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Understanding AML Compliance in the United States

Gain insight into U.S. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and compliance. Learn about the key aspects of AML standards, the major regulatory authorities, and effective compliance practices within the U.S. financial framework.

How AML Regulations are Handled in the USA

The U.S. operates under a robust Anti-Money Laundering (AML) framework, anchored by key legislations and overseen by leading regulatory authorities. It’s crucial for financial institutions to comply with these regulations to mitigate risks and avoid significant penalties. 

Industries Impacted by AML Regulations

AML regulations in the United States extend beyond traditional banking sectors. They encompass a wide range of financial entities including commercial banks, credit unions, securities brokers, money service businesses, and insurance companies. Additionally, the regulations also apply to certain non-financial businesses and professions, such as dealers in precious metals and stones, casinos, and real estate brokers. This broad scope ensures comprehensive monitoring and control over potential money laundering activities across various sectors of the economy.

Compliance Requirements for Businesses

To adhere to AML regulations in the USA, businesses, especially those in the financial sector, must implement comprehensive risk-based AML programs. This includes establishing customer identification protocols, performing thorough due diligence (including enhanced due diligence for high-risk customers), and ongoing monitoring of customer transactions. Businesses are also required to keep detailed records of customer transactions and profiles, report suspicious activities, and maintain an effective system for internal controls and communication. Regular training for staff on AML procedures and compliance is essential. These steps are crucial for businesses to identify, assess, and manage their money laundering and terrorism financing risks.

Who do AML regulations apply to?

In United States, AML regulations apply to a broad range of businesses including:

Credit Unions

Financial Services

Fintech

Real Estate

Accounting Firms

Legal

Crypto

Insurance

Mortgages

Community Banks

Tokenization

General Industries

What Business
Need for AML Compliance

For AML compliance in the USA, businesses need to:
Risk Assessment: Conduct regular assessments to identify and evaluate the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing specific to their business.
AML Policies and Procedures: Develop and implement AML policies, procedures, and internal controls tailored to their risk profile and industry requirements.
Customer Due Diligence (CDD): Establish procedures for identifying and verifying the identity of their customers, and understanding the nature of their customers’ activities.
Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD): Perform additional scrutiny for high-risk customers, including politically exposed persons (PEPs) and those from high-risk countries.
Monitoring and Reporting: Continuously monitor customer transactions for suspicious activities and report these to the authorities, mainly through Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).
Record Keeping: Maintain comprehensive records of customer identification, verification, and transaction histories for a minimum period as required by law.
Training: Provide regular AML training to employees to ensure they are aware of AML regulations and can identify and report suspicious activities.

Implementing an Effective AML Program in the USA

Organizations in the USA can implement an effective AML program by:
Conducting a Risk Assessment: Identify areas of vulnerability to money laundering and terrorist financing within the organization.
Developing Policies and Procedures: Establish clear policies and procedures to mitigate identified risks, including customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and reporting protocols.
Designating a Compliance Officer: Appoint a knowledgeable officer to oversee the AML program and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
Providing Regular AML Training: Educate relevant employees on AML regulations, the importance of compliance, and procedures for detecting and reporting suspicious activities.
Performing Consistent Reviews and Updates: Regularly review and update the AML program to ensure it stays in line with evolving regulations and industry practices.
Implementing these steps will help organizations in the USA maintain compliance with AML regulations and safeguard against financial crimes.

Reporting Requirements in the USA

Firms in the USA must comply with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) by submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) for transactions that they suspect involve money laundering, fraud, or other illegal activities. Additionally, they are required to file Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) for cash transactions exceeding $10,000, and keep records of cash purchases of negotiable instruments. These reporting requirements are vital for detecting and preventing financial crimes.

For more detailed information on reporting requirements under the BSA, you can visit FinCEN’s BSA Requirements

AML Regulators in the USA

The primary regulators overseeing AML activities in the USA are:

FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network): Operating under the U.S. Treasury, FinCEN is responsible for collecting and analyzing information about financial transactions to combat domestic and international money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.

OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control): Also part of the U.S. Treasury, OFAC administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign countries, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, and others who pose a threat to the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States.

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Resources

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI)

For information on the FBI’s role in investigating money laundering and terrorist financing, visit their official website.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

For policies related to the economy, AML, and terrorist financing, explore the Treasury’s resources.

NATIONAL MONEY LAUNDERING RISK ASSESSMENT

Access the comprehensive assessment on money laundering risks in the USA on the Treasury’s dedicated page.

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How iComply helps Canadian
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Vaidyanathan Chandrashekhar

Vaidyanathan Chandrashekhar

Advisors

“Chandy,” is a technology and risk expert with executive experience at Boston Consulting Group, Citi, and PwC. With over two decades in financial services, digital transformation, and enterprise risk, he advises iComply on scalable compliance infrastructure for global markets.
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Thomas Linder

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Thomas is a global tax and compliance expert with deep specialization in digital assets, blockchain, and tokenization. As a partner at MME Legal | Tax | Compliance, he advises iComply on regulatory strategy, cross-border compliance, and digital finance innovation.
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Thomas Hardjono

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Thomas is a renowned identity and cybersecurity expert, serving as CTO of Connection Science at MIT. With deep expertise in decentralized identity, zero trust, and secure data exchange, he advises iComply on cutting-edge technology and privacy-first compliance architecture.
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Praveen is a serial entrepreneur and technology innovator, known for leadership roles at Lucent Bell Labs, ChargePoint, and the Stanford Linear Accelerator. He advises iComply on advanced computing, scalable infrastructure, and the intersection of AI, energy, and compliance tech.
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Paul Childerhose

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Paul is a Canadian RegTech leader and founder of Maple Peak Group, with extensive experience in financial services compliance, AML, and digital transformation. He advises iComply on regulatory alignment, operational strategy, and scaling compliance programs in complex markets.
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John is a seasoned business executive with senior leadership experience at CIBC, UBS, and Accenture. With deep expertise in investment banking, private equity, and digital transformation, he advises iComply on strategic growth, partnerships, and global market expansion.
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Jeff is a former CFTC official and globally recognized expert in financial regulation, fintech, and digital assets. As founder of Bandman Advisors, he brings deep insight into regulatory policy, market infrastructure, and innovation to guide iComply’s global compliance strategy.
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Greg Pearlman

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Greg is a seasoned investment banker with over 35 years of experience, including leadership roles at BMO Capital Markets, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup. Greg brings deep expertise in financial strategy and growth to support iComply's expansion in the RegTech sector.
Deven Sharma

Deven Sharma

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Deven is the former President of S&P and a globally respected authority in risk, data, and capital markets. With decades of leadership across financial services and tech, he advises iComply on strategic growth, governance, and the future of trusted data in AML compliance.