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.

Money laundering in a CBDC world: a game of cats and mice

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Dupuis ◽  
Kimberly Gleason ◽  
Zhijie Wang
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Economic Activity ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Currency ◽  
Individual Privacy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the present taxonomy of money, summarize potential central bank digital currency (CBDC) regimes that central banks worldwide could adopt and explore the implications of the introduction of each of these CDBC regimes for money laundering through the lens of the regulatory dialectic theory. Design/methodology/approach The methodology used in the analysis of significant recent events regarding the progress of central banks in establishing a CBDC and the implications for money laundering under a CBDC regime. This paper also reviews the literature regarding the Regulatory Dialectic to highlight potential innovative responses of money launderers to circumvent the controls generated through the implementation of a CBDC. Findings This study examines the impact of Kane’s regulatory dialectic paradigm on the feasibility of money laundering under a CBDC regime and identifies potential avenues that would be available for those seeking to launder money, based on the form a CBDC would take. Research limitations/implications This paper is unable as of yet to empirically evaluate anti-money laundering (AML) tactics under a CBDC regime as it has not yet been fully implemented. Practical implications Many central banks worldwide are evaluating the structure of and introduction of a CBDC. There are a number of forms that a CBDC could take, each of which has implications for individual privacy and for entities involved in AML efforts within financial institutions and the regulatory community. The paper has implications for AML experts who are considering how AML procedures would change under a CBDC regime. Social implications The regulatory dialectic predicts that regulatory response reactive, rather than proactive when it comes to socially undesirable phenomena. As central banks and governments seek to divert economic activity away from the laundering of the proceeds of illicit activity, there are tradeoffs in terms of a loss of privacy. The regulatory dialectic predicts a corresponding innovative response of those who wish to undermine the controls generated through the establishment of a CBDC. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to explore the impact of a potential CBDC on money laundering and the potential innovative circumventions within the paradigm of the Regulatory Dialectic.

Anti-money laundering developments in Iran

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdi Salehi ◽  
Vahid Molla Imeny
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Banking System ◽  
International Banking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Set Up

Purpose Money laundering has become a global concern in recent years, and many countries attempt to employ some preventive measures to cope with this phenomenon. Anti-money laundering (AML) controls vary in different countries, and consequently many studies, to date, have taken account of these differences along with the AML efforts. In this regard, financial institutions play an important role to tackle money laundering by involving in all three stages of money laundering (placement, layering and integration). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the AML situation of the Iranian banks and also study some related variables. Design/methodology/approach Using the Wolfsberg questionnaire, a survey consisting of 24 Iranian authorized banks in 2017 was conducted. Findings We conclude that Iranian banks have proper AML controls in place. Furthermore, it is concluded that banks with more staffs and more experienced employees are more likely to establish strong AML controls; conversely, banks with more branches are less likely to set up strong AML controls. Originality/value The present study is the first study conducted in Iran, and the outcomes of the study may be helpful to the Iranian and also International Banking System to establish stronger AML controls.

Appraisal of the regulatory frameworks for combatting money laundering in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adegboyega Adekunle Ige
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Attorney General ◽  
Securities And Exchange Commission ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Legal Context ◽  
Made In

Purpose A review of literature revealed that many publications on efforts at combatting money laundering focus on two frameworks, namely, legal/legislative and institutional, while overlooking the third and equally important framework – the “regulatory/ supervisory framework.” This paper aims to eradicate the dearth in literature with regards to this third and seldom acknowledged framework and it aims at filling that gap. Design/methodology/approach The analysis took the form of a desk study, which distinguished the three frameworks for combatting money laundering and provided a comprehensive list of the main actors in each regime within the Nigerian legal context. The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2016 was examined in detail. Findings Three categories of regulators were identified and discussed in this paper: the supervisory bodies that regulate the activities of financial institutions, namely, Central Bank of Nigeria, Securities and Exchange Commission and Nigerian Insurance Commission; The Bureau for Money Laundering Control which supervises – designated non-financial institutions and businesses; the Attorney General of the Federation; and (Self-Regulatory Organizations. The Attorney General of the Federation was identified as the prime regulator within the context of the 2016 Act. Suggestions on how the regulators could make the most of their roles were made in the concluding part. Research limitations/implications This paper only considered the Nigerian legal context and only the extant law – the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2016 was critically examined. Originality/value The findings in this paper and the writing approach are original.

RegTech solutions and AML compliance: what future for financial crime?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esman Kurum
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Financial Crime ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Compliance Programs ◽  
Time Required ◽  
International Experts

Purpose This study aims to discuss the growing use of RegTech solutions by financial institutions to comply more efficiently with regulation in terms of anti-money laundering compliance and more specifically its influence on the evolution of financial crime in the next ten years. Design/methodology/approach Based on two online Delphi surveys sent to a panel of international experts composed of eight specially recruited professionals and specialists of anti-financial crime compliance and RegTech, five main predictions have been developed. Findings It was found that artificial intelligence would become the most impactful technology for financial institutions to fight financial crime, and that there will be a strong positive correlation between ever-more elaborated compliance programs and the level of sophistication of methods used for money laundering. Furthermore, the panel designated regulators’ recommendations as likely to be less influential than RegTech solutions, and the time required to integrate RegTech solutions for AML compliance as the main future challenge. Originality/value These predictions are meant to provide financial institutions and regulators with useful outlooks. While the reviewed literature focused on the role of regulations on the evolution of money laundering, this study puts stress on RegTech solutions and their impact on both compliance and financial crime.

Nexus between customer preference and operation of conventional banks Islamic windows in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malik Shahzad Shabbir
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Financial Institution ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Customer Behavior ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Preference ◽  
Conventional Banks ◽  
Almost All

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the nexus between preferences of customers toward operations of Islamic windows from conventional banks. However, financial institution system of any country has a dominant importance for its growth level. This study makes a comparative analysis and nexus among Islamic windows of conventional banks, Islamic and conventional banks. Design/methodology/approach A well-designed questionnaire has been made and distributed among three types of bank customers to get their perception and preference regarding services qualities and operations from all three types of financial institutions. This study used statistical package of social sciences software for data analysis. Findings The results revealed that customers from Islamic windows have serious dispute on its Shariah-compliant regulation and fifty one per cent (51 per cent) of customer did not trust on the member of Shariah board. The mid age of customers preferred the services of Islamic windows, as it has multi-dimensional options for customers. Finally, customers from almost all three types prestigious that technology has found a significant impact for better service qualities and found a positive change in customer behavior. Originality/value This study is a first ever attempt in its nature to investigate that the customer’s preferences and different operations exist in three types of banking system in Pakistan. This study also helps to policymakers regarding customer needs and wants to provide better services.

Follow the money to achieve success: achievable or aspirational

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Alan McTaggart
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Economic Crime ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Terrorist Financing ◽  
The Subject

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the extent to which organised crime and the environment have altered in relation to money laundering and terrorist financing and to explore whether strategies to “follow the money” have been successful. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on personal analysis and involvement as a practitioner in law enforcement and includes a broad literature review on the subject of terrorist financing and money laundering. Findings Money laundering, terrorist financing and economic crime activity are being disguised in the “noise” of business by specialists that have become very adept at their craft. Financial institutions and lawmakers have invested heavily in countering money laundering and terrorist financing. However, its real effectiveness is somewhat doubtful. Originality/value This paper serves to stimulate further discussion and research on how all actors can increase collaboration and co-operation to increase the effectiveness of disruption strategies associated with these classes of crime.

New developments in Hong Kong’s anti-money laundering laws

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Kwok
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Case Law ◽  
New Developments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proceeds Of Crime ◽  
Financial Action Task ◽  
Law And Legislation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss briefly new developments in Hong Kong’s (HK) Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws, both in terms of case law and legislation. Design/methodology/approach In terms of case law, the author discusses two decisions given by HK’s Court of Final Appeal relating to the dealing of proceeds of crime offence. Also, a guideline case on sentencing is also examined. In terms of legislation, the author briefly outlines the main provisions of the newly enacted AML and Counter-Terrorist Financing (Financial Institutions) Ordinance. Findings As suggested by the Financial Action Task Force, new measures need to be put in place. The AML laws, as they presently stand, need further improvement. Originality/value A good AML regime is necessary as HK continues to thrive as a major financial/banking centre in Asia. This paper seeks to encourage more discussion on the topic.

Illicit finance and money laundering trends in Eurasia

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 388-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Cassella
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Common Elements ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Western Countries ◽  
The World ◽  
Beneficial Ownership ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review recent examples of sophisticated money laundering operations involving financial institutions in Eurasia, including Russia and Moldova, and the resulting flow of licit and illicit capital from that part of the world to the UK, the USA, and other Western countries. Design/methodology/approach Relying on materials from publicly available sources, the study uses several case studies to illustrate various money laundering methods with a view toward identifying common elements and aspects of the schemes that might be considered new or innovative. Findings In particular, the study examines the roles that lax anti-money laundering compliance by financial institutions and the use of shell corporations designed to conceal the beneficial ownership of the companies and their assets have played in virtually all of the money laundering schemes. Originality/value The paper discusses the risks that these emerging money laundering methods pose to Western countries and their financial institutions and the approaches that governments might take to minimize those risks and raise the barriers for the laundering of illicit funds within their jurisdictions.

Moving in the right direction to fight financial crime: prevention and detection

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 362-368
Author(s):  
Fitriya Fauzi ◽  
Kenneth Szulczyk ◽  
Abdul Basyith
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Financial Crime ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Crimes ◽  
The Right ◽  
Financial Intelligence

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify current measures taken for financial crime’s prevention and detection in the context of Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on data from articles in Indonesian newspapers relating to the current financial crimes, current measures of preventing financial crimes in Indonesia and based on the literature review. Findings There are some attempts to combat financial crimes in Indonesia, both internally and externally. The attempts that have been made for the internal scope are the enactment of anti-money laundering law, the new monitoring system of financial institutions and the formation of a superintendent institution. The attempts that have been made for the external scope are the agreement between Indonesia’ financial intelligence unit Pusat Pelaporan dan Analisis Transaksi Keuangan (PPATK), and other countries’s financial intelligence unit, the affiliation member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) to combat financial crimes through strengthening its anti-money laundering and terror financing capabilities. Originality/value This paper presents an overview of current prevention and detection measures in the context of Indonesia, and it is hoped that this paper will contribute to the current discussion of eliminating financial crimes.

Digital finance erodes anti-money laundering regime

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Financial Data ◽  
Regulatory Agencies ◽  
Financial Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Transactions

Significance Money laundering activities are underpinned by existing digital technologies within financial systems, and are intensifying with the emergence of fintech. Impacts Fintechs face rising compliance costs as they are obliged to adopt anti-money laundering processes and tighten cybersecurity. As the number of financial transactions rises, regulators and law enforcement will need to overhaul oversight mechanisms. Artificial intelligence tools could help financial institutions detect anomalies in big financial data and assist regulatory agencies.

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