In today’s business world, being compliant with Australian regulations is essential for any financial services organisation to operate in transparent, credible and secure ways. Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) compliance is a legal obligation for most dealings in money or acting as a financial intermediary in Australia. A robust AML CTF program will minimise these risks from illegal financial activities. 

Understanding the AML/CTF Programs

AML/CTF programs are risk-based strategies, taking into account specific risks identified, and the varying operational features of the reporting entity. There are generally three prescribed types of programs that can be made under the AML/CTF Act and Rules.

Standard AML/CTF Program: This type of program is typically appropriate for standalone reporting entities. It encompasses a full set of risk-based steps for implementing and managing an iAML/CTF framework.

Joint AML/CTF Program: Built for entities in a designated business group (DBG) structure that want to work together on a common approach to AML/CTF compliance. Multiple entities working together pool resources and expertise to better manage their risk of financial crime.

Special AML/CTF Program: Tailored for specific circumstances, such as AFSL holders who arrange for clients to receive designated services from other financial services licensees – which means meeting reduced regulatory requirements while streamlining operational efficiency.

Components of an Effective Program

An effective AML CTF program consists of two parts: Each part involves activities that touch different components of the AML CTF puzzle, balancing risk judgments and customer due diligence.

Part A: Risk Management

Part A of the AML/CTF program relates to the identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks of money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF). Risk assessment comprises several components and should be risk-based and proportionate to the nature of the business, the clientele, and the jurisdictions where the entity operates. For example, if an entity determines the risk of money laundering is higher than terrorism financing, then it should devote more staff and resources to mitigating the identified risks. After conducting a comprehensive risk assessment, entities can assess inherent risks and develop controls and procedures based on these results.

Part B: Customer Identification and Verification

Part B deals with the customer onboarding process, which refers to the robust know-your-customer (KYC) / customer-identification and verification programs that must be undertaken when opening and maintaining a financial account. To that end, all entities must verify the identity of customers; monitor transactions for compliance with applicable legal requirements; and provide for additional due diligence for customers presenting a higher risk to financial services organisations or the financial services system due to a history of ML/TF. All of these steps require maintaining accurate and up-to-date customer records to keep out nefarious activities.

Collaboration and Information Sharing

Engaging in industry forums, working groups and collaborative initiatives can help reporting entities gain a sense of looming threats or new areas of regulatory focus, allowing them to fine-tune their compliance regimes. Partnerships with technology providers can also foster data sharing and knowledge transfer to help such programs succeed.

As the regulatory environment continues to toughen and the threat of financial crime evolves, maintaining robust compliance with relevant AML/CTF legislation is crucial for an entity or business operating in the Australian legal jurisdiction and dealing with or facilitating international financial transactions. 

A risk-based approach, sound controls, and regulatory monitoring are key components of an effective mechanism of risk management. Regardless of the intricacies involved, specialised compliance consultants can prove invaluable in helping to overcome barriers to successful compliance and other challenges that many businesses are encountering, facilitating a smooth relationship between financial services organisations and regulatory agencies for the prevention of money laundering.