Skip to main content

FinCEN Issues Proposed Rule Amending AML/CFT Programs

07/01/2024 08:19 pm

WASHINGTON—The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued a proposed rule amending financial institutions’ anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs to explicitly require that such programs be “effective, risk-based, and reasonably designed,” enabling financial institutions to focus their resources and attention in a manner consistent with their risk profiles.

FinCEN

The proposed amendments are based on changes to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) as enacted by the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020.

The Specifics

Specifically, FinCEN said the proposed rule would:

  • Amend existing program rules to explicitly require financial institutions to establish, implement, and maintain effective, risk-based, and reasonably designed AML/CFT programs with certain minimum components, including a mandatory risk assessment process
  • Require financial institutions to review government-wide AML/CFT priorities and incorporate them, as appropriate, into risk-based programs, as well as provide for certain technical changes to program requirements
  • Promote clarity and consistency across FinCEN’s program rules for different types of financial institutions

Avoiding ‘One Size Fits All’

According to FinCEN, the emphasis on risk-based AML/CFT programs seeks to avoid one-size-fits-all approaches to customer risk that can lead to financial institutions declining to provide financial services to entire categories of customers.

FinCEN said its proposal was prepared with consultation with the NCUA and other federal financial regulators to collectively issue proposed amendments to respective BSA compliance program rules for institutions they supervise.

Comments are due within 60 days of publication in the Federal Register.

Comments

Post a Comment

Please no profanity or political comments.

Popular posts from this blog

New York Stock Exchange building venue for 24/7 tokenized stock and ETF exchange

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), via its owner   Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) , is building a new digital trading venue for 24/7 trading of tokenized stocks and ETFs, using blockchain and stablecoin-based funding for instant settlement, aiming to modernize markets by running parallel to the traditional exchange. This platform will support native digital securities and traditional shares as tokens, allowing for continuous liquidity and integrating digital assets into mainstream finance, with plans to launch later in 2026 after regulatory approval.   Key Features of the New NYSE Platform: 24/7 Trading:  Operates continuously, unlike the traditional exchange's weekday hours. Instant Settlement:  Transactions settle immediately, moving away from the current T+1 (trade date plus one day) model. Stablecoin-Based Funding :  Uses stablecoins (digital tokens pegged to fiat currency like the USD) for funding and collateral, streamlining processes outside banking hou...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Breaking: NCUA Moves to Remove a Major Barrier to Board Service

NCUA just proposed a rule that would allow federal credit unions to reimburse or directly pay reasonable dependent care costs for volunteer officials when those costs are incurred while attending board meetings or performing official duties. Childcare and eldercare costs are real barriers to serving on a board — especially for working professionals, single parents, and caregivers. At the same time, expectations for board engagement, training, and oversight continue to rise. A few important guardrails remain: ✔️ Applies only to federal credit unions ✔️ Covers dependent care only — not lost wages or compensation ✔️ Requires written board policy and reasonable controls ✔️ IRS tax treatment still applies (talk to your CPA) Bottom line: this won't fix board recruitment challenges by itself, but it removes a real friction point for people who want to serve and simply can't absorb the added costs. NCUA is also asking for comments — including whether training and conferences...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Sunday Reading - How pensions work

  The Pension Promise   How pensions work Colloquially speaking, pensions are retirement plans that result in employees receiving a fixed amount of money from their former employers during retirement, often for life (although the technical legal definition of pensions is significantly more nuanced ). Unlike “defined contribution plans” like 401(k) plans, “defined benefit plans” like pensions make it so the employer , rather than the employee, determines how much money is set aside for the plan and how it’s invested (often in stocks, bonds, and other assets). In retirement, monthly payouts include both the principal and investment earnings. Employers often use fact...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Small credit union closures and mergers.

NCOFCU Podcast on the loss of small creditunions. Grant Sheehan CCUE | CEO-NCOFCU examines the rapid decline of small credit unions, why each closure matters to communities, and the threat this trend poses to the cooperative identity and tax protections of the movement. The episode explores practical solutions: larger credit unions acting as stewards, collaboration through shared resources and technology, and the advocacy work of the National Council of Firefighter Credit Unions to amplify every credit union's voice. Listen for a call to action on preserving community-focused financial cooperatives and strengthening the future of the credit union movement. Be sure to visit NCOFCU's "First Responders Credit Unions Academy" for your continued credit union education and certification in meeting N C U A’s requirements.  ================================================= Remember, you're not alone with  NCOFCU.org Join/Upgrade Check out some of NCOFCU's additional f...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

New FRCUA Manuals Alert!

New & Updated Manuals Now in the First Responder Credit Union Academy! NCUA "What you Need to Know." Building a Budget Policies & Procedures CEO Strategic Planning Checklist Board Strategic Priorities Directors'  Strategic Planning Checklist We’re always improving the First Responder Credit Union Academy to give you the tools you need to succeed. Our manuals are regularly updated with the latest insights, best practices, and industry guidance — so you can stay informed, confident, and ready to serve your members. Check out the latest updates and keep your skills sharp:  https://www.ncofcu.org/first-responder-credit-union-academy  ================================================= Remember, you're not alone with  NCOFCU.org Join/Upgrade Check out some of NCOFCU's additional features: First Responder Credit Union Academy Financial Literacy Podcasts YouTube Mini's Blog Job Board  
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Long-Stalled Credit Card Competition Act Moves Forward In Senate Clarity Act Markup

WASHINGTON—A long-stalled bipartisan push to boost competition in the credit card market moved closer to becoming law late Friday, as Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) advanced a new amendment attached to the Senate Agriculture Committee’s markup of the Digital Asset Market Structure and Investor Protection Act, commonly known as the Clarity Act. Dick Durbin The amendment, a core component of the long-debated Credit Card Competition Act, would prohibit major credit-card networks and large issuing banks from enforcing network exclusivity on credit cards. Supporters argue the measure would expand transaction-routing competition, weaken the dominance of the largest payment networks, and reduce swipe fees that merchants say inflate consumer prices. The renewed momentum reflects President Trump’s recent backing of efforts to rein in credit card costs, a shift that has altered the political trajectory of legislation that has struggled to advance in prior Congresses. With Tru...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

NCUA Issues 2026 Supervisory Priorities Letter to Credit Unions

Alexandria, VA (January 14, 2026)  ― The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) today announced its 2026 Supervisory Priorities, which continue the agency’s policy of “No Regulation by Enforcement,” while prioritizing safety and soundness. This policy underscores NCUA’s commitment to providing clarity and transparency in its oversight. The letter outlines NCUA’s priorities for the year and provides information to help credit unions prepare for examinations. This year, the agency will continue to focus on risk-based supervision, tailoring the examination scope to the credit union’s unique risk profile. Key Highlights of the 2026 Supervisory Priorities: Risk-Focused Examinations:  Examiners will concentrate on areas posing the greatest risk to credit union members, the credit union system, and the Share Insurance Fund. Balance Sheet Management and Lending:  With loan performance at its weakest point in over a decade, examiners will review credit risk management practic...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

What Will 2026 Hold for CUs?

NEW YORK—As credit unions look to the new year, forecasters heading into 2026 see the U.S. economy cooling but not collapsing, with slower job growth, easing inflation and modest interest-rate cuts forming the backbone of a “soft-landing” outlook that still hinges on big unknowns: trade policy, geopolitics, fiscal decisions in Washington and whether households keep spending after several years of higher prices. Credit union leaders know they have a stake in all of that and more. In addition to the economic forecasts below, the CU Daily also other 2026-related previews, including: 2026 Forecast: The Auto Sales, Lending Trends to be Watching 2026 Forecast: What Companies are Saying About Hiring in New Yea r 2026 Forecast: FASB Puts Two Digital Asset Topics on its Agenda 2026 Forecast: How One Large Bank is Deploying Generative AI 2026 Forecast: Automobile Prices to Remain High as Loan Terms Get Longer 2026 Forecast: Is This a Model for How CUs Might Approach Workforce & AI? What the ...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

NCUA’s Hood Sees Lessons From Pandemic; ID’s Priorities Moving Forward

  ORLANDO, Fla.–NCUA Board Member Rodney Hood told credit unions here that if there is a lesson from the last year it was summed up in a meeting breakout session title: “Transitioning from Risk to Resilience.” “That title stood out to me, because in five simple words it sums up the journey we’ve taken since March 2020, doesn’t it?” Hood said in comments to the League of Southeastern Credit Unions’ annual meeting here. After referencing some of the events since the pandemic shut down the economy, Hood told attendees, “Our nation has faced many challenges in our lifetimes, but few compare to what was unfolding before our eyes this time last year.” Hood said the “resilience” of credit unions can be seen in the latest data, with federally insured credit unions reporting net income growth of $11.3 billion, an increase of 134.9% over the year ending in the first quarter of 2021 (a figure boosted by CUs reducing their allowances for loan losses). The Reality The good news and the desire...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»