NO.171 Enhanced due diligence (EDD) may be bypassed for which situation?
Enhanced due diligence (EDD) is a set of additional measures that must be applied by financial institutions (FIs) in higher-risk situations, such as when dealing with customers or transactions from high-risk third countries, customers who are politically exposed persons (PEPs), or customers who present a higher risk of money laundering or terrorist financing. EDD may include obtaining more information on the customer’s identity, source of funds, source of wealth, business relationships, and purpose of the transaction, as well as conducting more frequent and intensive ongoing monitoring of the customer’s activities.
However, EDD may be bypassed for certain situations where the risk of money laundering or terrorist financing is low, and where the customer is subject to adequate supervision and regulation in the EU or the US. According to the CAMS Study Guide – 6th Edition1, one such situation is when on-boarding a casino that is part of an international hotel chain, provides less than 50% of overall revenue and that fully complies with group-wide policies and procedures. This is because such a casino is likely to have a low risk profile, as it is not the main source of income for the hotel chain, and it adheres to the same standards and controls as the rest of the group. Therefore, EDD may not be necessary for this situation, and the FI may apply simplified due diligence (SDD) instead.
The other situations listed in the question are not eligible for bypassing EDD, as they involve higher-risk factors, such as dealing with customers or entities from high-risk third countries, customers with complex ownership structures, or customers who are PEPs. These situations require FIs to apply EDD measures to mitigate the risk of money laundering or terrorist financing.
References:
CAMS Study Guide – 6th Edition, Chapter 3, Section 3.4, page 84
White Paper on KYC – Enhanced Due-Diligence, page 2
Anti-money laundering – a guide to customer due diligence, page 3
Enhanced Due Diligence for High-risk Customers, page 1
NO.177 Which is an example of structuring with regards to money laundering?
Structuring is a technique used in the placement stage of money laundering, in which the launderer deposits or withdraws cash in amounts below the reporting threshold to avoid detection or suspicion. Structuring is also known as smurfing, because it involves using multiple individuals or locations to carry out the transactions. Structuring is illegal in many jurisdictions and is a red flag for money laundering12.
Option A is not an example of structuring, but of using an alternative remittance system, which is a method of transferring money outside the formal financial sector. Hawala is a type of alternative remittance system that relies on a network of brokers who settle the transactions through trust and honor. Hawala can be used for legitimate purposes, but also poses a risk for money laundering and terrorist financing13.
Option B is not an example of structuring, but of a large cash transaction, which is a common indicator of money laundering. Large cash transactions may involve the proceeds of crime or the attempt to evade taxes or currency controls. Financial institutions are required to report large cash transactions above a certain threshold to the relevant authorities14.
Option D is not an example of structuring, but of a wire transfer, which is a method of moving funds electronically from one account to another. Wire transfers can be used for legitimate purposes, but also pose a risk for money laundering and terrorist financing, especially if they involve high-risk jurisdictions, shell companies, or complex chains of transactions1 .
References: 1: ACAMS (2020), Study Guide for the Certification Examination, 6th Edition, ACAMS, Miami, FL, USA, www.acams.org/en/cams-certification-package-6th-edition, pp. 12-14, 18-19, 22-23, 26-27. 2:
ACAMS (2020), CAMS Examination Preparation Video, 6th Edition, ACAMS, Miami, FL, USA, www.acams.org/en/cams-certification-package-6th-edition, Module 1, Section 1.2.2. 3: ACAMS (2020), CAMS Examination Preparation Video, 6th Edition, ACAMS, Miami, FL, USA, www.acams.org/en/cams-certification-package-6th-edition, Module 1, Section 1.2.3. 4: ACAMS (2020), CAMS Examination Preparation Video, 6th Edition, ACAMS, Miami, FL, USA, www.acams.org/en/cams-certification-package-6th-edition, Module 1, Section 1.2.1. : ACAMS (2020), CAMS Examination Preparation Video, 6th Edition, ACAMS, Miami, FL, USA, www.acams.org/en/cams-certification-package-6th-edition, Module 1, Section 1.2.4.
NO.181 Which two aspects of precious metals pose the highest risk of money laundering? (Choose two.)
Precious metals, such as gold and silver, pose a high risk of money laundering because they have some features that make them attractive to criminals. According to the FATF Guidance on the Risk-Based Approach for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones1, these features include:
Some precious metals can be formed into other objects, making easier to transport. For example, gold can be melted and shaped into jewellery, coins, bars, or other items that can be easily concealed and moved across borders. This makes it difficult for law enforcement and customs authorities to detect and seize the illicit proceeds of crime.
Precious metals have high intrinsic value in a relatively compact form and are easy to convert into currency. For example, gold has a stable and universal value that can be exchanged for cash or other assets in any market. This makes it easy for criminals to store, transfer, and launder their illicit funds without leaving a trace in the formal financial system.
The other two options, C and D, are not as relevant to the risk of money laundering. The value of precious metals is determined by the market forces of supply and demand, and it is not easy to inflate or manipulate it.
Precious metals can be used in many high-tech commercial applications, but this does not necessarily make them more valuable or more prone to money laundering.
References:
1: FATF Guidance on the Risk-Based Approach for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones, 2008,
https://www.fatf-gafi.org/en/publications/Fatfrecommendations/Fatfguidanceontherisk-basedapproachford
2: Money laundering and terrorist financing risks and vulnerabilities associated with gold, 2015,
https://www.fatf-gafi.org/en/publications/Methodsandtrends/Ml-tf-risks-and-vulnerabilities-gold.html
3: The anti-money laundering framework for precious stones and metals dealers in Singapore, 2021,
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JMLC-07-2021-0074/full/html
4: Gold and Money Laundering, 2019,
https://www.moneylaunderingnews.com/2019/04/gold-and-money-laundering/
NO.182 Which factors should lead to a reassessment of the current AML program? (Select Two.)
According to the ACAMS CAMS Study Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 2, Section 2.1, the AML program should be reassessed periodically or when there are significant changes in the business environment, such as:
Expansion of business to new territories: This could expose the business to new risks, regulations, and customers that require different AML policies, procedures, and controls. The AML program should be updated to reflect the new jurisdictions and their AML requirements, as well as to conduct appropriate risk assessments and due diligence on the new markets and customers.
New product offering: This could introduce new vulnerabilities, opportunities, and challenges for the AML program. The AML program should be revised to incorporate the new product features, benefits, and risks, as well as to ensure compliance with any applicable AML rules and standards for the new product.
The other options are not factors that would necessarily lead to a reassessment of the current AML program, unless they have a material impact on the AML risks, objectives, or performance of the business:
Appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer: This could affect the AML program if the new CFO has a different vision, strategy, or approach to AML than the previous one, or if the new CFO has a significant role or responsibility in the AML program. However, the appointment of a new CFO alone does not trigger a reassessment of the AML program, unless there are other changes or issues that warrant a review.
Change of company name: This could affect the AML program if the change of name reflects a change of ownership, structure, or nature of the business that could alter the AML risks, obligations, or expectations. However, the change of name alone does not necessitate a reassessment of the AML program, unless there are other implications or consequences that affect the AML program.
Change of internal audit team members: This could affect the AML program if the new internal audit team members have different qualifications, skills, or experiences than the previous ones, or if the new internal audit team members have a different scope, methodology, or frequency of auditing the AML program. However, the change of internal audit team members alone does not require a reassessment of the AML program, unless there are other factors or findings that indicate a need for a review.
References:
ACAMS CAMS Study Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 2, Section 2.1
ACAMS CAMS Certification Video Training Course – Exam-Labs
Exam CAMS: Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (the 6th edition)
NO.184 An anti-money laundering specialist at a large institution is responsible for informing senior management about the status of the anti-money laundering program across the organization. The global institution handles retail banking, commercial banking, global markets, private banking and has an affiliated securities dealer.
The specialist and the team provide corporate strategic direction to these areas on anti-money laundering related subjects. The following information is reported to executive management on a regular basis:
*Total number of suspicious transactions identified and reported
*Suspicious transaction trends
*Training that has occurred for the various units
*Status report on the anti-money laundering regulatory environment
*Summary of exception reports
Which of the following additional elements is the most useful?
the results of related audits and examinations are the most useful additional element to report to executive management on a regular basis. Audits and examinations are essential tools to assess the effectiveness and compliance of the anti-money laundering program across the organization. They can identify strengths, weaknesses, gaps, risks, and best practices in the program and provide recommendations for improvement.
They can also help to monitor the implementation of corrective actions and remediation plans. Reporting the results of audits and examinations can help executive management to oversee the performance of the program, ensure accountability, and demonstrate commitment to the anti-money laundering objectives12 References: =
1: ACAMS Study Guide for the CAMS Certification Examination, 6th Edition, Chapter 2, page 62
2: CERTIFICATION Candidate Handbook, page 16