AML Compliance

European Council Meeting Press Briefing Advisory

The European Council has announced a press briefing for the upcoming meeting on March 19-20, 2026. The briefing will be held on March 17, 2026, in a hybrid format, with a registration deadline of 13:30 on the same day. This is an 'off the record' event.

Humanitarian Assistance Exception Notification for Petroleum Products

The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has released guidance and a notification form for 'relevant persons' to report the use of a humanitarian assistance exception related to petroleum products for Syria. This exception, under the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, requires notification by the end of the calendar year in which activities take place.

USTR Launches Section 301 Investigations on Forced Labor Imports

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated Section 301 investigations into 60 major trading partners to determine if they are effectively banning imports of goods produced with forced labor. The USTR is seeking public comment and will hold hearings on the matter.

US Drafts AI Chip Export Controls

The US is reportedly drafting new export control regulations for AI chips, which would implement a tiered licensing system based on computing power. These draft rules aim to position the US as a gatekeeper for the global AI industry and could impose significant pre-clearance requirements for high-volume exports.

SFC Enforcement: Retail Trader Sentenced for False Trading

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announced that a retail trader has been sentenced in a false trading case. This action highlights the SFC's commitment to maintaining market integrity and deterring manipulative trading practices.

SFC Bans Andy Lau Ka Ho for Life

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has banned Andy Lau Ka Ho from the industry for life following findings of misconduct. This action stems from his involvement in the IPO of a company where he acted as a sponsor.

SFC Obtains Compensation and Disqualification Orders

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has successfully obtained compensation and disqualification orders against individuals involved in misconduct. These orders aim to protect investors and maintain market integrity by holding wrongdoers accountable.

AUSTRAC Guidance on Compulsory Examination Powers

AUSTRAC has published new guidance on its compulsory examination powers, introduced by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024. The guidance clarifies the scope and application of these powers, which require individuals to attend examinations and provide documents.

AUSTRAC CEO Speech on Gambling Financial Crime Risks

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas delivered a speech on March 12, 2026, addressing the significant financial crime risks within Australia's gambling sector. The speech highlighted the evolving threats of money laundering and terrorism financing, emphasizing the need for robust Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) controls.

AUSTRAC CEO Speech on Money Laundering and Legal Profession's Role

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas delivered a speech on March 12, 2026, detailing the mechanics and harm of money laundering. The speech emphasized the legal profession's role in preventing these activities, which cost Australia over $80 billion annually.

AUSTRAC Operation Taipan: Money Laundering Investigation Analysis

AUSTRAC has published an analysis of Operation Taipan, a significant money laundering investigation that led to the dismantling of a criminal syndicate depositing $62 million through ATMs. The operation highlighted the effectiveness of the Fintel Alliance public-private partnership in combating financial crime.

AUSTRAC Releases AML/CTF Program Starter Kits for Small Businesses

AUSTRAC has released Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) program starter kits to assist small businesses in newly regulated sectors. These kits provide practical tools and step-by-step guidance to help businesses meet their compliance obligations under the AML/CTF Act, which will take effect from July 1.

Banque Chaabi du Maroc Sanction Decision

The French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) has issued a sanction decision against Banque Chaabi du Maroc. The decision, dated November 7, 2025, concerns internal controls and measures against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Sanctions Decision Against BRED Credit Institution AML/CFT

The French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) issued a sanctions decision against BRED credit institution for violations related to Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT). The decision, dated June 27, 2024, outlines specific penalties and requirements for the institution.

Sanctions Decision Against Tunisian Foreign Bank

The French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) issued a sanctions decision against Tunisian Foreign Bank on October 9, 2024. The decision, number 2023-02, pertains to internal controls and risk management deficiencies.

ACPR Fines CARCO €500,000 for Information and Anti-Dormancy Violations

The French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) has fined CARCO, an insurance institution, €500,000 and issued a reprimand. The decision addresses violations related to informing policyholders, combating dormant accounts, and relations with the supervisor.

Sanctions Decision 2024-02 against Banque Delubac et Cie

The French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) has issued Sanctions Decision 2024-02 against Banque Delubac et Cie. The decision pertains to violations related to the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, and asset freezing.

Canada Beneficial Ownership Requirements Guidance

FINTRAC has released a video explaining beneficial ownership requirements in Canada, crucial for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The guidance is relevant to all reporting entities except title insurers.

Project Fletcher Fraud Investigation: Eight Arrests, Five Suspects Sought

Durham Regional Police Service announced eight arrests in Project Fletcher, a fraud investigation involving over $3 million defrauded from a Durham Region business. Five suspects remain at large. The investigation uncovered extensive money laundering activities over approximately 15 years.

FINTRAC Advisory on Financial Transactions with FATF High-Risk Countries

FINTRAC has issued an advisory regarding financial transactions with countries identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Reporting entities must treat transactions with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Iran, and Myanmar as high-risk and apply enhanced due diligence measures.

FINTRAC Imposes Penalty on Manor Windsor Realty Ltd.

FINTRAC has imposed an administrative monetary penalty of $107,250 on Manor Windsor Realty Ltd. The real estate brokerage was found to be non-compliant with several provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.

FINTRAC Imposes $148,912 Penalty on Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd

FINTRAC has imposed an administrative monetary penalty of $148,912.50 on Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd. for failing to submit a suspicious transaction report. This action highlights the agency's commitment to enforcing anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regulations.

UK Sanctions List Search Tool

The UK government has launched a search tool for its Sanctions List, which details designated individuals, entities, and ships subject to UK sanctions. This tool aims to assist users in identifying sanctioned parties and understanding their obligations.

HKMA Exchange Fund Analytical Accounts - Feb 2026

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) released the analytical accounts of the Exchange Fund for February 2026. The report details foreign assets, monetary base, claims on the private sector, and foreign liabilities as per IMF SDDS standards.

HKMA Releases Anti-Fraud AI Music Video

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) released an AI-generated anti-fraud music video titled "Confronting Lachachu" on March 13, 2026. This initiative aims to educate the public on fraud prevention and has received international recognition for its innovative approach.

HKMA Alerts Public to Bank Scam Alerts

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has alerted the public to recent scam alerts issued by several banks. These alerts detail fraudulent websites, phishing attempts, and fraudulent mobile applications targeting bank customers. The HKMA reminds the public of security protocols and advises those affected to contact their banks and the police.

Federal Reserve Approves Home BancShares Merger with Mountain Commerce

The Federal Reserve Board has approved the application by Home BancShares to acquire Mountain Commerce Bancorp, Inc. This approval also allows Centennial Bank to merge with Mountain Commerce Bank and establish a branch at its current location.

Federal Reserve Enforcement Actions Against Former Bank Employees

The Federal Reserve Board has issued consent prohibition orders against two former bank employees for embezzlement and misappropriation of customer funds. Cassandra Grayson, formerly of Equity Bank, and Sandra Adams, formerly of First State Bank of Dongola, are subject to these enforcement actions.

Entity Exclusions and Debarments Search

The SAM.gov website now provides a direct link to search for entity exclusions and debarments. This allows users to view specific companies that have been excluded or debarred from federal contracts and other programs.

Entity Exclusions and Debarment Record Details

This notice provides details on entity exclusions and debarment records maintained by the US government. It serves as a public record for entities that have been debarred or excluded from participating in federal contracts or programs.

Entity Exclusions and Debarments for Contractors

This notice from the US Federal Government provides information regarding entity exclusions and debarments for specific contractors. It serves as a public record of entities that are restricted from receiving federal contracts.

Security Council Sanctions Committee Update

The UN Security Council Sanctions Committee provided an update on its sanctions list on March 10, 2026. This notice details amendments and additions to the list of individuals and entities subject to sanctions under Resolution 1988.

Security Council Removes Entry from Sanctions List

The UN Security Council's 1518 Sanctions Committee has removed one entry from its sanctions list. This action follows a review of listed individuals or entities subject to sanctions measures.

FinCEN Whistleblower Program Bulletin on Fraud-Related AML and Sanctions Violations

FinCEN has issued a bulletin highlighting its whistleblower program, encouraging tips on violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and sanctions programs, particularly those involving fraud. The bulletin details types of fraud schemes and reporting expectations for financial institutions.

FinCEN Alert: $300M Fraud in Minnesota Nutrition Programs

FinCEN issued an alert regarding at least $300 million in fraud targeting Federal child nutrition programs in Minnesota. Financial institutions are urged to identify and report suspicious activity related to these fraud rings, referencing a specific key term in their Suspicious Activity Reports.

FinCEN Advisory on Chinese Money Laundering Networks

FinCEN issued an advisory detailing the use of Chinese money laundering networks by Mexico-based transnational criminal organizations to launder illicit proceeds. The advisory highlights typologies and red flags to assist financial institutions in identifying and reporting suspicious activity.

FinCEN Alert on Cross-Border Transfers Involving Illegal Aliens and Cartels

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an alert urging Money Services Businesses (MSBs) to be vigilant in detecting and reporting suspicious activity related to cross-border funds transfers involving individuals without legal status in the U.S. This alert is part of efforts to prevent the exploitation of the U.S. financial system by illegal aliens and criminal organizations.

FinCEN Advisory: Chinese Money Laundering Networks Used by Mexican Criminal Groups

FinCEN issued an advisory on January 13, 2026, detailing how transnational criminal organizations based in Mexico are using Chinese money laundering networks to launder illicit proceeds. The advisory highlights specific typologies and red flags for financial institutions to identify and report suspicious activity.

Changes to Uniform Bank Performance Report Peer Group Definitions

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) announced changes to the Uniform Bank Performance Report (UBPR) commercial bank peer group definitions, effective shortly after February 26, 2026. These updates are part of an ongoing review of commercial bank peer groups initiated in 2025.

Federal Agencies Release 2024 Small Business and Farm Lending Data

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Reserve Board, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have released 2024 data on small business, small farm, and community development lending. This annual disclosure is required by Community Reinvestment Act regulations.

FFIEC UBPR Interest Rate Risk Analysis Page Split

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) is splitting the Interest Rate Risk Analysis page of the Uniform Bank Performance Report (UBPR) into two pages (9 and 9A) on or shortly after March 2, 2026. This change aims to improve readability following updates made in February 2025.

FFIEC Publishes 2024 Mortgage Lending Data

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) has published the 2024 data on mortgage lending transactions reported under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA). The data includes information from 4,908 U.S. financial institutions and is available through various datasets and tools.

UBPR Liquidity Pages Content Changes

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) is updating the content of the Uniform Bank Performance Report's (UBPR) Liquidity & Funding and Liquidity & Investment Portfolio pages. These changes are scheduled to take effect on or shortly after February 17, 2026, as part of an ongoing review of UBPR content.

OCC Enforcement Action Types

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has published a guide detailing the types of formal enforcement actions it can take against supervised financial institutions and their affiliated parties. The document outlines various actions including Capital Directives, Cease & Desist Orders, and Civil Money Penalties.

OCC Enforcement Actions Search Tool

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) provides a search tool for its enforcement actions, penalties, and orders. An update in January 2025 added subject matter filtering for actions issued since 2012.

OCC Announces Enforcement Actions for January 2026

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced its January 2026 enforcement actions, including an order of prohibition against an individual for embezzlement and falsifying records. The OCC also released orders terminating previous enforcement actions against several banks.

OCC Announces Enforcement Action Terminations

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced the termination of several enforcement actions in December 2025. These terminations occur when banks demonstrate compliance with all articles of an enforcement action or when specific conditions are met.

OCC Announces Enforcement Actions Terminations

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced the termination of five formal agreements with banks in February 2026. These terminations indicate that the banks have met compliance requirements or that the terms of the agreements are no longer relevant.

Rescission of Fair Housing Home Loan Data System Rule

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued a final rule rescinding 12 CFR 27, the 'Fair Housing Home Loan Data System' regulation. This action removes regulatory burden for national banks without impacting the OCC's fair housing supervisory activities.

Interagency FAQs on Tokenized Securities Regulatory Capital

The OCC, Federal Reserve, and FDIC have issued FAQs clarifying the regulatory capital treatment of tokenized securities. The guidance states that the technology used for issuance and transaction does not alter capital treatment, and eligible tokenized securities conferring identical legal rights to their non-tokenized counterparts should be treated the same for capital purposes.