ◽  
Jacob Terungwa Tyagher ◽  
Tordue Emmanuel Kpoghul
Keyword(s):  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
The State ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
The Impact

Twelve (12) out of the Twenty-three (23) local government areas (LGAs) in Benue State do not have the presence of banks over a long period of time. This situation has deprived the inhabitants of these LGAs of access to formal financial services until the advent of agency banking. This study therefore, investigates the impact of agency banking on financial inclusion and economic activities in Benue State focusing on the agency banking activities of First Bank Ltd. The study is anchored on the agency theory and it used a survey design. The study has utilized both primary and secondary data that were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and structural equation models. Findings of the study have revealed that agency banking activities of First Bank Ltd have immensely enhanced financial inclusion and economic activities in Benue State. However, challenges such as shortages of cash, security problems, network failures, and lack of financial literacy are militating against the smooth operations of the agency banking in the State. On the basis of these findings, the study has recommended among others that, other banks operating in the State should be encouraged to venture into agency banking in the state so as to have a wider coverage of agency banking in the State. Also, government should provide security and partner with the private sector to provide national carrier communication network system to overcome the network failure challenge. Finally, banks should intensify efforts to educate the masses about the validity and potency of agency banking.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document