Factors related to the Central Bank instructions on money laundering

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osama Omar Jaara ◽  
Abdelrahim M. Kadomi
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Statistical Technique ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Highly Qualified ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Available Information

Purpose This paper aims to investigate Jordan’s framework specifics of the anti-money laundering (AML) policy and factors related to the Central Bank instructions on money laundering. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire has been distributed to a random data sample of 100 branch bank managers and supervisors who have a sufficient experience in this issue, and a t-test statistical technique has been used. Findings The results revealed that commercial banks of Jordan are committed to the instruction of the central bank, and they are highly qualified in all investigated measures. Practical implications This study supports the Central Bank of Jordan’s efforts in combating money laundering, which encourage all commercial banks of one country to follow the same adopted regulations to identify and report transactions of suspicious behaviour: investigate capability of the tellers and customer account representatives to report such activities, use AML software, filter customer’s data classify available information according to levels of suspicion or based on the uncertain customers without being subject to the institutional secrecy jurisdiction and to work under cooperative management. Originality/value It has been recommended to utilize more advanced technology, intensify training and ensure for more knowing clients’ knowledge. The importance of this paper is to insure the following: first, the banking system is obliged to recognize and report suspicious money laundering transactions, regarding up to date the FATFA equivalence status of other countries; second, increase the awareness and ensure the central bank efforts’ success; third, assure the adequacy of different issues such as the internal control system tools; devices or tools availability; and sufficient employees’ qualifications in facing launderers attempts; fourth, to be sure that suspected transactions are checked against any commercial bank records; finally, to be sure that commercial banks are giving enough considerations to all the AML proactive actions such as the regulations of checking while opening an account, accepting money on deposit, giving loans, issuing a debit card, traveller’s check and collecting enough information about new clients.

Swiss sovereign money vote points up bank reform

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Budget Deficits ◽  
Banking Reform ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Economic Agents ◽  
Monetary Systems ◽  
Bank Reform

Significance The Vollgeld (sovereign money) proposal, which claimed to make the banking system safer by preventing commercial banks creating money through requiring thems to keep 100% of their deposits at the central bank, was complex and economically flawed, However, it attracted anti-system and anti-bank votes and has generated debate in Switzerland and abroad on financial stability and monetary systems. Impacts The Vollgeld idea has never been implemented anywhere, posing uncertainty about economic agents' reactions and the overall impact. The reform, if used to finance budget deficits, would challenge the central bank's independence. Even if the proposal is refined, the power that 'Vollgeld' would give the central bank to determine lending will remain unpopular. Pressure for banking reform and awareness of regulation have risen worldwide since the 2008-09 crisis making other initiatives likely.

Latvian banks face tighter scrutiny and some may merge

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Commercial Bank ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Profile ◽  
The Us

Significance Recent high-profile incidents have called into question the viability of the business model in large parts of Latvia’s banking sector. In February, the US Treasury accused ABLV Bank of laundering money for North Korea. Separately, Ilmars Rimsevics, governor of the Bank of Latvia (the central bank), was accused by a Latvian commercial bank of demanding bribes and taken into custody by the Bureau for Preventing and Combating Corruption (KNAB). Impacts Latvia’s reputation has suffered from the latest revelations and accusations of money laundering and corruption. There will be greater pressure on the Latvian authorities to be stricter on commercial banks whose main business is with non-residents. When this source of revenue dries up, some banks’ business models may have to change, also sparking some consolidation in the sector.

Proposed Mexican financial legislation sparks concerns

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Legal Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Investor Confidence ◽  
Potential Impact

Significance The move, however, has proven controversial, generating a backlash over its potential impact on commercial banks and the central bank (Banxico), which sees it as a threat to its autonomy. The proposals come amid an unusual surge in remittances flowing into the country. Impacts Any legal change that is seen as affecting Banxico’s autonomy would damage investor confidence significantly. AMLO may stop legislation changes if they cause a depreciation of the peso. Mexico’s economy looks set to become far more reliant on remittance income than it has been in past years.

Alternate remittance systems in Ghana: a trade enabler or an organised fraud

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Asmah ◽  
Williams Abayaawien Atuilik
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Tax Evasion ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Analysis ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Border Trade ◽  
Single Method

Purpose Alternate remittance systems (ARS) are inherently not illegal; however, the nature of their activities has mostly been linked with money laundering and terrorist financing, which raises several questions as to why businesses in Ghana rely on these systems to conduct their cross-border trade. The purpose of this study is seeks to understand the nature of ARS in Ghana and analyse why business owners rely on them for their transactions. Design/methodology/approach Three companies were selected for the case study analysis. This research paper used a qualitative data analysis for the study. Interviews, direct participant observation and documentary review were the main techniques for data collection. The multiple sources of evidence helped to reduce the potential bias of the single method. Findings This paper found that some businesses using the system in Ghana can acquire unsecured loans at little or no interest cost, which provides a good source of funding to support business growth. Unlike other studies, this study proves that in some instances, ARS operators transact business with the clients they do not, particularly trust. Within the context of this study, this paper found evidence that supports money laundering, but the underlining crime is mostly tax evasion. The adoption of the system is an attempt to disguise the proceeds of the tax evasion crime and clean them through business operations. Research limitations/implications This analysis was based on the strain theory from the perspective of the clients. Future studies can focus attention on the ARS operators and understand their perspectives. Several other fraud theories could be used as a lens to understand the phenomena in Ghana and other jurisdictions. Practical implications The study throws more light on a “secret” or an underground banking system that operates in Ghana. It provides insights that can guide regulatory authorities in their policy implementation. The need for stricter enforcement of the law has also been highlighted. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is original, as it focuses on a sector that is highly secretive but has significant implications on the Ghanaian economy.

Lawyers’ predicaments in complying with the anti-money laundering law in Malaysia

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 583-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saslina Kamaruddin ◽  
Zaiton Hamin
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Central Bank ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Klang Valley ◽  
Source Of Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide some empirical findings on the predicaments of lawyers’ anti-money laundering (AML) compliance in Malaysia and the rationales for such predicaments. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a qualitative research in which the primary data are obtained from seven case studies involving legal firms within the Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia, which is triangulated with the data from the Central Bank and the Malaysian Bar Council. Findings The authors contend that despite the vulnerability of their profession to money laundering, the level of awareness of the AML obligations amongst Malaysian legal practitioners is rather minimal. Also, the imposition of obligations upon them in policing their clients and regulating money laundering is not only onerous but also contrary to the ethics of their profession. Originality/value This paper fills the gap in providing the empirical evidence on lawyers’ compliance to their statutory AML obligations in Malaysia. Also, this paper could be a useful source of information for practitioners, academicians and students. It could also be a beneficial guide for policymakers for any possible future amendments to the law.

Timing of auditor terminations and client firm risk

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 650-672
Author(s):  
Young-Won Her ◽  
Jennifer Howard ◽  
Myungsoo Son
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Operating Performance ◽  
Firm Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Auditor Resignation ◽  
Client Firm ◽  
Auditor Switches ◽  
Available Information

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine whether the timing of auditor terminations signals the riskiness of client firms. Design/methodology/approach This empirical study uses a sample of auditor switches during 2003-2014 to conduct univariate tests and multivariate regression analyses. Auditor switches occurring after the audit report date but before the shareholders’ meeting are classified as “planned” terminations and auditor switches that occur outside of this window are classified as “abrupt” terminations. Findings First, abrupt terminations are more strongly related to client risk factors than planned terminations. Second, relative to planned terminations, abrupt terminations are more likely to result from an auditor resignation rather than a client dismissal. Third, abrupt termination firms are more likely to have internal control weaknesses and experience delistings in the following year. Future operating performance is also worse after an abrupt termination. Finally, auditors and investors view abrupt terminations as riskier than planned terminations. Practical implications As the timing of the auditor termination is publicly available information, it can provide an important signal of deteriorating financial performance to shareholders and potential investors. Abrupt terminations could be costly to shareholders because those firms likely have lower quality financial reporting (due to internal control weakness) and deterioration of future operating performance. Originality/value While concurrent studies investigate the relation between the timing of new auditor appointment and audit quality, this is the first study to document the relation between the timing of auditor termination and the riskiness of client firms.

Iran’s banking reforms will falter

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Dispute Resolution ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Banking Reform ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Standards ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
European Banks ◽  
Dispute Resolution Mechanism

Subject Iran’s banking sector in urgent need of reform. Significance Tehran's banks face major corruption scandals, and a complex policy environment. In July 2016, the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) announced major plans to reform the country’s banking system in line with global standards. Iranian banks have been cut off from the international financial system since 2012, owing to sanctions. After the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran expected that the lifting of sanctions would reverse this situation. However, despite interest among Central Asian and Turkish banks, progress has been limited. Impacts European banks will be slow to engage with Iran, fearing unpredictable US penalties. Differing US and Iranian interpretations of sanctions lifting under the nuclear deal may come up before the dispute resolution mechanism. Macroeconomic strains will put depreciatory pressure on the currency. If President Hassan Rouhani fails to win re-election in May, the chances of banking reform would be much lower.

scholarly journals Central Banks

2021 ◽  
pp. 11-28
Author(s):  
Ulrich Bindseil ◽  
Alessio Fotia
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Balance Sheet ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
Reserve Requirement ◽  
Money Creation ◽  
Reserve Banking ◽  
Bank Money

AbstractThis chapter develops further the role of a central bank and its interplay with commercial banks. Together, the two ensure the provision of liquidity to the economy, such that the real sectors are shielded from flows of funds originating from household and investors. We also disaggregate the banking system into two banks to represent deposit flows between banks and their impact on the central bank’s balance sheet, and to distinguish between what we call “relative” and “absolute” central bank intermediation. We then integrate deposit money creation by commercial banks into our system of financial accounts, and revisit some old debates, such as the limits of bank money creation and the role of related parameters that the central bank can set (not only the reserve requirement ratio, but also the collateral framework). Finally, we explain the concepts of “plain money” and “full reserve banking” within the financial accounts, and also discuss in this framework the recent proposals regarding central bank digital currency (CBDC).

A note on liquidity policies and financial networks

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 451-456
Author(s):  
Danilo Lopomo Beteto Wegner
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Market Liquidity ◽  
Financial Networks ◽  
Bank Failures ◽  
Quantitative Easing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Net Worth ◽  
Liquidity Provision

Purpose This paper aims to provides an example of how government and central bank policies that promote market liquidity (e.g., quantitative easing programs) can change the structure of the banking system. Design/methodology/approach The nexus between liquidity policies and financial networks is addressed through an example that captures stylized features of the interbank market. In the example discussed, two scenarios are considered: one with and another without central bank/government liquidity provision, leading to two different network structures that are then used to study the likelihood of contagion. Findings The example provided shows that government and central bank policies that promote market liquidity can lead to financial networks that are better capitalized (net worth of the banking system is higher) but, at the same time, more fragile (higher likelihood of bank failures). Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first attempt to model the formation of a financial network with an explicit mechanism accounting for government and central bank policies that affect market liquidity, which, in turn, could be interpreted as a quantitative easing program.

The use of cryptocurrencies in the money laundering process

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad Albrecht ◽  
Kristopher McKay Duffin ◽  
Steven Hawkins ◽  
Victor Manuel Morales Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Central Banking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Currency ◽  
Theoretical Paper ◽  
New Form ◽  
Financial Transactions

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the money laundering process itself, how cryptocurrencies have been integrated into this process, and how regulatory and government bodies are responding to this new form of currency. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a theoretical paper that discusses cryptocurrencies and their role in the money laundering process. Findings Cryptocurrencies eliminate the need for intermediary financial institutions and allow direct peer-to-peer financial transactions. Because of the anonymity introduced through blockchain, cryptocurrencies have been favored by the darknet and other criminal networks. Originality/value Cryptocurrencies are a nascent form of money that first arose with the creation of bitcoin in 2009. This form of purely digital currency was meant as a direct competitor to government-backed fiat currency that are controlled by the central banking system. The paper adds to the recent discussions and debate on cryptocurrencies by suggesting additional regulation to prevent their use in money laundering and corruption schemes.

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