As part of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s efforts to modernize the U.S. anti-money laundering regulatory and supervisory framework, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued a proposed rule that would reform how financial institutions design and operate their anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs. Though not a wholesale rebuild of the existing framework, FinCEN and the banking regulators are signaling a new emphasis on an approach that prioritizes risk-based effectiveness over process-driven compliance and establish FinCEN’s central role in AML/CFT supervision among the Federal bank regulators.… Continue Reading
AML/CFT
Deregulation on the Horizon for Non-Bank Financial Institutions
On September 29, 2025, FinCEN issued a Notice and Request for Comment (the “Notice”) on a proposed information gathering exercise – A Survey of the Costs of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Compliance (the “Survey”). Specifically, the Survey is intended to gather information on direct compliance costs incurred by non-bank financial institutions in AML/CFT compliance and, to the extent those costs overlap with other obligations, the amount directly attributable to AML/CFT compliance.… Continue Reading
FinCEN’s Notice of Proposed Regulations to Strengthen and Modernize AML/CFT Compliance Programs: A Podcast
We are very fortunate to have Nick St. John, Director of Federal Compliance at America’s Credit Unions, as our guest speaker in this podcast on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and federal banking regulators regarding the enhancement and modernization of anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (“AML/CFT”) compliance programs under the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”).… Continue Reading
Three Members of Congress and U.S. Treasury Express Concerns that Florida Law Prohibiting Banks from Considering Customers’ Business Sectors or Political or Religious Beliefs Conflicts with Federal AML/CFT Requirements
As we previously blogged, a Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 655.0323, entitled “Unsafe and unsound practices”) which became effective July 1, 2024 prohibits federal and state depository institutions conducting business in the state from denying services based on religion or political beliefs and activities. Every year, financial institutions must attest to their compliance with the Florida law.… Continue Reading