Protecting the financial system from abuse : Challenges to banks in implementing AML/CFT standards

Purpose – To examine the implications of the changing compliance environment confronting banks as the international anti‐money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) standards have become more rigorous and more attention is paid to integrity related concerns by supervisors and market participants. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes recent regulatory and financial sector developments and draws analytical lessons. Findings – Banks are facing increasing pressure from a number of sources to improve their compliance with AML/CFT and integrity related standards, and a number of institutions are responding positively to the challenge to establish robust AML/CFT regimes. However, there is a risk of disruption of legitimate business lines. Practical implications – Striking the right balance in protecting systems from abuse while avoiding disruption to legitimate business lines will require further research on how best to implement the standards. Originality/value – The paper initiates a discussion on the cost/benefit analysis of the implementation of the AML/CFT standard and outlines some of the challenges involved in going forward.