2012-04-27 | FPR/DIR/CIR/AML/CFT/01/002Added · Updated
This framework provides guidance for Bank Examiners on conducting Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) risk-based supervision and outlines AML/CFT regulatory requirements for financial institutions under the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) supervision. It requires all financial institutions, including banks, discount houses, micro-finance banks, finance houses, bureau de change, and credit card system operators, along with their foreign branches, affiliates, and subsidiaries, to establish AML/CFT compliance programs, file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and maintain transaction records. The framework also expands the definition of reporting entities to include Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFIs) and authorizes the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment to monitor and impose sanctions on defaulting DNFIs.
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CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA’S ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING/ COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT) RISK BASED SUPERVISION (RBS) FRAMEWORK, 2011
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CONTENTS
S/No. Contents Page
1.0. Abbreviations .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
2.0. Introduction .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
3.0. AML/CFT RBS Examination Procedures for Bank Examiners .. .. 00
3.1. Examination Procedures on Scoping and Planning .. .. .. 00
3.2. Examination Procedures of AML/CFT Compliance Program .. 00
3.3. Examination Procedures of ML/FT Risk Assessment .. .. 00
3.4. Overview of AML/CFT Compliance Program .. .. .. 00
3.5. Examination Procedures of How to Develop Conclusions
and Finalize AML/CFT Examination .. .. .. .. 00
3.6. Examination Procedures in respect of Customer Due Diligence .. 00
3.7. Examination Procedures of Suspicious Transaction Reporting .. 00
3.8. Examination Procedures on Information Sharing .. .. .. 00
3.9. Examination Procedures of Purchase and Sale of
Monetary Instruments and Record-Keeping .. .. .. 00
3.10. Objective of Examination Procedures of Funds Transfers
Record-Keeping .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
3.11. Examination Procedures of Foreign Correspondent Account
Record-Keeping and Due Diligence .. .. .. .. 00
3.12. Examination Procedures of Private Banking Due Diligence
Program (Nigerian/Non-Nigerian Persons) .. .. .. 00
3.13. Examination Procedures of Special Measures .. .. .. 00
3.14. Examination Procedures of Foreign Financial Institutions and
Financial Accounts Reporting .. .. .. .. .. 00
3.15. Examination Procedures of International Transportation of
Currency or Monetary Instruments Reporting .. .. .. 00
3.16. Examination Procedures for AML/CFT Compliance
Program Structures .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
3.17. Examination Procedures of Parallel Banking .. .. .. 00
3.18. Expanded Examination Overview and Procedures for
Products and Services .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
3.19. Examination Procedures of Bulk Shipments of Currency .. .. 00
3.20. Examination Procedures of Foreign Currency Denominated Drafts .. 00
3.21. Examination Procedures of Payable through Accounts .. .. 00
3.22. Examination Procedures of Pouch Activities .. .. .. 00
3.23. Examination Procedures of Electronic Banking .. .. .. 00
3.24. Examination Procedures of Funds Transfers .. .. .. 00
3.25. Examination Procedures of Automated Clearing House Transactions 00
3.26. Examination Procedures of Electronic Cash .. .. .. 00
3.27. Examination Procedures of Third-Party Payment Processors .. 00
3.28. Examination Procedures of Purchase and Sale of
Monetary Instruments .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
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3.29. Examination Procedures of Brokered Deposits .. .. .. 00
3.30. Examination Procedures of Non-Deposit Investment Products .. 00
3.31. Examination Procedures of Concentration Account .. .. 00
3.32. Examination Procedures of Lending Activities .. .. .. 00
3.33. Examination Procedures of Trade Finance Activities .. .. 00
3.34. Examination Procedures of Private Banking Activities .. .. 00
3.35. Examination Procedures of Trust and Asset Management Services .. 00
3.36. Examination Procedures of Non-Resident Aliens and
Foreign Individuals .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
3.37. Examination Procedures of Politically Exposed Persons .. .. 00
3.38. Examination Procedures of Embassy and Foreign Consulate Accounts 00
3.39. Examination Procedures of Designated Non-Financial Institutions .. 00
3.40. Examination Procedures of Professional Service Providers .. .. 00
3.41. Examination Procedures of Non-Governmental Organizations
and Charities .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
3.42. Examination Procedures of Business Entities (Domestic and Foreign) 00
3.43. Examination Procedures of Cash-Intensive Businesses .. .. 00
4.0. Risk Rating Methodology .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
4.1. Inherent Risk .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
4.2. Peer Group Ratings .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
4.3. Significant Activities and Inherent Risk Factors .. .. .. 00
4.4. Individual Weights .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
4.5. Rating System .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
4.6. Risk Mitigants .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
5.0. AML/CFT RBS Regulation for Financial Institutions .. .. .. 00
5.1. Overview of ML/FT Risk Assessment .. .. .. .. 00
5.2. Overview of Procedures for Regulatory Requirements
and Related Topics .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
5.3. Overview of Customer Identification Program .. .. .. 00
5.4. Important Information about Procedures for Opening a New Account 00
5.5. Overview of Currency Transaction Reporting .. .. .. 00
5.6. Overview of Purchase and Sale of Monetary
Instruments Record-Keeping .. .. .. .. .. 00
5.7. Overview of Funds Transfers Record-Keeping .. .. .. 00
5.8. Overview of Private Banking Due Diligence Programme (Non-Nigerians) 00
5.9. Overview of Special Measures .. .. .. .. .. 00
5.10. Overview of International Transportation of Currency or
Monetary Instruments Reporting .. .. .. .. 00
5.11. Overview and Procedures for Consolidated and Other Types
of AML/CFT Compliance Programme Structures .. .. .. 00
5.12. Overview of Foreign Branches and Offices of Nigerian
Financial Institutions .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
5.13. Overview of Parallel Banking .. .. .. .. .. 00
5.14. Overview of Correspondent Accounts (Domestic) .. .. .. 00
5.15. Overview of Correspondent Accounts (Foreign) .. .. .. 00
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5.16. Overview of Bulk Shipments of Currency .. .. .. .. 00
5.17. Overview of Foreign Currency Denominated Drafts .. .. 00
5.18. Overview of Payable Through Accounts .. .. .. .. 00
5.19. Overview of Pouch Activities .. .. .. .. .. 00
5.20. Overview of Electronic Banking .. .. .. .. .. 00
5.21. Overview of Funds Transfers .. .. .. .. .. 00
5.22. Overview of Automated Clearing House (ACH) Transactions .. 00
5.23. Overview of Electronic Cash .. .. .. .. .. 00
5.24. Overview of Third-Party Payment Processors .. .. .. 00
5.25. Overview of Purchase and Sale of Monetary Instruments .. .. 00
5.26. Overview of Brokered Deposits .. .. .. .. .. 00
5.27. Overview of Non-Deposit Investment Products .. .. .. 00
5.28. Overview of Concentration Accounts .. .. .. .. 00
5.29. Overview of Private Banking Activities .. .. .. .. 00
5.30. Overview of Trust and Asset Management Services .. .. 00
5.31. Overview of Expanded Examination and Procedures for
Persons and Entities .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
5.32. Overview of Politically Exposed Persons .. .. .. .. 00
5.33. Overview of Embassy and Foreign Consulate Accounts .. .. 00
5.34. Overview of Designated Non-Financial Institutions .. .. 00
5.35. Overview of Professional Service Providers .. .. .. 00
5.36. Overview of Non-Governmental Organizations and Charities .. 00
5.37. Overview of Business Entities (Domestic and Foreign) .. .. 00
5.38. Overview of Cash-Intensive Businesses .. .. .. .. 00
6.0. Glossary .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
7.0. Appendices .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 00
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1.0. ACH Automated Clearing House
ACSRT African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism AML Anti-Money Laundering APT Asset Protection Trust ATM Automated Teller Machine BCBS Basel Committee on Banking Supervision BHC Bank Holding Company BIS Bank for International Settlements CAC Corporate Affairs Commission CBN Central Bank of Nigeria CCO Chief Compliance Officer CDD Customer Due Diligence CEMA Customs and Excise Management Act CHIPS Clearing House Interbank Payments System CIF Customer Information File CIP Customer Identification Program CTR Currency Transaction Report DCN Document Control Number DNFBPs Designated Non-Financial Institutions, Businesses and Professions DNFI Designated Non-Financial Institutions DSS Department of State Security Services E-banking Electronic Banking E-cash Electronic Cash EDD Enhanced Due Diligence EFCC Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFT Electronic Funds Transfer EIC Examiner in charge EIN Employer Identification Number EPN Electronic Payments Network FAQ Frequently Asked Question FATF Financial Action Task Force FI Financial Institution FIHC Financial Institution‘s Holding Companies FIL Financial Institution Letter FinCEN Financial Crimes Enforcement Network FIRS Federal Inland Revenue Service FMTI Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment GO Gateway Operator HIFCA High Intensity Financial Crime Area IAIS International Association of Insurance Supervisors IACHT International Automated Clearing House Transaction IBC International Business Corporation ICPC Independent Corrupt Practices Commission IMF International Monetary Fund List of Abbreviations.
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INCSR International Narcotics Control Strategy Report IOLTA Interest on Lawyers‘ Trust Account IP Internet Protocol IRA Individual Retirement Account ISO Independent Sales Organization ITIN Individual Tax Identification Number IVTS Informal Value Transfer System KYC Know Your Customer LEAs Law Enforcement Agencies LFN Laws of the Federation of Nigeria MIS Management Information Systems ML/FT Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism MLPA Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act of 2011 MSBs Money Services Businesses NEPA Nigerian Automated Clearing House Association NACHA Nigerian Electronic Payments Association NAICOM National Insurance Commission NBFI Non-Bank Financial Institutions NCCT Non-Cooperative Countries and Territories NCS Nigeria Customs Service NDIC Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation NDIP Non-Deposit Investment Products NDLEA National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NFIU Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit NFP National Focal Point NFPT National Focal Point on Terrorism NGO Non-Governmental Organization NIBSS Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System NSF Non-Sufficient Funds ODFI Originating Depository Financial Institution OFAC Office Of Foreign Assets Control OFCs Offshore Financial Centres PEP Politically Exposed Person PIC Private Investment Company POS Point-of-Sale PTA Payable Through Account PUPID Payable Upon Proper Identification RA Regulatory Alerts RBS Risk Based Supervision RCC Remotely Created Cheque RCCs Remotely Created Cheques RDC Remote Deposit Capture RDFI Receiving Depository Financial Institution RTGS Real Time Gross Settlement System SCUML Special Control Unit on Money Laundering SDN Specially Designated Nationals
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SEC Securities and Exchange Commission
SOD Summary of Deposits
STR Suspicious Transaction Report
SWIFT Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication TIN Tax Identification Number TPSP Third-Party Service Provider UBPR Uniform Bank Performance Report USA PATRIOT Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Act Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 VIS Voluntary Information Sharing Web CBRS Web Currency and Banking Retrieval System
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2.0. The Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (MLPA), Terrorism
(Prevention) Act, 2011, Central Bank of Nigeria Anti-Money Laundering/ Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Regulation, 2009 (as amended) and other AML/CFT Guidelines provide guidance to Bank Examiners to carry out AML/CFT risk-based supervision (RBS), regulation and examination of banks and other financial institutions under the regulatory purview of the CBN. As effective AML/CFT Compliance Program requires sound risk management, this AML/CFT RBS Framework provides guidance on identifying and controlling risks associated with money laundering and terrorist financing. The Framework therefore contains an overview of AML/CFT compliance program requirements, money laundering and terrorist financing risks, risk management expectations, industry sound practices and examination procedures. The purpose of developing this Framework is to ensure consistency in the application of the AML/CFT requirements. In order to effectively apply resources and ensure compliance with the requirements of the relevant laws and regulations, the Framework is structured to allow Bank Examiners to tailor the scope of their AML/CFT examination and procedures to the specific risk profile of the financial institution. The Framework consists of AML/CFT RBS Manual for Bank Examiners’ Procedures and AML/ CFT RBS Regulation for Financial Institutions to guide AML/CFT operations in financial institutions under the CBN supervision. It complements the CBN AML/ CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended). The Framework contains the following sections :
(i) List of Abbreviations ;
(ii) Introduction ;
(iii) Bank Examiners’ AML/CFT RBS Manual ; (iv) Risk Rating Methodology ; (v) AML/CFT RBS Regulation for Financial Institutions ; (vi) List of Abbreviations and Glossary ; and (vii) Appendices. At a minimum, Bank Examiners are required to use the following examination procedures to ensure that the financial institution has an adequate AML/CFT Compliance Program which is commensurate with its risk profile :
(i) Scoping and Planning ;
(ii) ML/FT Risk Assessment ;
(iii) AML/CFT Compliance Program ; and
(iv) Developing Conclusions and Finalizing the Examination.
The Bank Examiner is required to have a good overview of the examination procedures to assist him examine a financial institution’s policies, procedures and processes in order to ensure compliance with sanctions imposed by CBN, Introduction. Structure of Framework
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Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and other regulatory bodies. As part of the scoping and planning procedures, Bank Examiners are also required to review the financial institution’s risk assessment and independent testing in order to determine the extent to which a review of the institution’s compliance program should be carried out during the examination. The expanded sections address specific lines of business, products, customers or entities that may present unique challenges and exposures for which the institution should institute appropriate policies, procedures and processes. It should be noted here that the absence of appropriate controls in these lines of business, products, customers or entities could elevate money laundering risks. Such sections also provide guidance on AML/CFT Compliance Program structures and management. Bank Examiner should be aware that all the examination procedures contained in this Framework may not be applicable to every financial institution. The specific examination procedures that need to be performed will therefore depend on the money laundering risk profile of the institution, the quality & history of compliance with MLPA 2011, CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) and quantity of independent testing and other relevant factors. MLPA, 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) establish the requirements for record-keeping and reporting by designated non-financial institutions, businesses and professions, banks and other financial institutions. Relevant provisions of the law and regulation above were designed to help identify the source, volume and movement of currency and other monetary instruments transported or transmitted into or out of Nigeria, or deposited in financial institutions in the country. The enabling Act and Regulation under reference seek to achieve the above objective by requiring individuals, banks and other financial institutions to render suspicious transaction reports (STRs) to Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) only, properly identify persons conducting transactions and maintain a paper trail by keeping appropriate records of their financial transactions. Should the need arise, these records will enable law enforcement and regulatory agencies to pursue investigations of criminal, tax & regulatory violations, and provide useful evidence in prosecuting money laundering and other financial crimes. The MLPA, 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) apply equally to all banks, other financial institutions and persons that are under the regulatory purview of the CBN. The law also imposes criminal liability on a person or financial institution that knowingly assists in the laundering of money or fails to report suspicious transactions conducted through it. The CBN Regulation also directs financial institutions to establish and maintain procedures reasonably designed to ensure and monitor compliance with the
reporting and record-keeping requirements of the MLPA, 2011. Background.
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A financial institution is required to render a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) to NFIU only and inform the Unit of same whenever it detects a known or suspected criminal violation of MLPA or a suspicious transaction related to money laundering and terrorism financing activities or a violation of other laws and regulations. The EFCC Act 2004 and Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 criminalize the financing of terrorism. CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) has also augmented the existing AML/CFT legal framework by strengthening customer identification procedures, prohibiting financial institutions from engaging in business with foreign shell banks, requiring financial institutions to have due diligence procedures, (in some cases) have Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) Procedures for foreign correspondent and private banking accounts and improve information sharing between financial institutions on one hand, and the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and regulators on the other. Provisions of MLPA and CBN AML/CFT Regulation :
(i) Require financial institutions to have AML/CFT Program ; (ii) Provide for civil and criminal penalties for money laundering ; (iii) Provide the CBN with the authority to impose sanctions for AML/CFT infractions committed by institutions and persons in the course of transactions ; (iv) Facilitate access to records and require financial institutions to give prompt response to regulatory requests for information ; and (v) Require financial institutions to consider their AML/CFT records when reviewing mergers, acquisitions and other applications for business combinations. Certain government agencies play a critical role in implementing AML/ CFT Regulations, developing examination guidance, ensuring compliance with and enforcement of the MLPA in the country. These agencies include the CBN/ NDIC, EFCC/NFIU, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Nigeria Custom Service, etc. There is no financial institution in Nigeria that is currently and temporarily exempted from the requirements of the law and regulation to establish an AML/ CFT Program. All government bodies in the country are therefore required to support the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. The law and regulation on AML/CFT authorize the CBN to require financial institutions to establish AML Programs, file certain reports and keep certain records of transactions. The relevant provisions have been extended to cover not only traditional deposit money banks but other financial institutions such as discount houses, micro-finance banks, finance houses, bureau de change, operators of credit card systems, etc. under regulatory purview of the CBN, including their foreign branches, affiliates and subsidiaries. The CBN, NFIU, SEC and NAICOM are required to collaborate among themselves to carry out consolidated AML/CFT supervision/examination, carry Suspicious Transaction Report. Provisions of MLPA and CBN AML/CFT Regulation. Role of Government Agencies in the MLPA 2011 and AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended). Central Bank of Nigeria.
B 12 out oversight and enforcement functions of regulated institutions in order to eliminate any arbitrages. These regulatory agencies are empowered to use their authority to enforce compliance with appropriate banking rules and regulations, including compliance with the MLPA, 2011. The NFIU was established by sections 1(2) and 12(2) of the EFCC Act,
2004. The Unit is responsible for the receipt, analysis and dissemination of
Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs). NFIU is an autonomous body residing in Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). It interprets AML/CFT guidance issued, provides outreach to regulated institutions on rendition of returns, supports (by way of collaboration) the AML/CFT examination functions performed by regulatory agencies such as CBN, SEC, NAICOM, etc. NFIU’s other significant responsibilities include providing intelligence information to support cases investigated by the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), identifying and communicating financial crime trends and patterns to the stakeholders and fostering international cooperation with its counterparts worldwide. The Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment is the competent supervisory authority for designated non-financial institutions (DNFIs), which include casinos, real estate agents, dealers in precious stones, and the legal and accounting professions. The DNFIs were not regulated for AML/CFT measures before the enactment of the MLPA, 2011. Sections 3,4,5,7,9 and 25 of the MLPA, 2011 have, however, expanded the definition of reporting entities to include DNFIs. Sections 4 and 5 of MLPA, 2011 empower the Ministry to monitor all DNFIs in Nigeria and ensure appropriate compliance with AML/CFT requirements. Under section 5(6) of the MLPA, the Ministry can impose sanctions on defaulting DNFIs. The supervisory functions of the Ministry are conducted through the Special Control Unit on Money Laundering (SCUML). Section 7(2) of the EFCC Act, 2004 empowers the Commission to prosecute any designated non-financial institution for any breach of the MLPA. SCUML was established in September, 2005 by Decision No EC (2005) 286 of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as a specialized Unit of the then Federal Ministry of Commerce (FMC) with the responsibility to supervise DNFIs in Nigeria. Consequently, SCUML was mandated to monitor, supervise and regulate the activities of all DNFIs. The Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment in implementation of the relevant sections of MLPA, 2011 has developed the Ministry/SCUML Register for all casinos in Nigeria. The number of officially known casinos is not significant in size as compared with the number of small ‘underground’ ones. In addition to measures taken to prevent criminals or their associates from holding controlling interests in casinos business, the Nigerian authorities have also ensured that beneficiary owners of casinos are ‘fit and proper’ by the regulation and monitoring framework put in place by the Ministry/SCUML. Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit. Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment. Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML).
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The Commission is responsible for providing regulatory/supervisory oversight in the Nigerian insurance industry. It regulates, supervises, controls and ensures effective administration of regulated entities in the insurance sector. NAICOM is guided in its supervisory responsibilities by the National Insurance Commission Act (as amended), the Insurance Industry Policy Guidelines, 2005, Know Your Customer Guidelines for Insurance Institutions. Institutions operating in the Nigerian insurance sector are registered by NAICOM by Sections 3, 4, 36 and 45 of the Insurance Act 2003. SEC is the apex regulatory and supervisory authority of the Nigerian capital market. The Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007, in section 15, grants the SEC powers to regulate investments and securities in Nigeria, protect the integrity of the securities market against abuses arising from activities of the operators and prevent fraudulent and unfair trade practices in the securities industry. SEC applies ISA 13A, 2007 and SEC Rules and Regulations, 2000 (as amended) in the performance of its regulatory and supervisory functions. The Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), CAP 84 (LFN 1990) established the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The Nigeria Customs Service is charged with the duty of controlling and managing the administration of the Customs and Excise laws. The NCS collects the revenue of Customs and Excise and accounts for same in such manner as provided for by the relevant legislation.
Section 2 of MLPA, 2011 empowers NSC to report declaration in respect of
information on the cross border transportation of cash or negotiable instrument in excess of US$10,000 or its equivalent by individuals in and out of the country to the CBN and EFCC. The NDIC was established in 1989 with the promulgation of Decree No. 22 of 1988. The Corporation insures all deposit liabilities of licensed banks and other relevant financial institutions to engender confidence in the Nigerian banking system. It gives assistance to insured deposit-taking financial institutions in the interest of depositors in case of imminent or actual financial difficulties, particularly where suspension of payments is threatened, thereby avoiding damage to public confidence in the banking system. It guarantees payments to depositors, in case of imminent or actual suspension of payments by insured institutions up to the maximum amount provided for in the enabling law. The Corporation assists monetary authorities in the formulation and implementation of policies to ensure sound banking practice and fair competition among insured institutions in the country. It also pursues any other measures necessary to achieve its functions, provided such measures and actions are not repugnant to its objects. NDIC Examiners have powers to examine periodically, and under conditions of secrecy, the books and affairs of every insured institution, a right of access at all times to the books, accounts and vouchers of the insured institution, among other things. In realization of the African Union’s Plan of Action made in 2002 in Algiers, the 53 (fifty-three) member nations of the Union were required to establish a forum to facilitate timely exchange and sharing of ideas and intelligence in The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). The National Focal Point (NFP).
B 14 combating terrorism within the continent. This led to the establishment of the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT). Member countries were also mandated to establish National Focal Points on Terrorism (NFPT). In compliance, the Nigerian government established the National Focal Point (NFP) coordinated by the Department of State Services (DSS). The National Focal Point membership is drawn from several stakeholder government ministries, departments and agencies. The activities of the National Focal Point include :
(i) Conducting research and analysis on terrorism-related matters in order to provide prompt and proactive response to terrorist threats ; (ii) Collation, integration and preparation of input provided by intelligence services with a view to advising the relevant authorities on counter terrorism policies ; (iii) Identifying, penetrating and monitoring of extremist/ fundamentalist groups and suspected NGOs with a view to intercepting the recruitment process of terrorists ; (iv) Implementation of all policies on counter terrorism and its financing by monitoring the activities of financial institutions ; (v) Developing and maintenance of a national repository data-base on terrorist groups ; (vi) Maintaining and updating of data-base on the movement and activities of passengers from risk countries ; (vii) Maintenance of security watch-list on individuals and groups ; and (viii) Maintenance of close watch and regulation of the use of explosives in liaison with relevant government agencies or parastatals. The regulatory and supervisory agencies are responsible for the oversight of the various financial institutions operating in Nigeria, including foreign-owned subsidiaries of Nigerian banks and other financial institutions. The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is charged with the registration of banks and other financial institutions while the CBN is responsible for licensing them. The licensed institutions are jointly supervised by the CBN and NDIC. SEC and NAICOM license the capital market operators and insurance businesses respectively. The enabling statutes of these regulators require them to review the AML/CFT Compliance Program at each examination of the regulated institutions. They are also required to use the authority granted them under their Acts to enforce compliance with appropriate rules and regulations, including compliance with AML/CFT regulations. These agencies require each institution under their supervisory purview to establish and maintain AML/CFT Compliance Program. The program guards against money laundering and terrorist financing transactions and ensures compliance with and implementation of money laundering laws and regulations. Overview of AML/CFT Regime of the Regulatory/ Supervisory Agencies in the Financial Sector.
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Financial institutions are required to take reasonable and prudent steps to combat money laundering and terrorist financing and minimize their vulnerability to the risk associated with such activities. Some financial institutions have damaged their reputations and have been required to pay civil financial penalties for failing to implement adequate controls within their institutions as a result of non-compliance with the MLPA 2011 and AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended). In addition, AML/CFT assessment is also required as part of application process, since such AML/CFT concerns will have an impact on the financial institution’s strategic plan. For this reason, it is the regulatory agencies’ high supervisory priority to provide guidance that assists the regulated institutions in complying with the MLPA 2011 and AML/CFT Regulation (as amended). The regulatory agencies are required to ensure that the institutions they supervise understand the importance of having an effective AML/CFT Compliance Program in place. Managements of the regulated institutions are also required to be vigilant and ensure that they have AML/CFT Compliance Program, especially as business grows and new products and services are introduced. To this end, an evaluation of the institution’s AML/CFT Compliance Program and its compliance with the regulatory requirements of the AML/CFT Regulation must be made an integral part of the supervisory process. As part of a strong AML/CFT compliance program, the regulatory agencies are required to ensure that a financial institution has policies, procedures and processes to identify and report suspicious transactions to NFIU only. The Bank Examiners’ supervisory processes are required to assess whether the financial institution has established the appropriate policies, procedures and processes based on its money laundering risk in order to identify and report suspicious transaction and that the AML/CFT reports produced provide sufficient details to the law enforcement agencies to make such reports useful for further investigation. The regulatory authorities have specific powers to impose controls on transactions and freeze assets held within Nigerian jurisdiction. Many of such sanctions are based on United Nations and other international mandates. They are multilateral in scope and involve close cooperation with allied governments and the financial institutions concerned. The MLPA 2011, TPA, 2011 and AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) are intended to safeguard Nigerian financial system and the financial institutions that make up the system from the abuses of financial crime, including money laundering, terrorist financing and other illicit financial transactions. Money laundering and terrorist financing are financial crimes with potentially devastating social and financial effects to the Nigerian and world economy. From the profits of the narcotics-trafficker to the assets looted from government coffers by dishonest foreign and local
officials, criminal proceeds have the power to corrupt and ultimately destabilize communities or entire economy. Terrorist networks are able to facilitate their activities if they have financial means and access to the financial system. In both money laundering Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.
B 16 and terrorist financing, criminals can exploit loopholes and other weaknesses in the legitimate financial system to launder criminal proceeds, finance terrorism or conduct other illegal activities in order to ultimately hide the actual purpose of their activity. Financial institutions are therefore required to develop, implement and maintain effective AML/ CFT Programs that address the ever-changing strategies of money launderers and terrorists who attempt to gain access to the Nigerian financial system. A sound AML/CFT Compliance Program is critical in deterring and preventing these types of activities at or through banks and other financial institutions. Money laundering is the criminal practice of processing ill-gotten gains or dirty money through series of transactions. In this way, the funds are cleaned so that they appear to be proceeds from legal activities. Money laundering generally does not involve currency at every stage of the laundering process. Although money laundering is a diverse and often complex process, it basically involves the following three independent steps that can occur simultaneously :
Placement
The first and most vulnerable stage of laundering money is placement. The goal is to introduce the unlawful proceeds into the financial system without attracting attention of the financial institution or law enforcement agencies. Placement techniques include structuring currency deposits in small amounts in order to evade reporting requirements or commingling currency deposits of legal and illegal enterprises. An example may include: dividing large amounts of currency into less-conspicuous smaller sums that are deposited directly into a bank account, depositing a refund cheque from a cancelled vacation package, insurance policy or purchasing a series of monetary instruments (e.g. cashier’s cheques or money orders) that are then collected and deposited into accounts at another location or financial institution. Layering The second stage of the money laundering process is layering and this involves moving funds around the financial system, often in a complex series of transactions to create confusion and complicate the paper trail. Examples of layering include exchanging monetary instruments for larger or smaller amounts, or wiring or transferring funds to and through numerous accounts in one or more financial institutions. Integration The ultimate goal of the money laundering process is integration. Once the funds are in the financial system, they are insulated through the layering stage. The integration stage is used to create the appearance of legality through additional transactions. These transactions further shield the criminal from a recorded connection to the funds by providing a plausible explanation for the source of the funds. Examples include the purchase and resale of real estate, investment securities, foreign trusts or other assets. Money Laundering.
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Nigeria enacted a stand-alone law called Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 that criminalises the act of terrorism and its financing. The motivation behind terrorist financing is ideological as opposed to profitseeking. The latter is generally the motivation for most crimes associated with money laundering. Terrorism is intended to intimidate a population or to compel a government or an international organization to do or abstain from doing any specific act through the threat of violence. An ineffective AML/CFT controls in financial infrastructure could be readily exploited to the advantage of the terrorist financier(s). Terrorist groups develop sources of funding that are relatively mobile to ensure that funds can be used to obtain material and other logistical items needed to commit terrorist acts. Thus, money laundering is often a vital component of terrorist financing. Funding for terrorist attacks does not always require large sums of money and the associated transactions may not be complex. Terrorists generally finance their activities through both unlawful and legitimate sources. Unlawful activities such as extortion, kidnapping and narcotics trafficking have been found to be a major source of funding. Other observed activities include smuggling, fraud, theft, robbery, identity theft, use of conflict diamonds and improper use of charitable or relief funds. In the case of charitable or relief funds, donors may have no knowledge that their donations have been diverted to support terrorist causes. Other legitimate sources found to provide terrorist organizations with funding include foreign government sponsors, business ownership and personal employment. These legitimate funding sources make the key difference between the financiers of terrorists and traditional money launderers. Although the motivation differs between traditional money launderers and terrorist financiers, the actual methods used to fund terrorist operations can be the same as or similar to those methods used by other criminals that launder funds. For example, terrorist financiers can use currency smuggling, structured deposits or withdrawals from bank accounts; purchase various types of monetary instruments such as credit, debit, or prepaid cards and make funds transfers. There is also evidence that some forms of informal banking (e.g. hawala) have played a role in moving terrorist funds. Transactions through hawalas are difficult to detect given the lack of documentation, size and nature of the transactions involved. Penalties for money laundering and terrorist financing can be severe. A person convicted of money laundering will serve certain terms of imprisonment as provided for in the relevant sections of the MLPA 2011 and pay financial penalties as provided for in the law and AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended). Any property involved in a transaction or traceable to the proceeds of the criminal activity, including property such as loan collateral, personal property
(under certain conditions) entire bank accounts (even if some of the money in the account is legitimate) may be subject to forfeiture as provided for in the EFCC Act. Terrorist Financing. Criminal Penalties for Money Laundering/ Terrorist Financing, and Violations of the MLPA and AML/ CFT Regulation.
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Pursuant to various statutes, banks, other financial institutions and individuals may incur criminal and civil liability for violating AML/CFT laws. For instance, the EFCC may bring criminal actions for money laundering that may include fines, imprisonment and forfeiture actions. In addition, banks and other financial institutions risk losing their licences, and their employees risk being removed and barred from further employment in the financial industry. Moreover, there are penalties for wilful violations of the MLPA 2011 and AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) for structuring transactions to evade the reporting threshold. For example, a person, including a bank employee, wilfully violating the MLPA or the AML/CFT Regulation is subject to a financial sanction or some term of imprisonment or both as provided for in the MLPA, 2011. A financial institution that violates certain provisions of MLPA and AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) is subject to financial sanctions that must be published in its financial statements in line with section 27(2) of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (as amended) [BOFIA 2004]. Also, section 14 (1) of TPA, 2011 requires financial institutions or DNFIs to, within a period of not more than 72 hours after transaction, forward STRs relating to terrorism to the NFIU which will analyse such information. The NFIU shall consequently forward the information to the LEA, where it has sufficient reasons to suspect that the funds: (a) are derived from legal or illegal sources but are intended to be used for any act of terrorism; (b) are proceeds of a crime related to terrorist financing and; (c) belong to a person, entity or organization considered as terrorist. Section 14 (3) of TPA, 2011 requires that the details of the STRs (relating to terrorism) forwarded to NFIU shall not be disclosed by the financial institutions, DNFIs or any of their officers to any person. Section 14 (4) of TPA, 2011 stipulates that a person who violates section 14 (3) of TPA, 2011 is liable on conviction to a minimum fine of N5, 000, 000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years. Furthermore, section 14 (5) of TPA, 2011 provides that where a violation of section 14 (1) occurs and it is shown that the violation is not deliberate, the NFIU shall impose such administrative sanctions as it may deem necessary and section 14 (6) of TPA, 2011 provides that where the institution continues with the violation, it shall, on conviction, be liable to a minimum fine of N5, 000, 000 or imprisonment for a maximum term of 5 years for the principal officers of the institution or the defaulting officer. Pursuant to the relevant sections of their enabling statutes, the various regulatory agencies are empowered to bring administrative financial sanctions for violations of the MLPA, 2011. In addition to criminal and civil financial penalties imposed, individuals’ appointments may be terminated in pursuant of section 1.18.1.4(b) of AML/CFT Regulation,
2009 (as amended) as long as the violation was intentional. No financial institution or its officers shall benefit from violation of extant AML/CFT laws and regulations. Accordingly, incidence of false declaration, or false disclosure or non-declaration or non-disclosure in the returns rendered under the AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) by a financial institution or its Civil Penalties for Violations of the MLPA, 2011 and AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended).
B 19 officers shall be subject to administrative review, criminal prosecution and sanction. While criminal cases will be referred to EFCC or other law enforcement agencies for prosecution, the offender will forfeit to the CBN any pecuniary benefit obtained as a result of the violation or breach. The failure of any officer to follow his/her institution’s internal procedure will be considered a serious misconduct, which will attract termination of appointment in line with section 48 (4) (5) and (6) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), 2004, and the offender shall be blacklisted from further employment in the financial services industry. In addition, the defaulting institutions will be made to bear the financial loss suffered by any victim of a financial crime. However, the amount of civil financial penalties for infraction still remains a maximum limit of N2 million per infraction until the provisions of sections 64 (1) and 65 (1) of the BOFIA, 2004 are amended, accordingly. The above sanctions are also applicable to violation of any provisions of this AML/CFT Risk-Based Supervision Framework.
3. AML/CFT RBS EXAMINATION PROCEDURES FOR BANK
EXAMINERS
3.1. OBJECTIVE
The objective of this exercise is to identify the financial institution’s ML/FT risks, develop the examination scope and document the plan. This process includes determining the number of staff required for the examination (staffing needs) and technical expertise and selecting examination procedures to adopt. ACTIVITY In order to facilitate the Examiner’s understanding of the financial institution’s risk profile and to adequately establish the scope of AML/CFT examination, the Bank Examiner is required to carry out the following steps in conjunction with the review of the financial institution’s ML/FT risk assessment:
Review prior examination or inspection reports or related section notes and management’s responses to any previously identified MLPA 2011 and CBN AML Regulations issued. Identify the procedures adopted during a completed AML/ CFT examination of the institution; identify, in the reports, the processes that the financial institution uses to detect suspicious transactions; identify previously noted higher-risk in the institution’s operations. Review the previous recommendations for the next examination. In addition, contact the appropriate management of the financial institution to discuss its :
(i) AML/CFT Compliance Program ;
(ii) ML/FT Risk Assessment ;
(iii) Suspicious transaction monitoring and reporting systems ; and (iv) Level and extent of its AML/CFT systems and automation. Bank Examiners are required to refer to the above topics in the appropriate sections on Overview and Examination Procedures in this Framework for guidance. Examination Procedure for Scoping and Planning.
B 20
Develop a list of MLPA and CBN AML/CFT Regulation items to be incorporated into the Integrated Examination Request Letter. Bank Examiners are required to send their request letter to the financial institution where the AML/ CFT examination is a stand-alone and to review the documents provided by the financial institution. The Examiner should review the correspondence between the financial institution and its primary regulator, if not already completed by the Bank Examiner in charge or other dedicated examination personnel. In addition the examiner should review the correspondence that the financial institution or the primary regulators have received from or sent to outside regulatory and law enforcement agencies relating to AML/CFT compliance. The Examiner should also review the STRs, PEPs and CTRs information obtained from AML/CFT reporting database. The number of STRs, PEPs and CTRs rendered should be obtained for a defined time period (cut off date) that covers the duration of the AML/CFT examination as determined by the Bank Examiner. Consider the above information and analyze the data for unusual patterns, considering the following :
(i) Volume of activity and whether it is commensurate with the customer’s occupation or type of business ; (ii) Number and Naira volume of transactions involving higher-risk customers ; and (iii) Volume of STRs and CTRs in relation to the financial institution’s size, asset or deposit growth and geographic location. Bank Examiners should not criticize a financial institution solely because the number of STRs, PEPs or CTRs rendered is lower than STRs, PEPs or CTRs filed by peer institutions. However, as part of the examination, Bank Examiners must review significant changes in the volume or nature of STRs, PEPs and CTRs rendered and assess potential/possible reasons for these changes. Review internal and external audit reports and Examiner's previous section notes on the institution’s AML/CFT compliance as necessary in order to determine the comprehensiveness and quality of audits, findings and management responses and corrective action. A review of the scope, procedures and qualifications of the independent audit report will provide valuable information on the adequacy of the AML/CFT Compliance Program. Though the CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) is not part of the MLPA, 2011, evaluation of compliance with its provisions must be included in AML/CFT examinations. It is the primary role of the Bank Examiner to identify the violations of the various provisions of MLPA, 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation 2009 (as amended) and to evaluate the sufficiency of the institution’s implementation of policies, procedures and processes to ensure compliance with AML/CFT laws and regulations. In order to facilitate the Examiner’s understanding of the financial institution’s risk profile and to adequately establish the scope of the AML/CFT examination, the Examiner is required to :
B 21
(i) Review the reports of the financial institution’s ML/FT risk assessment. The risk assessment should consider the various types of products, services, customers, entities, transactions and geographic locations in which the financial institution is engaged, including those that are processed by, through, or to the financial institution in order to identify potential ML/FT exposures. (ii) Review the institution’s independent testing of its AML/CFT Compliance Program. (iii) Review correspondence received from supervisory authorities in order to determine whether or not the financial institution had any warning letters, fines or penalties imposed by them after the most recent AML/CFT examination. (iv) Review correspondence between the financial institutions and NFIU (e.g. periodic reporting of suspicious and currency transactions and where applicable, the NFIU Annual reports on blocked property (if any)). The Bank Examiner should develop an initial examination plan based on the above examination procedures and findings made from the review of the financial institution’s ML/FT risk assessment. Bank Examiners are required to adequately document the examination plan as well as any changes to it that occur during the examination period. The scoping and planning process are designed to ensure that the Examiner is aware of the institution’s AML/CFT compliance program, compliance history and risk profile of the institution’s products, services, customers, entities, transactions and geographic locations. Additional core and expanded examination procedures may be conducted, where necessary. While the examination plan may change at any time as a result of on-site findings, the initial risk assessment will enable the Bank Examiner to establish a reasonable scope for the AML/CFT regime. In order for the examination process to be successful, the Bank Examiner is required to maintain an open communication line with the financial institution’s management and discuss relevant concerns as they arise.
3.2. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s AML/CFT Compliance Program. Determine whether the institution has developed, administered and maintained an effective program for compliance with the MLPA, AML/CFT Regulation & all other related Requirements. ACTIVITY Review the financial institution’s board approved- written AML/CFT Compliance Program to ensure it contains the following required elements :
(i) A system of internal controls that ensures on-going compliance ; (ii) Independent testing of MLPA, 2011, AML/CFT Regulation 2009 (as amended) and related guidelines for compliance ; (iii) A specifically designated person or persons responsible for managing MLPA and related regulations compliance (Chief Compliance Officer) ; Examination Procedures of AML/ CFT Compliance Program.
B 22
(iv) Training for appropriate personnel ; and (v) AML/CFT Compliance Programs which are commensurate with their respective ML/FT risk profiles. (vi) A Customer Identification Program (CIP) must also be included as
part of the AML/CFT Compliance Program.
Assess whether or not the board of directors and senior management receive adequate reports on AML/CFT compliance. DEVELOPMENT OF ML/FT RISK ASSESSMENT BY BANK EXAMINERS In some situations, financial institutions may not have performed or completed an adequate ML/FT risk assessment and it becomes necessary for the Bank Examiners to complete one based on available information. When doing so, the Examiners do not have to use any particular format. In such instances, documented section notes should include the financial institution’s risk assessment, the deficiencies noted in the financial institution’s risk assessment and the Examinerprepared risk assessment. The Examiners should ensure that they have a general understanding of the financial institution’s ML/FT risks and (at a minimum) document these risks within the examination scoping process. This section provides some general guidance that Bank Examiners can use when they are required to conduct ML/FT risk assessment. In addition, Examiners may share this information with the financial institution to assist it develop or improve its own ML/FT risk assessment. The risk assessment developed by Examiners generally will not be as comprehensive as one developed by a financial institution. Similar to what is expected in a financial institution’s risk assessment, the Examiners are required to obtain information on the financial institution’s products, services, customers, entities and geographic locations to determine the volume and trend for potentially higher-risk areas. This process can begin with an analysis of:
PRIOR EXAMINATION OR INSPECTION REPORTS AND SECTION NOTES (i) Response to request letter-items ; and (ii) Discussions with financial institution management and the appropriate regulatory agency personnel.
B 23 institution’s total asset size, customer base, entities, products, services and geographic locations.
B 24
3.3. OBJECTIVE
Assess the ML/FT risk profile of the institution and evaluate the adequacy of its ML/FT risk assessment process. ACTIVITY Review the financial institution’s ML/FT risk assessment. Determine whether the institution has included all its risk areas, including any new products, services or targeted customers, entities and geographic locations. Determine whether the financial institution’s process for periodically reviewing and updating its ML/FT risk assessment is adequate. If the financial institution has not developed a risk assessment or if the risk assessment is inadequate, the Examiner must complete a risk assessment. Examiners should document and discuss the financial institution’s ML/FT risk profile and any identified deficiencies in the risk assessment process with the institution’s management.
3.4. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s AML/CFT Compliance Programme. Determine whether the financial institution has developed, administered and maintained an effective program for compliance with the MLPA and CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009. ACTIVITY The review of the financial institution’s written policies, procedures and processes is a first step in determining the overall adequacy of the AML/CFT Compliance Program. The completion of applicable core and (if warranted) expanded examination procedures is necessary to support the overall conclusions regarding the adequacy of the AML/CFT Compliance Program. Examination findings should be discussed with the financial institution's management and significant findings are required to be included in the report of examination or supervisory correspondence. The AML/CFT Compliance Program must be in a written form, approved by the board of directors and noted in the board minutes. An institution must have AML/CFT Compliance Program commensurate with its respective ML/FT risk profile. Furthermore, the AML/CFT Compliance Program must be fully implemented and reasonably designed to meet the relevant AML/CFT laws and Regulatory requirements. Policy statements alone are not sufficient. Practices must coincide with the financial institution’s written policies, procedures and processes. RISK ASSESSMENT IN AML/CFT COMPLIANCE PROGRAM On the basis of examination procedures completed in the scoping and planning process, including the review of the risk assessment, determine whether the financial institution has adequately identified the risk within its operations (products, services, customers, entities and geographic locations) and incorporated the risk into its AML/CFT Compliance Program. Overview of AML/CFT Compliance Programme. Examination Procedures of ML/FT Risk Assessment.
B 25
INTERNAL CONTROLS
Determine whether the AML/CFT Compliance Program includes policies, procedures and processes that :
(i) Identify higher-risk operations (products, services, customers, entities and geographic locations); provide for periodic updates to the institution’s risk profile and AML/CFT Compliance Program tailored to manage risks ; (ii) Inform the board of directors or its committee and senior management of compliance initiatives, identified compliance deficiencies, STRs rendered and corrective action taken ; (iii) Identify a person or persons responsible for AML/CFT compliance ; (iv) Provide for program-continuity (in the form of back-up, storage and retrieval of information) despite changes in management or employee composition or structure ; (v) Meet all regulatory requirements, enforce the recommendations for AML/CFT compliance and provide for timely updates to implement changes in regulations ; (vi) Implement risk-based CDD policies, procedures and processes ; (vii) Identify reportable transactions and accurately render promptly all the required returns including STRs, PEPs and CTRs. Ensure that the financial institution has centralized its review and return rendition functions within a unit/office at the branches and head office ; (viii) Provide for dual controls and the segregation of duties as much as possible, e.g. employees that complete the return formats (such as STRs, PEPs and CTRs generally should not also be responsible for the decision to render the reports ; (ix) Provide sufficient controls and monitoring systems for the timely detection and reporting of suspicious transaction ; (x) Provide for adequate supervision of employees that handle currency transactions, complete reports and render the returns, grant exemptions, monitor for suspicious activity or engage in any other activity covered by the MLPA, AML/CFT Regulation and other related requirements ; (xi) Train employees to be aware of their responsibilities under the MLPA, AML/CFT Regulation, other related and internal policy guidelines ; and (xi) Incorporate MLPA and AML/CFT Regulation compliance into job descriptions and performance evaluations of appropriate personnel. INDEPENDENT TESTING Determine whether the AML/CFT testing (audit) is independent (i.e. performed by a person (or persons) not involved with the institution’s AML/CFT compliance) and whether persons conducting the testing report directly to the board of directors or to a designated board committee consisting primarily or completely of outside directors. Evaluate the qualifications of the person (or persons) performing the
B 26 independent testing to assess whether the financial institution can rely upon his or their findings and conclusions. Validate the auditor’s reports and work-papers to determine whether the financial institution’s independent testing is comprehensive, accurate, adequate and timely.
B 27
(ii) Evaluates the system’s methodology for establishing and applying expected activity or filtering criteria. (iii) Evaluates the system’s ability to generate monitoring reports. (iv) Determines whether the system filtering criteria are reasonable and include (at a minimum) cash, monetary instruments, funds transfers and other higher-risk products, services, customers or geographies as appropriate.
B 28
(iv) Training of personnel from all applicable areas of the financial institution ; (v) Frequency of training ; (vi) Documentation of attendance records and training materials ; (vii) Coverage of the institution's policies, procedures, processes and new rules and regulations ; (viii) Coverage of different forms of money laundering and terrorist financing as it relates to identification and examples of suspicious transaction ; (ix) Penalties for non-compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements ; and (x) AML/CFT training should be extended to all staff of financial institutions. TRANSACTION TESTING Transaction testing must include (at a minimum) independent testing examination procedures. While there are many ways of conducting transaction testing, the Examiners have the discretion to decide the testing to conduct. Examiners should document their decision regarding the extent of transaction testing to conduct and the transactions to be performed, as well as the rationale for any changes to the scope of transaction testing that occur during the examination. Examiners should consider the following when determining how to proceed with transaction testing :
(i) Accounts or customers identified in the review of information obtained from returns rendered to the CBN ; (ii) Higher-risk products and services, customer and entities, and geographic locations for which it appears from the scoping and planning process that the institution may not have appropriate internal controls ; and (iii) New products and services, customers and entities, and geographies introduced into the bank’s portfolio since the previous AML/CFT examination. INDEPENDENT TESTING
B 29
PRELIMINARY EVALUATION
After the Bank Examiner has completed the review of all the four required elements of the institution’s AML/CFT Compliance Program, the Examiner is required to document a preliminary evaluation of the institution’s program. At this point, the Examiner should revisit the initial examination plan, in order to determine whether any strengths or weaknesses identified during the review of the institution’s AML/CFT Compliance Program warrant adjustments to the initial planned scope. The Examiner should document and support any changes to the examination scope, then proceed to the applicable core and (if warranted) expanded examination procedures. If there are no changes to the examination scope, the Examiner should proceed to the core examination procedures of developing conclusions and finalizing the examination.
3.5. Objective
Formulate conclusions, communicate findings to management, prepare report and comments, develop an appropriate supervisory response and close the examination. ACTIVITY Formulating Conclusions
B 30 and frequency should be appropriate in relation to the risk profile of the institution. Transaction testing should also be adequate, particularly for higherrisk operations and suspicious transaction monitoring systems. (vi) The designated person responsible for coordinating and monitoring day-to-day compliance is competent and has the necessary resources. (vii) Personnel are sufficiently trained to adhere to legal, regulatory and policy requirements. (viii) Information and communication policies, procedures and processes are adequate and accurate.
B 31
(c) A specific person to coordinate and monitor the AML/CFT Compliance Program ; (d) Training of appropriate personnel ; (ii) Conclusion as to whether the written CIP is appropriate for the institution's size, location and type of business ; (iii) Any identified violations and assessment of the severity of those violations ; (iv) Identification of actions needed to correct deficiencies or violations and (as appropriate) the possibility of, among other things, requiring the institution to conduct more detailed risk assessments or take formal enforcement action ; (v) Recommendations for supervisory actions. Issues to confer with the institution's supervisory management and its legal staff ; (vi) An appropriate rating based on overall findings and conclusions ; and (vii) Findings that have been or will be discussed with institution management and, if applicable, any institution commitment for improvements or corrective action. PREPARING THE AML/CFT COMMENTS FOR THE EXAMINATION REPORT Document your conclusion regarding the adequacy of the institution’s AML/ CFT Compliance Program. Discuss the effectiveness of each of these elements of the institution’s AML/CFT Compliance Program. Indicate whether the AML/ CFT Compliance Program meets all the regulatory requirements by providing the following :
(i) A system of internal controls ;
(ii) Independent testing for compliance ;
(iii) A specific person to coordinate and monitor the AML/CFT Compliance Program ; and (iv) Training of appropriate personnel. The AML/CFT Compliance Program must also include a written Customer Identification Program (CIP) appropriate for the institution’s size, location and type of business. The Examiner does not need to provide a written comment on every one of the items. Written comments should cover only areas or subjects pertinent to the Examiner’s findings and conclusions. All significant findings must be included in the examination report. The Examiner should ensure that work-papers are prepared in sufficient detail to support issues to be included in the examination report. To this extent, there are items included in the work-papers for discussion that may not be in the examination report. Bank Examiner should ensure that his work-papers thoroughly and adequately document each review, as well as any other aspects of the institution’s AML/CFT Compliance Program that merits
B 32 attention though they may not rise to the level of being included in the examination report. The Examiner should organize and reference his work-papers and document conclusions and supporting information within the internal databases, as appropriate. As applicable, the Examiner should prepare to discuss on the following items :
B 33 for resolving issues when insufficient information or inaccurate information is obtained. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of a risk assessment, prior AML/CFT Bank Examination Reports and a review of the financial institution’s audit findings, sample CDD information for higher-risk customers. Determine whether the financial institution collects appropriate information and effectively incorporates this information into the suspicious transaction monitoring process. This sample can be performed when testing the financial institution’s compliance with its policies, procedures and processes as well as when reviewing transactions or accounts for possible suspicious transaction. On the basis of examination procedures completed, including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with CDD.
3.7. OBJECTIVE
Assess the financial institution’s policies, procedures, processes and overall compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements for monitoring, detecting and reporting suspicious activities. ACTIVITY Examiners may elect to map out the process followed by the financial institution to monitor, identify research and report suspicious activities. Once the Examiner has an understanding of the process, he should go through and query the entire process alone. IDENTIFICATION OF UNUSUAL ACTIVITY Review the financial institution’s policies, procedures and processes for identifying, researching and reporting suspicious transaction. Determine whether they include the following :
(i) Lines of communication for the referral of unusual activity to appropriate personnel ; (ii) Designation of individual(s) responsible for identifying, researching and reporting suspicious activities ; (iii) Monitoring systems used to identify unusual activity ; and (iv) Procedures for reviewing and evaluating transaction activity reported to law enforcement agencies. Examiners should also evaluate the policies, procedures and processes for :
(a) Responding to LEA‘s requests ;
(b) Evaluating the account of the target for suspicious transaction ; (c) Filing of STRs, if necessary ; and (d) Handling account closures. Examination Procedures of Suspicious Transaction Reporting
B 34
Review the financial institution’s monitoring systems and how the system(s) fits into the institution's overall suspicious transaction monitoring and reporting process. When evaluating the effectiveness of the financial institution’s monitoring systems, Examiners should consider the financial institution’s overall risk profile (higher-risk products, services, customers, entities and geographic locations), volume of transactions and adequacy of staffing. TRANSACTION (MANUAL TRANSACTION) MONITORING Review the financial institution's transaction monitoring reports. Determine whether the reports capture all areas that pose money laundering and terrorist financing risks. Examples of these reports include: CTRs, PEPs and STRs returns. Determine whether the financial institution's transaction monitoring systems use reasonable filtering criteria whose programming has been independently verified. Determine whether the monitoring systems generate accurate reports at a reasonable frequency. SURVEILLANCE (AUTOMATED ACCOUNT) MONITORING Examiners should :
(i) Identify the types of customers, products and services that are included within the surveillance monitoring system ; (ii) Identify the system’s methodology for establishing and applying expected activity or profile filtering criteria and for generating monitoring reports. Determine whether the system’s filtering criteria are reasonable, adequate and effective ; (iii) Determine whether the programming of the methodology has been independently validated ; and (iv) Determine that controls ensure limited access to the monitoring system and sufficient oversight of assumption changes. MANAGING ALERTS Determine whether the financial institution has policies, procedures and processes to ensure the timely generation and review of and response to reports used to identify unusual activities. Determine whether policies, procedures and processes require appropriate research for the monitoring of reports of unusual activity identified. Evaluate the financial institution's policies, procedures and processes for referring unusual activity from all business lines to the CCO or department responsible for evaluating unusual activity. Verify that staffing levels are sufficient to review reports, alerts and investigate items, and that staff possess the requisite experience level and proper investigatory tools. The volume of system-alerts and investigations should not be tailored solely to meet existing staffing levels.
B 35
Determine whether the financial institution's STR decision process appropriately considers all available CDD and EDD information. STR DECISION MAKING Determine whether the financial institution's policies, procedures and processes include procedures for :
(i) Documenting decisions not to file a STR ; (ii) Escalating issues identified as the result of repeat STR filings on accounts ; and (iii) Considering closing accounts as a result of continuous suspicious transaction. STR COMPLETION AND FILING Determine whether the financial institution's policies, procedures and processes provide for :
(i) Completing, filing and retaining STRs and their supporting documentation ; (ii) Reporting STRs to the board of directors, or a committee thereof and informing senior management ; and (iii) Sharing STRs with head offices and controlling companies, as necessary. TRANSACTION TESTING Transaction testing of suspicious transaction monitoring systems and reporting processes is intended to determine whether the financial institution's policies, procedures and processes are adequate and effectively implemented. Examiners should document the factors they used to select samples and should maintain a list of the accounts sampled. The size and the sample should be based on the following :
(i) Weaknesses in the account monitoring systems ; (ii) The financial institution's overall ML/FT risk profile (e.g., number and type of higher-risk products, services, customers, entities and geographies) ; (iii) Quality and extent of review by audit or independent parties ; (iv) Prior AML/CFT Bank examination findings ; (v) Recent mergers, acquisitions or other significant organizational changes ; and (vi) Conclusions or questions from the review of the financial institution's STRs. On the basis of a risk assessment, prior AML/CFT Bank Examination Reports and a review of the financial institution's audit findings, sample specific customer accounts to review the following :
(i) Suspicious transaction monitoring reports ;
B 36
(ii) CTR download information ;
(iii) Higher-risk banking operations (products, services, customers, entities and geographies) ; (iv) Customer activity ; (v) Subpoenas received by the financial institution ; and (vi) Decisions not to file a STR. For the customers selected previously, obtain the following information, if applicable :
(i) CIP and account-opening documentation ; (ii) CDD documentation ; and (ii) Two to three months of account statements covering the total customer relationship and showing all transactions. Sample the items posted against the account (e.g., copies of cheques deposited and written debit or credit notes, and funds transfer beneficiaries and originators) ; and other relevant information, such as loan files and correspondence. Review the selected accounts for unusual activity. If the Examiner identifies unusual activity, review customer information for indications that the activity is typical for the customer (i.e. the sort of activity in which the customer is normally expected to engage). When reviewing for unusual activity, consider the following :
(i) For individual customers: whether the activity is consistent with CDD information (e.g. occupation, expected account activity and sources of funds and wealth) ; and (ii) For business customers: whether the activity is consistent with CDD information (e.g. type of business, size, location and target market). Determine whether the transaction or surveillance suspicious transaction monitoring system detected the activity that the Examiner identified as unusual. For transactions identified as unusual, discuss the transactions with the management. Determine whether the account officer demonstrates knowledge of the customer and the unusual transactions. After examining the available facts, determine whether management knows of a reasonable explanation for the transactions. Determine whether the financial institution has failed to identify any reportable suspicious transaction. From the results of the sample, determine whether the transaction or surveillance-suspicious-transaction monitoring system effectively detects unusual or suspicious transaction. Identify the underlying cause of any deficiencies in the monitoring systems (e.g. inappropriate filters, insufficient risk assessment or inadequate decision making).
B 37
On the basis of a risk assessment, prior AML/CFT Bank Examination Reports and a review of the financial institution's audit findings, select a sample of management’s research decisions to determine the following :
(i) Whether management decisions to file STR or not are supported and reasonable ; (ii) Whether documentation is adequate ; and (iii) Whether the decision process is completed and STRs are filed in a timely manner. On the basis of a risk assessment, prior AML/CFT Examination Reports and a review of the financial institution's audit findings, sample the STRs downloaded from the AML/CFT-reporting database or the financial institution's internal STR records. Review the quality of STR content to assess the following :
(i) STRs contain accurate information ;
(ii) STR narratives are complete and thorough, and clearly explain why the activity is suspicious ; and (iii) If STR narratives from the AML/CFT-reporting database are blank or contain language, such as see attached ensure that the financial institution is not mailing attachments to the database. On the basis of AML/CFT examination procedures completed, including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the ability of policies, procedures and processes to meet regulatory requirements associated with monitoring, detecting and reporting suspicious transaction.
3.8. OBJECTIVE
Assess the financial institution's compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements for “Special Information Sharing Procedures to Deter Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing”. ACTIVITY Information Sharing Between LEA and Financial Institutions Verify that the financial institution is currently receiving in full first Voluntary Information Sharing (VIS) requests from CBN/NFIU or from an affiliated financial institution that serves as the subject financial institution's point of contact. If the financial institution is not receiving information requests or changes in its information contact, the financial institution should update its information point of contact. Verify that the financial institution has sufficient policies, procedures and processes to document compliance; maintain sufficient internal controls; provide ongoing training; and independently test its compliance with AML/CFT Regulation
2009. The procedures should accomplish the following :
(i) Designate a point of contact for receiving information requests ; (ii) Ensure that the confidentiality of requested information is safeguarded ; Examination Procedures on Information Sharing.
B 38
(iii) Establish a process for responding to CBN/NFIU’s requests ; and (iv) Establish a process for determining whether STRs are rendered to NFIU within 7 days after the transactions in accordance with section 6(2) of MLPA, 2011. Determine whether the search policies, procedures and processes that the financial institution uses to respond to VIS requests are comprehensive and cover all records identified in the General Instructions Manual for such requests. The General Instructions Manual includes searching for accounts maintained by the named subject during the preceding 12 months and transactions conducted within the last six months. Financial institutions have seven (7) days from the transmission date of the request to respond to a VIS request. If the financial institution uses a third-party vendor to perform or facilitate searches, determine whether an agreement or procedures are in place to ensure confidentiality. Review the financial institution's internal controls and determine whether its documentation to evidence compliance with VIS requests is adequate. This documentation should include :
(i) Copies of VIS requests ;
(ii) A log that records the tracking numbers and includes a sign-off column ; and (iii) For VIS subject lists received, copies of the cover page of the requests, with a financial institution sign-off that the records were checked, the date of the search and search results (positive or negative) ; and (iii) Copies of generated search self-verification documents. For positive matches, copies of the form returned to CBN/NFIU and the supporting documentation should be retained. VOLUNTARY INFORMATION SHARING Determine whether the financial institution has decided to share information voluntarily. If so, verify that the financial institution has filed a notification form with CBN/NFIU and provides an effective date for the sharing of information that is within the previous 12 months. Verify that the financial institution has policies, procedures and processes for sharing information and receiving shared information. Financial institutions that choose to share information voluntarily should have policies, procedures and processes to document compliance; maintain adequate internal controls; provide ongoing training; and independently test its compliance with the relevant regulatory and statutory provisions. At a minimum, the procedures should :
(i) Designate a point of contact for receiving and providing information ;
B 39
(ii) Ensure the safeguarding and confidentiality of information received and information requested ; (iii) Establish a process for sending and responding to requests, including ensuring that other parties with whom the financial institution intends to share information (including affiliates) have filed the proper notice ; and (iv) Establish procedures for determining whether and when a STR should be filed. If the financial institution is voluntarily sharing information with other entities and is not following the outlined regulatory procedures, the Examiners are required to review the customer’s privacy rules. The Examiner should review the financial institution's documentation (including account analysis) on a sample of the information shared and received, evaluate how the financial institution determined whether a STR was warranted. They should note that the financial institution is not required to file STRs solely on the basis of information obtained through the voluntary information sharing process. In fact, the information obtained through the voluntary information sharing process may enable the financial institution to determine that no STR is required for transactions that may have initially appeared suspicious. The financial institution should have considered account activity in determining whether or not a STR was warranted. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of a risk assessment, prior examination reports and a review of the financial institution's audit findings, select a sample of positive matches or recent requests to determine whether the following requirements have been met :
(i) The financial institution's policies, procedures and processes enable it to search all of the records identified in the General Instructions Manual for VIS requests. Such processes may be electronic, manual or both. (ii) The financial institution searches appropriate records for each information request received. For positive matches, verify that a response was provided to CBN/NFIU within the designated time period. Review the financial institution's documentation (including account analysis) to evaluate how the financial institution determined whether a STR was warranted. Financial institutions are not required to file STRs solely on the basis of a match with a named subject; instead, account activity should be considered in determining whether a STR is warranted. Determine that the financial institution uses information only in the manner and for the purposes allowed and keeps information secure and confidential. On the basis of examination procedures completed, including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the ability of policies, procedures and processes to meet regulatory requirements associated with information sharing.
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3.9. OBJECTIVE
Assess the financial institution's compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements for the recording of information required for the purchase and sale of monetary instruments for currency in amounts of N5 million and above, N10 million and above for individuals and corporate entities respectively or US $10,000 and above or its equivalent. This section covers the regulatory requirements as set forth in sections 2 and 10 of the MLPA, 2011 and relevant provisions of the CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended). ACTIVITY Determine whether the financial institution maintains the required records contained in AML/CFT regulation, 2009 (as amended) including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses (in a manual or an automated system) for sales of its cheques or drafts including foreign drafts, cashier’s cheques, and traveler’s cheques for currency in amounts of US $1,000 and above (or its equivalent) to purchasers who have deposit accounts with it in compliance with the relevant provisions of AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended). Determine whether the financial institution's policies, procedures and processes permit currency sales of monetary instruments to purchasers who do not have deposit accounts with the institution (non-depositors). If so, determine whether the financial institution maintains the required records for sales of monetary instruments to non-depositors ; and if not permitted, determine whether the financial institution allows sales on an exception basis. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of a risk assessment, prior examination reports and a review of the financial institution's audit findings, select a sample of monetary instruments sold for currency in amounts of US $1,000 and above, inclusive to determine whether it obtains, verifies and retains the required records to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. On the basis of examination procedures completed (including transaction testing) form a conclusion about the ability of policies, procedures and processes in place to meet regulatory requirements associated with the purchase and sale of monetary instruments. On the basis of the previous conclusion and the risks associated with the financial institution's activity in this area, proceed to expanded-examination procedures, if necessary.
3.10. OBJECTIVE
Assess the financial institution's compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements for funds transfers. ACTIVITY This section covers the regulatory requirements as set forth in the CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) :
Examination
Procedures of Purchase and Sale of
Monetary
Instruments and RecordKeeping.
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(i) Verify that the financial institution obtains and maintains appropriate records ; (ii) Verify that the financial institution transmits payment information as required ; (iii) Verify that the financial institution files CTRs when an amount within the prescribed threshold is received or does not file in a funds transfer that exceeds USA $10,000 ; and (iv) If the financial institution sends or receives funds transfers to or from institutions in other countries, especially those with strict privacy and secrecy laws, assess whether the financial institution has policies, procedures and processes to determine whether the amounts, the frequency of the transfer and countries of origin or destination are consistent with the nature of the business or occupation of the customer. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of a risk assessment, prior examination reports and a review of the financial institution's audit findings, select a sample of funds transfers processed as an originator’s financial institution, an intermediary financial institution and a beneficiary’s financial institution to ensure the institution collects, maintains or transmits the required information, depending on the institution's role in the transfer. On the basis of examination procedures completed, including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the ability of policies, procedures and processes to meet regulatory requirements associated with funds transfers.
3.11. OBJECTIVE
Assess the financial institution's compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements on correspondent accounts, foreign shell banks, foreign correspondent account record- keeping and due diligence programs to detect and report money laundering and suspicious activity. ACTIVITY Determine whether or not the financial institution engages in foreign correspondent banking maintains foreign shell bank account and keeps foreign correspondent account record. If so, review the financial institution's policies, procedures and processes. At a minimum, policies, procedures and processes should accomplish the following :
(i) Prohibit dealings with foreign shell banks and specify the responsible party for obtaining, updating and managing certifications or information for foreign correspondent accounts ; (ii) Identify foreign correspondent accounts and address the sending, tracking, receiving and reviewing of certification requests or requests for information ; Examination Procedures of Foreign Correspondent Account RecordKeeping and Due Diligence.
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(iii) Evaluate the quality of information received in responses to certification requests or requests for information ; (iv) Determine whether and when a STR should be filed ; (v) Maintain sufficient internal controls ; (vi) Provide for ongoing training ; and (vii) Independently test the financial institution's compliance with related regulatory requirements. Determine whether the financial institution has a file on current certification or current information (that would otherwise include the information contained within a certification) for each foreign correspondent account to determine whether the foreign correspondent is not a foreign shell bank. If the financial institution has foreign branches, determine whether the financial institution has taken reasonable steps to ensure that any correspondent accounts maintained for its foreign branches are not used to indirectly provide banking services to a foreign shell bank. SPECIAL DUE DILIGENCE PROGRAM FOR FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT ACCOUNTS Determine whether or not the financial institution has established a general due diligence program that includes appropriate, specific, risk-based and (where necessary) enhanced policies, procedures and controls for respondent accounts established, maintained, administered or managed in Nigeria for foreign financial institutions ( foreign respondent account ). The general due diligence program must be applied to each foreign correspondent account. Verify that due diligence policies, procedures and controls include :
(i) Determining whether any foreign correspondent account is subject to EDD. (ii) Assessing the money laundering risks presented by the foreign correspondent account ; and (iii) Applying risk-based procedures and controls to each foreign correspondent account reasonably designed to detect and report known or suspected money laundering activity, including a periodic review of the correspondent account activity sufficient to determine consistency with information obtained about the type, purpose and anticipated activity of the account. Review the due diligence program’s policies, procedures and processes governing the AML risk assessment of foreign correspondent accounts. Verify that the financial institution's due diligence program considers the following factors (as appropriate) as criteria in the risk assessment :
(i) The nature of the foreign financial institution's business and the markets it serves ; (ii) The type, purpose and anticipated activity of the foreign correspondent account ;
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(iii) The nature and duration of the financial institution's relationship with the foreign financial institution and any of its affiliates ; (iv) The AML and supervisory regime of the jurisdiction that issued the charter or license to the foreign financial institution and (to the extent that information regarding such jurisdiction is reasonably available) of the jurisdiction in which any company that is an owner of the foreign financial institution is incorporated or chartered ; and (v) Information known or reasonably available to the financial institution about the foreign financial institution's AML record. Ensure the program is reasonably designed to :
(i) Detect and report (on an ongoing basis) known or suspected money laundering activity ; and (ii) Perform periodic reviews of correspondent account activity to determine consistency with the information obtained about the type, purpose and anticipated activity of the account. For foreign financial institutions subject to EDD, evaluate the criteria that the Nigerian financial institution uses to guard against money laundering in and report suspicious activity in connection with any correspondent accounts held by such foreign financial institutions. Verify that the EDD procedures are applied to each correspondent account established for foreign financial institutions operating under :
(i) An offshore banking licence ;
(ii) A banking licence issued by a foreign country that has been designated as non-cooperative with international AML principles or procedures by an inter-governmental group or organization of which Nigeria is a member, and with which Nigeria representative to the group or organization concurs its decision ; and (iii) A banking licence issued by a foreign country that has been designated by the CBN as warranting special measures due to AML concerns. (iv) Review the financial institution's policies, procedures and processes and determine whether they include reasonable steps for conducting enhanced scrutiny of foreign correspondent accounts to guard against money laundering and to identify and report any suspicious transactions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Verify that this enhanced scrutiny reflects the risk assessment of each foreign correspondent account that is subject to such scrutiny and includes, as appropriate :
(a) Obtain and consider information relating to the foreign financial institution's anti-money laundering program to assess the risk of money laundering presented by the foreign financial institution's correspondent account. (b) Monitor transactions to, from, or through the correspondent account in a manner reasonably designed to detect money laundering and suspicious activity.
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(c) Obtain information from the foreign financial institution about the identity of any person with authority to direct transactions through any correspondent account that is a payable through account, and the sources and beneficial owner of funds or other assets in the payable through account. Review the financial institution's policies, procedures and processes to determine whether foreign correspondent financial institutions subject to EDD maintain correspondent accounts for other foreign financial institutions. If so, determine whether the financial institution's policies, procedures and processes include reasonable steps to obtain information relevant to assess and mitigate money laundering risks associated with the foreign correspondent financial institution's correspondent accounts for other foreign financial institutions, including (as appropriate) the identity of those foreign financial institutions. Determine whether policies, procedures and processes require the financial institution to take reasonable steps to identify each of the owners with the power to vote 10 percent or more of any class of securities of a non-public traded foreign correspondent financial institution for which it opens or maintains an account that is subject to EDD. For such accounts, evaluate the financial institution's policies, procedures and processes to determine each of such owner’s interest. TRANSACTION TESTING Foreign Shell Bank Prohibition and Foreign Correspondent Account Record keeping. On the basis of a risk assessment, prior examination reports and a review of the financial institution's audit findings, select a sample of foreign financial institution accounts. From the sample selected, determine the following :
(i) Whether certifications and information on the accounts are complete and reasonable ; (ii) Whether the financial institution has adequate documentation to evidence that it does not maintain accounts for or indirectly provide services to foreign shell bank ; (iii) For account closures, whether closures were made within two (2) weeks and that the relationship was not re-established without sufficient reason ; (iv) Whether there are any LEA requests for information regarding foreign correspondent accounts. If so, ascertain that requests are met within two (2) weeks ; (v) Whether the financial institution received any official notifications to close a foreign financial institution account. If so, ascertain that the accounts were closed within ten business days ; (vi) Whether the financial institution retains (for five years from the date of account closure) the original of any document provided by a foreign financial institution, as well as the original or a copy of any document relied on in relation to any summons or subpoena of the foreign financial institution issued ; and
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(vii) The adequacy of the Special Due Diligence Program for Foreign Correspondent Accounts. From a sample selected, determine whether the financial institution consistently follows its general due diligence policies, procedures and processes for foreign correspondent accounts. It may be necessary to expand the sample to include correspondent accounts maintained for foreign financial institutions other than foreign financial institutions (such as money transmitters or currency exchangers), as appropriate. From the original sample, determine whether the financial institution has implemented EDD procedures for foreign financial institutions operating under :
(i) An offshore banking licence ;
(ii) A banking licence issued by a foreign country designated by FATF or any such authority as non-cooperative with international AML principles or procedures ; and (iii) A banking licence issued by a foreign country designated by the CBN as warranting special measures due to AML concerns ; From a sample of accounts that are subject to EDD, verify that the financial institution has taken reasonable steps, in accordance with the financial institution's policies, procedures and processes to :
(a) Determine, for any such foreign financial institution whose shares are not publicly traded, the identity of each of the owners of the foreign financial institution with the power to vote 10 percent or more of any class of securities of the financial institution, and the nature and extent of the ownership interest of each such owner ; (b) Conduct enhanced scrutiny of any accounts held by such financial institutions to guard against money laundering and report suspicious activity ; and (c) Determine whether or not such foreign financial institution provides correspondent accounts to other foreign financial institutions. If so, obtain information relevant to assess and mitigate money laundering risks associated with the foreign financial institution's correspondent accounts for other foreign financial institutions, including, as appropriate, the identity of those foreign financial institutions. On the basis of examination procedures completed, including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes to meet regulatory requirements associated with foreign correspondent account record keeping and due diligence. On the basis of the previous conclusion and the risks associated with the financial institution's activity in this area, proceed to expanded examination procedures, if necessary.
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3.12. OBJECTIVE
Assess the financial institution's compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements to implement policies, procedures and controls to detect and report money laundering and suspicious activity through private banking accounts established, administered or maintained for Nigerian/non-Nigeria persons. ACTIVITY Determine whether the financial institution offers private banking accounts in accordance with the regulatory definition of a private banking account. A private banking account means an account (or any combination of accounts) maintained at a financial institution covered by the regulation that satisfies all three of the following criteria :
(i) Requires a minimum aggregate deposit of funds or other assets of not less than USA $50,000 or its equivalent ; (ii) Is established on behalf of or for the benefit of one or more Nigerian/ non-Nigerian persons who are direct or beneficial owners of the account ; and (iii) Is assigned to, or is administered or managed by, in whole or in part, an officer, employee, or agent of the financial institution acting as a liaison between the financial institution and the direct or beneficial owner of the account. If an account satisfies the last two criteria in the definition of a private banking account as described above, but the institution does not require a minimum balance of USA $50,000 or its equivalent, then the account does not qualify as a private banking account under this rule. However, the account is subject to the internal controls and risk-based due diligence included in the institution's general AML Compliance program. Determine whether the financial institution has implemented due diligence policies, procedures and controls for private banking accounts established, maintained, administered, or managed in Nigeria by the financial institution for Nigerian/non-Nigerian persons. Determine whether the policies, procedures and controls are reasonably designed to detect and report any known or suspected money laundering or suspicious activity conducted through or involving any private banking account. Review the financial institution's policies, procedures and controls to assess whether the financial institution's due diligence program includes reasonable steps to :
(i) Ascertain the identity of the nominal and beneficial owners of a private banking account ; (ii) Ascertain whether any nominal or beneficial owner of a private banking account is a senior local/foreign political figure ; (iii) Ascertain the source(s) of funds deposited into a private banking account and the purpose and expected use of the private banking accounts ; and Examination Procedures of Private Banking Due Diligence Program (Nigerian/ Non-Nigeria Persons).
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(iv) Review the activity of the account to ensure that it is consistent with the information obtained about the client‘s source of funds and with the stated purpose and expected use of the account, as needed, to guard against money laundering and to report any known or suspected money laundering or suspicious activity conducted to, from, or through a private banking accounts. Review the financial institution's policies, procedures and controls for performing enhanced scrutiny to assess whether they are reasonably designed to detect and report transactions that may involve the proceeds of local/foreign corruption for which a senior political figure is a nominal or beneficial owner. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of a risk assessment, prior examination reports and a review of the financial institution's audit findings, select a sample of customer files to determine whether the financial institution has ascertained the identity of the nominal and beneficial owners of, and the source of funds deposited into private banking accounts. From the sample selected, determine whether the :
(i) Financial institution's procedures comply with internal policies and statutory requirements ; (ii) Financial institution has followed its procedures governing risk assessment of private banking accounts ; and (iii) Financial institution performs enhanced scrutiny of private banking accounts for which senior foreign political figures are nominal or beneficial owners, consistent with its policy, regulatory guidance, and statutory requirements. On the basis of examination procedures completed, including transaction testing form a conclusion about the ability of policies, procedures and processes to meet regulatory requirements associated with private banking due diligence programs.
3.13. Objective
Assess the financial institution's compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. ACTIVITY Determine the extent of the financial institution's international banking activities and the foreign jurisdictions in which the financial institution conducts transactions and activities with particular emphasis on foreign correspondent banking and payable through accounts. As applicable, determine whether the financial institution has established policies, procedures and processes to respond to specific special measures imposed by regulators that are applicable to its operations. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes for detecting accounts or transactions within jurisdictions, financial institutions or transactions subject to final special measures. Determine, through discussions with management and review of the financial institution's documentation, whether the financial institution has taken action in response to final special measures. Examination Procedures of Special Measures
B 48
TRANSACTION TESTING
Determine all final special measures issued by regulators that are applicable to the financial institution. For any of the first four types of special measures, determine whether the financial institution obtained, recorded or reported the information required by each particular special measure. For the fifth special measure (prohibition), determine whether the financial institution complied with the prohibitions or restrictions required by each particular special measure and complied with any other actions required by the special measures. As necessary, search the financial institution's MIS and other appropriate records for accounts or transactions with jurisdictions, financial institutions or transactions subject to final special measures. On the basis of examination procedures completed, including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the ability of policies, procedures and processes to meet regulatory requirements associated with special measures.
3.14. OBJECTIVE
Assess the financial institution's compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements for the reporting of foreign financial institution and financial accounts. ACTIVITY Determine whether the financial institution has a financial interest in, or signature or other authority over the financial institution, securities, or other financial accounts in a foreign country, as well as whether the financial institution is required to file a Report of Foreign Financial Institution and Financial Accounts. If applicable, review the financial institution's policies, procedures and processes for filing annual reports. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of a risk assessment, prior examination reports and a review of the financial institution's audit findings, select a sample of accounts to determine whether the financial institution has appropriately completed, submitted and retained copies of returns. On the basis of examination procedures completed, including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the ability of policies, procedures and processes to meet regulatory requirements.
3.15. OBJECTIVE
Assess the financial institution's compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements for the reporting of international shipments of currency or monetary instruments. ACTIVITY Determine whether the financial institution has (or has caused to be) physically transported, mailed or shipped currency or other monetary instruments Examination Procedures Foreign Financial Institution and Financial Accounts Reporting. Examination Procedures of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments Reporting.
B 49 in excess of US $10,000, at one time, out of Nigeria or whether the financial institution has received currency or other monetary instruments in excess of US $10,000, at one time that has been physically transported, mailed or shipped into Nigeria. If applicable, review the financial institution's policies, procedures and processes for filing a Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments for each shipment of currency or other monetary instruments in excess of USA $10,000 out of or into Nigeria (including shipments sent through the postal service, common carrier, etc). TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of a risk assessment, prior examination reports and a review of the financial institution's audit findings, select a sample of transactions conducted after the previous examination to determine whether the financial institution has appropriately completed, submitted and retained copies of the reports. On the basis of examination procedures completed, including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the ability of policies, procedures and processes to meet regulatory requirements associated with these reports.
3.16. OBJECTIVE
Assess the structure and management of the financial institution's AML/ CFT Compliance Program and (if applicable) its consolidated or partially consolidated approach to AML/CFT compliance. An AML/CFT Compliance Program may be structured in a variety of ways and an Examiner should perform procedures based on the structure of the institution. Completion of these procedures may require communication with peer regulators. Activity Review the structure and management of the AML/CFT Compliance Program. Communicate with peer regulators, if necessary, to confirm their understanding of the institution's AML/CFT Compliance Program. This approach promotes consistent supervision and lessens regulatory burden for financial institution. Determine the extent to which the structure of the AML/CFT Compliance Program affects the institution being examined, by considering:
(i) The existence of consolidated or partially consolidated operations or functions responsible for day-to-day AML/CFT operations, including, but not limited to, the centralization of suspicious transaction monitoring and reporting, Currency Transaction Reporting (CTR) or record keeping activities ; (ii) The consolidation of operational units dedicated to and responsible for monitoring transactions across activities, business lines or legal entities. Assess the variety and extent of information that data or transaction obtained from sources such as banks/other financial institutions, broker/dealers, trust companies, corporations, insurance companies, or foreign branches are taken into consideration in the monitoring and reporting systems ; Examination Procedures for AML/ CFT Compliance Program Structures.
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(iii) The extent to which the financial institution (or a corporate-level unit, such as audit or compliance) performs regular independent testing of AML/ CFT activities ; and (iv) Whether (and to what extent) the institution sponsors AML/CFT training. Review testing for AML/CFT compliance throughout the financial institution, as applicable, and identify program deficiencies. Review board minutes to determine the adequacy of MIS and of reports provided to the board of directors. Ensure that the board of directors has received appropriate notification of STRs filed. Review policies, procedures, processes and risk assessments formulated and implemented by the institution's board of directors, a board committee thereof or senior management. As part of this review, assess effectiveness of the institution's ability to perform the following responsibilities :
(i) Manage the AML/CFT Compliance Program and provide adequate oversight ; (ii) Set and communicate corporate standards that reflect the expectations of the institution's board of directors and provide for clear allocation of AML/ CFT compliance responsibilities ; (iii) Promptly identify and effectively measure, monitor and control key risks throughout the institution ; (iv) Develop an adequate risk assessment and the policies, procedures and processes to comprehensively manage those risks ; (v) Develop procedures for evaluation, approval and oversight of risk limits, new business initiatives and strategic changes ; (vi) Oversee the compliance of subsidiaries with applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., country and industry requirements) ; (v) Oversee the compliance of subsidiaries with the requirements of the AML/CFT Compliance Program ; and (vii) Identify weaknesses in the AML/CFT Compliance Program and implement necessary and timely corrective action at both the institutional and subsidiary levels. To ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, review the financial institution's procedures for monitoring and filing of STRs. Once the Examiners have completed the above procedures, they should discuss their findings with the following parties, as appropriate :
(i) Examiner in charge ;
(ii) Person (or persons) responsible for on-going supervision of the institution and subsidiary financial institutions, as appropriate ; (iii) Corporate management ; and
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(iv) On the basis of examination procedures completed, form a conclusion about the adequacy of the AML/CFT Compliance Program structures and management including, if applicable, the effectiveness of the consolidated or partially consolidated approach to compliance. When this approach is taken, Examiners must identify which portions of the AML/CFT Compliance Program are parts of the consolidated AML/CFT Compliance Program. This information is critical when scoping and planning an AML/CFT examination. When evaluating a consolidated AML/CFT Compliance Program for adequacy, the Examiner should determine reporting lines and how each affiliate, subsidiary, business line and jurisdiction fit into the overall compliance structure. This should include an assessment of how clearly the roles and responsibilities are communicated across the financial institution. The Examiner also should assess how effectively the financial institution or entire organization monitors AML/CFT compliance throughout the organization, including how well the consolidated and non-consolidated AML/CFT Compliance Program capture relevant data from subsidiaries. The evaluation of a consolidated AML/CFT Compliance Program should take into consideration available information about the adequacy of the individual subsidiaries AML/CFT Compliance Program. Regardless of the decision to implement a consolidated AML/CFT Compliance Program in whole or in part, the program should ensure that all affiliates, including those operating within foreign jurisdictions meet their applicable regulatory requirements. For example, an audit program implemented solely on a consolidated basis that does not conduct appropriate transaction testing at all subsidiaries subject to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, CBN AML/CFT Regulation 2009 (as amended), etc would not be sufficient to meet regulatory requirements for independent testing for those subsidiaries.
3.17. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with parallel banking relationships, and the management’s ability to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Determine whether parallel banking relationships exist through discussions with management or by reviewing inter-party activities involving the financial institution and another foreign financial institution. Review the policies, procedures and processes related to parallel banking relationships. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s parallel banking activities and the risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. Determine whether there are any conflicts of interest or differences in policies, procedures and processes between parallel banking relationships and Examination Procedures of Parallel Banking
B 52 other foreign correspondent bank/other financial institution relationships. Particular consideration should be given to funds transfer, pouch and payable through activities because these activities are more vulnerable to money laundering. If the financial institution engages in any of these activities, Examiners should consider completing applicable expanded examination procedures that address each of these topics. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors parallel banking relationships, particularly those that pose a higher-risk for money laundering. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring parallel banking relationships for STRs, and for reporting suspicious transaction is adequate given the FI’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its parallel banking activities, as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of higher-risk activities from parallel banking relationships (e.g., foreign correspondent banking, funds transfer, payable through accounts and pouch). Consider the location of the foreign parallel financial institution. If the jurisdiction is higher risk, Examiners should review a larger sample of transactions between the two institutions. Financial institutions doing business with parallel foreign banking organizations in countries not designated as higher risk may still require EDD, but that determination will be based on the size, nature and type of the transactions between the institutions. On the basis of examination procedures completed, including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with parallel banking organizations. Focus on whether controls exist to ensure independent and arm’s-length dealings between the two entities. If significant concerns are raised about the relationship between the two entities, recommend that this information be forwarded to the appropriate supervisory authorities.
3.18. EXAMINATION PROCEDURES OF CORRESPONDENT ACCOUNTS (DOMESTIC)
OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the ML/FT risks associated with offering domestic correspondent account relationships, and ability of the management to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures, processes and any financial institution’s service agreements related to domestic correspondent banking relationships. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s domestic correspondent accounts and the risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. Expanded Examination Overview and Procedures for Products and Services.
B 53
From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the bank has identified any domestic correspondent banking activities as higher risk. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring domestic correspondent accounts for suspicious transactions and for reporting such suspicious transactions are adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s review of respondent accounts with unusual or higher-risk activity, its risk assessment and prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of respondents’ accounts. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Review financial institution statements for domestic correspondent accounts ; (ii) Review large or unusual transactions to determine their nature. As necessary, obtain and review copies of credit or debit advices and other supporting documentation ; and (iii) Note any currency shipments or deposits made on behalf of a respondent financial institution‘s customer. Based on this information determine whether :
(a) Currency shipments are adequately documented ; (b) The respondent financial institution has performed due diligence on customers that conduct large currency transactions ; and (c) CTRs are properly filed and transaction is commensurate with how it is expected. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes that are associated with domestic correspondent financial institution‘s relationships.
3.19. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the Nigerian financial institution’s systems to manage the ML/FT risks associated with foreign correspondent banking and ability of the management to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. This section expands the earlier core review of statutory and regulatory requirements of foreign correspondent account relationships in order to provide a broader assessment of the ML/FT risks associated with this activity. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to foreign correspondent financial institution account relationships. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the Nigerian financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From a review of MIS and internal risk-rating factors, determine whether the Nigerian financial institution effectively identifies and monitors foreign Examination Procedures of Correspondent Accounts (Foreign).
B 54 correspondent financial institution account relationships, particularly those that pose a higher risk for money laundering. If the Nigerian financial institution has a standardized foreign correspondent agreement, review a sample agreement to determine whether each party‘s responsibilities, products and services provided and allowable third party usage of the correspondent account are covered under the contractual arrangement. If the Nigerian financial institution does not have a standardized agreement, refer to the transaction testing examination procedures. Determine whether the Nigerian financial institution‘s system for monitoring foreign correspondent financial institution account relationships for suspicious transactions and for reporting such suspicious transactions are adequate, given the Nigerian financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the Nigerian financial institution’s risk assessment of its foreign correspondent activities as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of higher-risk foreign correspondent financial institution account relationships. The higher-risk sample should include relationships with foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that do not cooperate with international AML/CFT efforts and in other jurisdictions that the Nigerian financial institution has determined to pose a higher risk. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Review a foreign correspondent agreement or contract that delineates each party‘s responsibilities and the products and services provided ; (ii) Review Nigerian financial institution’s statements for foreign correspondent accounts and as necessary, specific transaction details. Compare expected transactions with actual activity ; (iii) Determine whether actual activity is consistent with the nature of the customer‘s business. Identify any unusual or suspicious transaction ; (iv) Review large or unusual transactions to determine their nature. As necessary, obtain and review copies of credit or debit advices, general ledger tickets and other supporting documentation ; and (v) Analyze transactions to identify behavior indicative of nested accounts, intermediary or clearing agent services or other services for third-party foreign financial institutions that have not been clearly identified. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with foreign correspondent financial institution relationships.
3.20. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the Nigerian financial institution’s systems to manage the ML/FT risks associated with receiving bulk shipments of currency, and ability Examination Procedures of Bulk Shipments of Currency.
B 55 of the management to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Determine whether the financial institution receives shipments of bulk currency. Review for adequacy the policies, procedures and processes related to receiving shipments of bulk currency, given the activity and the risks presented. Review the list of currency originators and intermediaries that send bulk currency shipments to the financial institution. Determine whether management has assessed the risks associated with receiving bulk currency shipments from particular currency originators and intermediaries. Consider the source of the currency originator’s or intermediary’s currency and the reasonableness of transaction volumes. Assess the adequacy of the risk-assessment methodology. From a review of MIS and internal risk-rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors relationships with currency originators and intermediaries, particularly those that pose a higher risk for money laundering or terrorist financing. If the financial institution has a standardized agreement or contract with currency originators or intermediaries, review a sample agreement or contract to determine whether each party’s responsibilities, products and services provided allow third-party usage of the relationship, including the parties’ AML/CFT responsibilities are covered. If the financial institution does not have a standardized agreement or contract, refer to the transaction testing examination procedures below. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring and reporting suspicious transactions related to shipping relationships and transactions is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. Determine whether the financial institution is monitoring expected or actual shipping volumes and taking action in response to unusual or inordinate increase in volumes. TRANSACTION TESTING Based on the financial institution’s risk assessment of its relationships with currency originators and intermediaries, as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of currency originators or intermediaries and recent bulk currency shipments. The sample should include relationships with currency originators and intermediaries located in or shipping from jurisdictions that may pose a higher risk for money laundering and terrorist financing, or that participate in businesses that may pose a higher risk for money laundering and terrorist financing. Preferably on an unannounced basis and over a period of several days, observe the process for accepting shipments of bulk currency. Review the records and the shipments for irregularities.
B 56
From the samples selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Review for completeness a relationship agreement or contract that delineates each party‘s responsibilities and the products and services provided. (ii) Review Nigeria bank‘s statements of accounts and, as necessary, specific transaction details ; (iii) Review vault control records for bulk currency shipment transactions (in and out) to identify large denomination activity as a result of small denomination exchanges ; (iv) Assess the reasonableness of customer due diligence and EDD information pertaining to the sampled currency originators and intermediaries ; (v) Determine whether the nature, volume and frequency of activity is consistent with the expectations associated with the currency originator and intermediary ; (vi) Discuss with financial institution management any inconsistencies identified. As necessary, obtain and review copies of credit or debit advices, general ledger tickets and other supporting documentation ; (vii) Review unusual transactions and customer due diligence information to determine if transactions are potentially suspicious ; and (viii) Discuss preliminary findings and conclusions with the management of the financial institution. If the currency originator or intermediary, or the referral agent who works for the currency originator or intermediary has an account with the financial institution, review a sample of account activity. Based on the examination procedures completed, including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with the bulk shipment of currency.
3.21. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the ML/FT risks associated with foreign currency denominated drafts, and management‘s ability to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to foreign currency denominated drafts. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s foreign currency denominated draft activities and the risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. Determine whether policies address the following :
(i) Criteria for allowing a financial institution to issue foreign currency denominated drafts (e.g., jurisdiction, products, services and target markets, purpose of account and anticipated activity, customer history and other available information) ; Examination Procedures of Foreign Currency Denominated Drafts.
B 57
(ii) Identification of unusual transactions (e.g., structuring transactions or the purchase of multiple sequentially numbered foreign currency denominated drafts to the same payee) ; and (iii) Criteria for ceasing foreign currency denominated draft issuance through a foreign financial institution. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors higher-risk foreign currency denominated draft accounts. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring foreign currency denominated draft accounts for suspicious transactions, and for reporting suspicious transactions is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. Obtain a list of the financial institution’s correspondent accounts in which foreign currency denominated drafts are offered. Review the volume by number and currency amount of monthly transactions for each account. Determine whether management has appropriately assessed risk. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its foreign currency denominated draft transactions as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of foreign correspondent financial institution’s accounts in which foreign currency denominated drafts are processed. In the sample selected, include accounts with a high volume of foreign currency denominated draft transactions and perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Review transactions for sequentially numbered foreign currency denominated drafts to the same payee or from the same remitter and research any unusual or suspicious foreign currency denominated draft transactions ; (ii) Review the financial institution’s contracts and agreements with foreign correspondent financial institutions ; (iii) Determine the contracts address procedures for processing and clearing foreign currency denominated drafts ; and (iv) Verify that the financial institution has obtained and reviewed information about the foreign financial institution’s home country AML/CFT regulatory requirements (e.g., customer identification and suspicious transaction reporting). On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with foreign currency denominated drafts.
3.22. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with Payable Through Accounts (PTA), and ability of the management to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems. Examination Procedures of Payable Through Accounts.
B 58
ACTIVITY
Review the policies, procedures and processes related to PTAs. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s PTA activities and the risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. Determine whether :
(i) Criteria for opening PTA relationships with a foreign financial institution are adequate. Examples of factors that may be used include jurisdiction, products, services, markets, purpose, anticipated activity, customer history, ownership, senior management, certificate of incorporation, banking license, certificate of good standing and demonstration of the foreign financial institution’s operational capability to monitor account activity ; (ii) Appropriate information has been obtained and validated from the foreign financial institution concerning the identity of any persons having authority to direct transactions through the PTA ; (iii) Information and EDD have been obtained from the foreign financial institution concerning the source and beneficial ownership of funds of persons who have authority to direct transactions through the PTA (e.g., name, address, expected activity level, place of employment, description of business, related accounts, identification of foreign politically exposed persons, source of funds and articles of incorporation) ; (iv) Sub-accounts are not opened before the Nigerian financial institution has reviewed and approved the customer information ; (v) Master or sub-accounts can be closed if the information provided to the financial institution has been materially inaccurate or incomplete ; and (vi) The financial institution can identify all signatories on each sub-account. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors PTAs. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring PTAs for suspicious activities and reporting suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. To assess the volume of risk and determine whether adequate resources are allocated to the oversight and monitoring activity, obtain a list of foreign correspondent financial institution accounts in which PTAs are offered and request MIS reports that show :
(i) The number of sub-accounts within each PTA ; and (ii) The volume and Naira amount of monthly transactions for each subaccount. Verify that the financial institution has obtained and reviewed information concerning the foreign financial institution’s home country AML/CFT regulatory requirements (e.g., customer identification requirements and suspicious transaction
B 59 reporting) and considered these requirements when reviewing PTAs. Determine whether the financial institution has ensured that subaccount agreements comply with any AML/CFT statutory and regulatory requirements existing in the foreign financial institution’s home country. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its PTA activities as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of PTAs. From the sample, review the contracts or agreements with the foreign financial institution and determine whether the contracts or agreements :
(i) Clearly outline the contractual responsibilities of both the Nigerian financial institution and the foreign financial institution ; (ii) Define PTA and subaccount opening procedures and require an independent review and approval process when opening the account ; (iii) Require the foreign financial institution to comply with its Nigeria/local AML/CFT requirements ; (iv) Restrict sub-accounts from being opened by finance companies, funds remitters or other non-bank financial institutions ; (v) Prohibit multi-tier sub-account holders ; (vi) Provide for proper controls over currency deposits and withdrawals by sub-account holders and ensure that CTRs have been appropriately filed ; (vii) Provide for Naira limits on each sub-account holder‘s transactions that are consistent with expected account activity ; (viii) Contain documentation requirements that are consistent with those used for opening domestic accounts at the Nigerian financial system ; (ix) Provide the Nigeria financial institution with the ability to review information concerning the identity of sub-account holders (e.g., directly or through a trusted third party) ; (x) Required the foreign financial institution to monitor subaccount activities for unusual or suspicious activity and report findings to the Nigerian financial institution ; and (xi) Allow the Nigerian financial institution, as permitted by local laws, to audit the foreign financial institution’s PTA operations and to access PTA documents. Review PTA master-account of the financial institution’s statements. The Examiner should determine the time period based upon the size and complexity of the financial institution. The statements chosen should include frequent transactions and those of large Naira amounts. Verify the statements to the general ledger and bank reconciliations. Note any currency shipments or deposits made at the Nigerian financial institution on behalf of an individual sub-account holder for credit to the customer‘s subaccount.
B 60
From the sample selected, review each sub account holder’s identifying information and related transactions for a period of time as determined by the Examiner. Evaluate PTA sub account holders’ transactions. Determine whether the transactions are consistent with expected transactions or warrant further research. The sample should include sub account holders with significant dollar activity. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with PTAs.
3.23. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the ML/FT risks associated with pouch activities and the management‘s ability to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Determine whether the financial institution has incoming or outgoing pouch activity and whether the activity is via carrier or courier. Review the policies, procedures and processes, and any contractual agreements related to pouch activities. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures, and processes given the financial institution’s pouch activities and the risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors pouch activities. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring pouch activities for suspicious transactions and for reporting suspicious transactions is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. Review the list of financial institution customers permitted to use pouch services (incoming and outgoing). Determine whether management has assessed the ML/FT risk of the customers permitted to use this service. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s ML/FT risk assessment of its pouch activities as well as prior examination and audit reports, and recent activity records, select a sample of daily pouches for review. Preferably on an unannounced basis and over a period of several days, not necessarily consecutive, observe the pouch opening and the data capture process for items contained in a sample of incoming pouches, and observe the preparation of outgoing pouches. Review the records and the pouch contents for currency, monetary instruments, bearer securities, prepaid cards, gems, art, illegal substances or contraband, or other items that should not ordinarily appear in a financial institution’s pouch. Examination Procedures of Pouch Activities.
B 61
If the courier or the referral agent who works for the courier has an account with the financial institution, review an appropriate sample of his account activity. On the basis of examination procedures completed, including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with pouch activity.
3.24. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the ML/FT risks associated with electronic banking (e-banking) customers, including Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) activity and management‘s ability to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems in compliance with CBN‘s circulars on e-banking. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to e-banking. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s e-banking activities and the ML/FT risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors higher-risk e-banking activities. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring ebanking for suspicious transactions and for reporting suspicious transactions is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. Transaction Testing On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its e-banking activities as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of e-banking accounts. From the sample selected, perform the following procedures :
(i) Review account opening documentation and KYC requirements, ongoing CDD and transaction history ; (ii) Compare expected activity with actual activity ; and (iii) Determine whether the transaction is consistent with the nature of the customer‘s business. Identify any unusual or suspicious transaction. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with e-banking relationships.
3.25. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with funds transfers and the management‘s ability to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems. Examination Procedures on Electronic Banking. Examination Procedures of Funds Transfers.
B 62
This section expands the core review of the statutory and regulatory requirements of funds transfers to provide a broader assessment of ML/FT risks associated with this activity. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to funds transfers. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s funds transfer activities and the risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors funds transfer activities. Evaluate the financial institution’s risks related to funds transfer activities by analyzing the frequency and currency volume of funds transfers, jurisdictions and the financial institution’s role in the funds transfer process (e.g., whether it is the originator’s bank or financial institution, intermediary financial institution or beneficiary’s financial institution). These factors should be evaluated in relation to the financial institution’s size, its location and the nature of its customer and correspondent account relationships. Determine whether an audit trail of funds transfer activities exists. Determine whether an adequate separation of duties or other compensating controls are in place to ensure proper authorization for sending and receiving funds transfers and for correcting postings to accounts. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring funds transfers and for reporting suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. Determine whether suspicious activity monitoring and reporting systems include :
(i) Funds transfers purchased with currency ; (ii) Transactions in which the financial institution is acting as an intermediary ; (iii) All SWIFT message formats ; (iv) Transactions in which the financial institution is originating or receiving funds transfers from foreign financial institutions, particularly to or from jurisdictions with strict privacy and secrecy laws or those identified as higher risk ; and (v) Frequent currency deposits or funds transfers and then subsequent transfers, particularly to a larger institution or out of the country. Review the financial institution’s procedures for cross-border funds transfers as follows :
(i) Determine whether the financial institution processes its foreign correspondent banking activity with due diligence. Review and evaluate the transparency practices of the financial institution’s correspondents in cross-
B 63 border funds transfers through the institutions. For example, whether correspondents are appropriately utilizing the MT message format) ; (ii) As applicable and if not already performed, review the financial institution’s procedures to ensure compliance with the Travel Rule, including appropriate use of the MT format ; (iii) Assess the financial institution’s policies for cooperation with its correspondents when they request the bank or financial institution to provide information about parties involved in funds transfers ; (iv) Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s procedures for addressing isolated as well as repeated instances where payment information received from a correspondent is missing, manifestly meaningless or incomplete or suspicious ; (v) Determine the financial institution’s procedures for Payable Upon Proper Identification (PUPID) transactions ; (vi) Determine how the beneficiary bank or other financial institution disburses the proceeds (i.e., by currency or official cheques) L and (vii) Determine how the originating bank or other financial institution allows PUPID funds transfers for non-customers and the type of funds accepted (i.e., by currency or official check). TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of funds transfer activities as well as prior AML/CFT Bank Examination and Audit Reports, select a sample of higher-risk funds transfer activities, which may include the following :
(i) Funds transfers purchased with currency ; (ii) Transactions in which the financial institution is acting as an intermediary, such as cover payments ; (iii) Transactions in which the financial institution is originating or receiving funds transfers from foreign financial institutions, particularly to or from jurisdictions with strict privacy and secrecy laws or those identified as higher risk ; and (iv) PUPID transactions. From the sample selected, analyze funds transfers to determine whether the amounts, frequency and jurisdictions of origin or destination are consistent with the nature of the business or occupation of the customer. In addition, for funds transfers processed using various message formats, review the sample of messages to determine whether the financial institution has used the appropriate message formats and has included complete originator and beneficiary information (e.g., no missing or meaningless information). On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with funds transfer activity.
B 64
3.26. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the bank’s/other financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with Automated Clearing House (ACH), International ACH Transactions (IAT) and the management’s ability to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to ACH transactions including IATs. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s ACH transactions, including IATs and the risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors higher-risk customers using ACH transactions, including IATs. Evaluate the financial institution’s risks related to ACH transactions including IATs by analyzing the frequency, volume and types of ACH transactions in relation to the financial institution’s size, its location, the nature of its customer account relationships, and the location of the origin or destination of IATs relative to the financial institution’s location. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring customers, including third-party service providers (TPSP) using ACH transactions and IATs for suspicious activities and for reporting of suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. Determine whether internal control systems include :
(i) Identifying customers with frequent and large ACH transactions or IATs ; (ii) Monitor ACH detail activity when the batch-processed transactions are separated for other purposes (e.g., processing errors) ; (iii) As appropriate, identify and apply increased due diligence to higherrisk customers who originate or receive IATs, particularly when a party to the transaction is located in a higher-risk geographic location ; and (iv) Using methods to track, review and investigate customer complaints or unauthorized returns regarding possible fraudulent or duplicate ACH transactions, including IATs. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of customers with ACH transactions as well as prior AML/CFT Bank Examination and Audit Reports, select a sample of higher-risk customers, including TPSPs with ACH transactions or IATs which may include the following :
(i) Customers initiating ACH transactions, including IATs from the internet or via telephone, particularly from an account opened on the internet or via the telephone without face-to-face interaction ; Examination Procedures of Automated Clearing House Transactions.
B 65
(ii) Customers whose business or occupation does not warrant the volume or nature of ACH or international transfer activity ; (iii) Customers who have been involved in the origination or receipt of duplicate or fraudulent ACH transactions or international transfer ; and (iv) Customers or originators (clients of customers) that are generating a high rate or high volume of invalid account returns, consumer unauthorized returns or other unauthorized transactions. From the sample selected, analyze ACH transactions including IATs to determine whether the amounts, frequency and jurisdictions of origin or destination are consistent with the nature of the business or occupation of the customer. A review of the account opening documentation including CIP documentation may be necessary in making these determinations. Identify any suspicious or unusual activity. On the basis of the examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with ACH transactions and international transfers.
3.27. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with electronic cash (e-cash), including prepaid cards and the management‘s ability to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to e-cash, including prepaid cards. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s e-cash activities, including prepaid cards and the risk they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors higher-risk e-cash transactions, including prepaid card transactions. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring e-cash transactions, including prepaid card transactions for suspicious activities and for reporting suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its e-cash activities including prepaid card activities, as well as prior AML/CFT Bank Examination and Audit Reports, select a sample of e-cash transactions. From the sample selected perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Review account opening documentation, including CIP, on-going CDD and transaction history ; (ii) Compare expected activity with actual activity ; Examination Procedures of Electronic Cash.
B 66
(iii) Determine whether the activity is consistent with the nature of the customer‘s business ; and (iv) Identify any unusual or suspicious activity. On the basis of AML/CFT examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with e-cash relationships.
3.27. Objective
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with its relationships with third-party payment processors, and the management‘s ability to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to third-party payment processors (processors). Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s processor activities and the risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors processor relationships, particularly those that pose a higher risk for money laundering. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring processor accounts for suspicious activities and for reporting suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its processor activities as well as prior AML/CFT Bank Examination and Audit Reports, select a sample of higher-risk processor accounts. From the sample selected :
(i) Review account opening documentation and on-going due diligence information ; (ii) Review account statements and, as necessary, specific transaction details to determine how expected transactions compare with actual activity ; (iii) Determine whether actual activity is consistent with the nature of the processor‘s stated activity ; (iv) Assess the controls concerning identification of high rates of unauthorized returns and the process in place to address compliance and fraud risks ; and (v) Identify any unusual or suspicious activity. On the basis of the AML/CFT examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with processor accounts. Examination Procedures of Thirdparty Payment Processors.
B 67
3.28. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with monetary instrument and the management‘s ability to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems. This section expands the core review of statutory and regulatory requirements for purchase and sale of monetary instruments in order to provide a broader assessment of the money laundering risks associated with this activity. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures, and processes related to the sale of monetary instruments. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s monetary instruments activities and the risks they present. Assess whether controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From the volume of sales and the number of locations that monetary instruments are sold, determine whether the financial institution appropriately manages the risk associated with monetary instrument sales. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring monetary instruments for suspicious activities and for reporting suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s volume of monetary instrument sales, size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. Determine whether suspicious activity monitoring and reporting systems (either manual or automated) include a review of :
(i) Sales of sequentially numbered monetary instruments from the same or different purchasers on the same day to the same payee ; (ii) Sales of monetary instruments to the same purchaser or sales of monetary instruments to different purchasers made payable to the same remitter ; (iii) Monetary instrument purchases by non-customers ; and (iv) Common purchasers, payees, addresses, sequentially numbered purchases and unusual symbols. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment, as well as prior RBS AML/CFT Bank Examination and Audit Reports, select a sample of monetary instrument transactions for both customers and non-customers from :
(i) Monetary instrument sales records ; and (ii) Copies of cleared monetary instruments purchased with currency. From the sample selected, analyze transaction information to determine whether amounts, the frequency of purchases and payees are consistent with expected activity for customers or non-customers (e.g., payments to utilities or household purchases). Identify any suspicious or unusual activity. Examination Procedures of Purchase and Sale of Monetary Instruments.
B 68
On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with monetary instruments.
3.29. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with brokered deposit relationships and the management‘s ability to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to deposit broker relationships. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s deposit broker activities and the risks that they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the bank effectively identifies and monitors deposit broker relationships, particularly those that pose a higher risk for money laundering. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring deposit broker relationships for suspicious activities and for reporting suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its brokered deposit activities as well as prior AML/CFT Bank Examination and Audit Reports, select a sample of higher-risk deposit broker accounts. When selecting a sample, Examiners should consider the following :
(i) New relationships with deposit brokers ; (ii) The method of generating funds (e.g., internet brokers) ; (iii) Types of customers (e.g., non-resident or offshore customers, politically exposed persons or foreign shell banks or other financial institution) ; (iv) A deposit broker that has appeared in the financial institution’s STRs ; (v) Subpoenas served on the financial institution for a particular deposit broker ; (vi) Foreign funds providers ; and (vii) Unusual activity. Review the customer due diligence information on the deposit broker. For deposit brokers who are considered higher risk (e.g., they solicit foreign funds or market via the internet or are independent brokers) assess whether the following information is available :
Examination
Procedures of Brokered
Deposits.
B 69
Background and references.
(i) Business and marketing methods ;
(ii) Client-acceptance and due diligence practices ; (iii) The method for or basis of the broker‘s compensation or bonus programme ; (iv) The broker‘s source of funds ; and (v) Anticipated activity or transaction types and levels (e.g., funds transfers). On the basis of RBS AML/CFT examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with deposit brokers.
3.30. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with both networking and in-house Non-Deposit Investment Products (NDIP) and the management‘s ability to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to NDIP. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s NDIP activities and the risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. If applicable, review the contractual arrangements with financial service providers. Determine the AML/CFT compliance responsibility of each party. Determine whether these arrangements provide for adequate AML/CFT oversight and control functions. From a review of MIS reports (e.g., exception reports, funds transfer reports and activity monitoring reports) and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors NDIP, particularly those that pose a higher risk for money laundering. Determine how the financial institution includes NDIP sales activities in its institution-wide AML/CFT aggregation systems. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring NDIP and for reporting suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING If the financial institution or its majority-owned subsidiary is responsible for the sale or direct monitoring of NDIP, then the Examiners should perform transaction testing procedures on customer accounts established by the financial institution. Examination Procedures of NonDeposit Investment Products.
B 70
On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its NDIP activities as well as prior AML/CFT Bank Examination and Audit Reports, select a sample of higher-risk NDIP. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Review appropriate documentation including CIP to ensure that adequate due diligence has been performed and appropriate records are maintained ; (ii) Review account statements and (as necessary) specific transaction details for :
(a) Expected transactions with actual activity ; (b) Holdings in excess of the customer‘s net worth ; (c) Irregular trading patterns (e.g., incoming funds transfers to purchase securities followed by delivery of securities to another custodian shortly thereafter) ; and (iii) Determine whether actual activity is consistent with the nature of the customer’s business and the stated purpose of the account. Identify any unusual or suspicious activity. On the basis of RBS AML/CFT examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with NDIP sales activities.
3.31. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with concentration accounts and the management’s ability to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to concentration accounts. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes in relation to the financial institution’s concentration account activities and the risks they represent. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors concentration accounts. Review the general ledger and identify any concentration accounts. After discussing concentration accounts with management and conducting any additional research needed, obtain and review a list of all concentration accounts and the financial institution’s most recent reconciliation statements. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring concentration accounts for STRs and for reporting of STRs is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. Examination Procedures of Concentration Accounts.
B 71
TRANSACTION TESTING
On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its concentration accounts as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of concentration accounts. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Obtain account activity reports for selected concentration accounts ; (ii) Evaluate the activity and select a sample of transactions passing through different concentration accounts for further review ; and (iii) Focus on higher-risk activity (e.g., funds transfers or monetary instruments purchases) and transactions from higher-risk jurisdictions. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with concentration accounts.
3.32. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with lending activities and the management‘s ability to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to lending activities. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s lending activities and the risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors higher-risk loan accounts. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring loan accounts for suspicious transactions and for reporting of suspicious transactions is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its lending activities as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of higherrisk loan accounts. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Review account opening documentation including CIP to ensure that adequate due diligence has been performed and that appropriate records are maintained ; (ii) Review as necessary the loan history ; (iii) Compare expected transactions with actual activity ; and Examination Procedures of Lending Activities.
B 72
(iv) Determine whether actual activity is consistent with the nature of the customer’s business and the stated purpose of the loan. Identify any unusual or suspicious transaction. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with lending relationships.
3.33. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with trade finance activities and the management‘s ability to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to trade finance activities. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes governing trade finance-related activities and the risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. Evaluate the adequacy of the due diligence information the financial institution obtains for the customer’s files. Determine whether the financial institution has processes in place for obtaining information at account opening in addition to ensuring current customer information is maintained. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors the trade finance portfolio for suspicious or unusual activities, particularly those that pose a higher risk for money laundering. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring trade finance activities for suspicious activities and for reporting of suspicious activities is adequate, given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institutions’ risk assessment of its trade finance portfolio as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of trade finance accounts. From the sample selected, review customer due diligence documentation to determine whether the information is commensurate with the customer’s risk. Identify any unusual or suspicious activities. Verify whether the financial institution monitors the trade finance portfolio for potential violations and unusual transactional patterns and conducts and records the results of any due diligence. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with trade finance activities. Examination Procedures of Trade Finance Activities.
B 73
3.34. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with private banking activities and the management’s ability to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. This section expands the core review of the statutory and regulatory requirements of private banking in order to provide a broader assessment of the ML/FT risks associated with this activity. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to private banking activities. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s private banking activities and the risks they represent. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From a review of MIS reports (e.g., customer aggregation, policy exception and missing documentation, customer risk classification, unusual accounts activity and client concentrations) and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors private banking relationships, particularly those that pose a higher risk for money laundering. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring private banking relationships for suspicious activities and for reporting of suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. Review the private banking compensation program. Determine whether it includes qualitative measures that are provided to employees to comply with account opening and suspicious transaction monitoring and reporting requirements. Review the monitoring program the financial institution’s uses to oversee the private banking relationship manager’s personal financial condition and to detect any inappropriate activities. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its private banking activities as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of private banking accounts. The sample should include the following types of accounts :
(i) Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) ;
(ii) Private Investment Companies (PIC), International Business Corporations (IBC) and shell companies ; (iii) Offshore entities ; (iv) Cash-intensive businesses ; (v) Import or export companies ; Examination Procedures of Private Banking Activities.
B 74
(vi) Customers from or doing business in a higher-risk geographic location ; (vii) Customers listed on unusual activity monitoring reports ; and (viii) Customers who have large currency transactions and frequent funds transfers. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Review the account opening documentation and ongoing due diligence information ; (ii) Review account statements and as necessary, specific transaction details ; (iii) Compare expected transactions with actual activity ; (iv) Determine whether actual activity is consistent with the nature of the customer’s business ; and (v) Identify any unusual or suspicious activity. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with private banking relationships. Update Risk Assessment Summary and Knowledge of Business of the financial institution.
3.35. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s policies, procedures, processes and systems to manage the ML/FT risks associated with trust and asset management services and the management’s ability to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. For examination of stand-alone trusts, the Examiners should cover additional areas such as training, the CCO, independent review and follow-up items. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to trust and asset management services. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s trust and asset management activities and the risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. Review the institution’s procedures for gathering additional identification information, when necessary, about the settlor, grantor, trustee or other persons with authority to direct a trustee and who thus have authority or control over the account in order to establish a true identity of the customer. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors trust and asset management relationships, particularly those that pose a higher risk for money laundering. Examination Procedures of Trust and Asset Management Services.
B 75
Determine how the financial institution includes trust and asset management relationships in an institution-wide AML/CFT aggregation systems. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring trust and asset management relationships for suspicious transactions and for reporting of such transactions is adequate, given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s ML/FT risk assessment of its trust and asset management relationships as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of higher-risk trust and asset management services relationships. Include relationships with grantors and co-trustees if they have authority or control as well as any higher-risk assets such as private investment companies (PIC) or asset protection trusts. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Review account opening documentation, including the CIP, to ensure that adequate due diligence has been performed and that appropriate records are maintained ; (ii) Review account statements and (as necessary) specific transaction details. Compare expected transactions with actual activity ; (iii) Determine whether actual activity is consistent with the nature of the customer’s business and the stated purpose of the account ; and (iv) Identify any unusual or suspicious activity. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with trust and asset management relationships. Update the section Notes, Risk Assessment Summary and Knowledge of Business of the financial institution.
3.36. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with transactions involving accounts held by non-resident aliens (NRA) and foreign individuals, and the management’s ability to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the financial institution’s policies, procedures and processes related to NRA and foreign individual accounts. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s non-resident alien and foreign individual activities and the risks they represent. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. Examination Procedures of NonResident Aliens and Foreign Individuals.
B 76
From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors higher-risk NRA and foreign individual accounts. Determine whether the financial institution’s system of monitoring NRA and foreign individual accounts for suspicious activities and for reporting of suspicious activities is adequate based on the complexity of the financial institution’s NRA and foreign individual relationships, the types of products used by NRAs and foreign individuals, the home countries of the NRAs, and the source of funds and wealth for NRAs and foreign individuals. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its NRA and foreign individual accounts as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of higher-risk NRA accounts. Include the following risk factors :
(i) Account for resident or citizen of a higher-risk jurisdiction ; (ii) Account activity which is substantially currency based ; (iii) NRA or foreign individual who uses a wide range of bank services, particularly correspondent services ; and (iv) NRA or foreign individual for whom the financial institution has filed a STR. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedure :
(i) Review the customer due diligence information, including CIP information, if applicable ; (ii) Review account statements and (as necessary) transaction details to determine whether actual account activity is consistent with expected activity. Assess whether transactions appear unusual or suspicious ; and (iii) Review transaction activity and identify patterns that indicate Nigerian resident status or indicate other unusual and suspicious activity. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with NRA accounts.
3.37. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with senior local/foreign political figures, often referred to as Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) and the management’s ability to implement effective risk-based due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the risk-based policies, procedures and processes related to PEPs. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s PEP accounts and the risks they present. Assess whether the riskExamination Procedures of Politically Exposed Persons.
B 77 based controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from being used as a conduit for money laundering, corruption and terrorist financing. Review the procedures for opening PEP accounts. Identify senior management’s role in the approval and ongoing risk-based monitoring of PEP accounts. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors PEP relationships, particularly those that pose a higher risk for corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring PEPs for suspicious activities and for reporting of suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its PEP relationships as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of PEP accounts. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Determine compliance with regulatory requirements and with the financial institution’s established policies, procedures and processes related to PEPs ; (ii) Review transaction activity for accounts selected. If necessary, request and review specific transactions ; and (iii) If the analysis of activity and customer due diligence information raises concerns, hold discussions with the institution management. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with PEPs.
3.38. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with transactions involving embassy and foreign consulate accounts and the management’s ability to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to embassy and foreign consulate accounts. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s embassy and foreign consulate accounts and the risks they present (e.g., number of accounts, volume of activity and geographic locations). Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. Identify senior management’s role in the approval and ongoing monitoring of embassy and foreign consulate accounts. Determine whether the board is Examination Procedures of Embassy and Foreign Consulate Accounts.
B 78 aware of embassy banking activities and whether it receives periodic reports on these activities. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors embassy and foreign consulate accounts, particularly those that pose a higher risk for money laundering. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring embassy and foreign consulate accounts for suspicious activities and for reporting of suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its embassy and foreign consulate accounts as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of embassy and foreign consulate accounts. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Determine compliance with regulatory requirements and with the financial institution’s established policies, procedures and processes ; (ii) Review the documentation authorizing the ambassador or the foreign consulate to conduct banking in Nigeria ; and (iii) Review transaction activity for accounts selected and if necessary, request and review specific transactions. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with embassy and foreign consulate accounts.
3.39. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with accounts of Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFI) and the management’s ability to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Determine the extent of the financial institution’s relationships with DNFIs and for financial institutions with significant relationships with DNFIs, review the financial institution’s risk assessment of this activity. Review the policies, procedures and processes related to DNFI accounts. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s DNFI activities and the risks they represent. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors DNFI accounts. Examination Procedures of Designated NonFinancial Institutions.
B 79
Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring DNFI accounts for suspicious activities and for reporting of suspicious activities is adequate given the nature of the bank’s customer relationships. MONEY SERVICES BUSINESSES Determine whether the financial institution has policies, procedures and processes in place for accounts opened or maintained for Money Services Businesses (MSB) to :
(i) Confirm registration (if required) and that registration must be renewed as required ; (ii) Confirm status of the license, if applicable ; (iii) Confirm agent status, if applicable ; and (iv) Conduct a risk assessment to determine the level of risk associated with each account and whether further due diligence is required. Determine whether the financial institution’s policies, procedures and processes to assess risks posed by MSB customers effectively identify higherrisk accounts and the amount of further due diligence necessary. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of the DNFI as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of higher-risk DNFI accounts. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Review account opening documentation and ongoing due diligence information ; (ii) Review account statements (as necessary) and specific transaction details. Compare expected transactions with actual activity ; and (iii) Determine whether actual activity is consistent with the nature of the customer’s business and identify any unusual or suspicious activity. On a basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with DNFI relationships.
3.40. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with professional service provider relationships and the management’s ability to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to professional service provider relationships. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s relationships with professional service providers and the risks these relationships represent. Assess whether the controls Examination Procedures of Professional Service Providers.
B 80 are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors professional service provider relationships. MIS reports should include information about the entire relationship. For example, an Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account (IOLTA) may be in the name of the law firm instead of an individual. However, the financial institution’s relationship report should include the law firm’s account and the names and accounts of lawyers associated with the IOLTA. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring professional service provider relationship’s suspicious activities and for reporting of suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its relationships with professional service providers as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of higher-risk relationships. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Review account opening documentation and a sample of transaction activity ; (ii) Determine whether determine whether actual account activity is consistent with anticipated (as documented) account activity. Look for trends in the nature, size or scope of the transactions, paying particular attention to currency transactions ; and (iii) Determine whether ongoing monitoring is sufficient to identify potentially suspicious activity. On the basis of examination procedures conducted including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with professional service provider relationships.
3.41. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with accounts of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and charities and the management’s ability to implement effective due diligence, monitoring, and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the policies, procedures and processes related to NGOs. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s NGO accounts and the risks they represent. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. Examination Procedures of NonGovernmental Organizations and Charities.
B 81
From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors higher-risk NGO accounts. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring NGO accounts for suspicious activities and for reporting of suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of the NGO and charity account, as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of higher-risk NGO accounts. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Review account opening documentation and ongoing due diligence information ; (ii) Review account statements (as necessary) and specific transaction details ; (iii) Compare expected transactions with actual activity ; (iv) Determine whether actual activity is consistent with the nature of the customer’s business ; and (v) Identify any unusual or suspicious activity. On the basis of examination procedures conducted including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with NGO accounts.
3.42. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with transactions involving domestic and foreign business entities and the management’s ability to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. ACTIVITY Review the financial institution’s policies, procedures and processes related to business entities. Evaluate the adequacy of the policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s transactions with business entities and the risks they present. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the financial institution from money laundering and terrorist financing. Review the policies and processes for opening and monitoring accounts with business entities. Determine whether the policies adequately assess the risk between different account types. Determine how the financial institution identifies (as necessary) and completes additional due diligence on business entities. Assess the level of due diligence the financial institution performs when conducting its risk assessment. Examination Procedures of Business Entities (Domestic and Foreign).
B 82
From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors higher-risk business entity accounts. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring business entities for suspicious activities and for reporting of suspicious activities is adequate given the activities associated with business entities. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its accounts with business entities as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of these accounts. Include the following risk factors :
(i) An entity organized in a higher-risk jurisdiction ; (ii) Account activity that is substantially currency based ; (iii) An entity whose account activity consists primarily of circular-patterned funds transfers ; (iv) A business entity whose ownership is in bearer shares, especially bearer shares that are not under the institution’s or trusted third-party control ; (v) An entity that uses a wide range of the institution’s services, particularly trust and correspondent services ; (vi) An entity owned or controlled by other non-public business entities ; and (vii) Business entities for which the financial institution has filed STRs. From the sample selected, obtain a relationship report for each selected account. It is critical that the full relationship, rather than only an individual account, be reviewed. Review the due diligence information on the business entity. Assess the adequacy of that information. Review account statements (as necessary) and specific transaction details. Compare expected transactions with actual activity. Determine whether actual activity is consistent with the nature and stated purpose of the account and whether transactions appear unusual or suspicious. Areas that may pose a higher risk, such as funds transfers, private banking, trust, and monetary instruments should be a primary focus of the transaction review. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with business entity relationships.
3.43. OBJECTIVE
Assess the adequacy of the financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with cash-intensive businesses and entities, and the management’s ability to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems. Examination Procedures of CashIntensive Businesses.
B 83
ACTIVITY
Review the policies, procedures and processes related to cash-intensive businesses. Evaluate the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes given the financial institution’s cash-intensive business activities in relation to the financial institution’s cash-intensive business customers and the risks that they represent. Assess whether the controls are adequate to reasonably protect the bank from money laundering and terrorist financing. From a review of MIS and internal risk rating factors, determine whether the financial institution effectively identifies and monitors cash-intensive businesses and entities. Determine whether the financial institution’s system for monitoring cashintensive businesses for suspicious activities and for reporting of suspicious activities is adequate given the financial institution’s size, complexity, location and types of customer relationships. TRANSACTION TESTING On the basis of the financial institution’s risk assessment of its cash-intensive business and entity relationships as well as prior examination and audit reports, select a sample of cash-intensive businesses. From the sample selected, perform the following examination procedures :
(i) Review account opening documentation including CIP information, if applicable, and a sample of transaction activity ; (ii) Determine whether actual account activity is consistent with anticipated account activity ; (iii) Look for trends in the nature, size or scope of the transactions, paying particular attention to currency transactions ; and (iv) Determine whether ongoing monitoring is sufficient to identify potentially suspicious activity. On the basis of examination procedures completed including transaction testing, form a conclusion about the adequacy of policies, procedures and processes associated with cash-intensive businesses and entities.
B 84
4.0. The Risk Rating Methodology is in consistent with the Financial
Institutions Risk Based Supervisory Framework for Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria for prudential supervision. It contains a new set of analytical criteria and processes in the following main components :
GENERAL
Bank Examiners are required to conduct a general diagnostic of a financial institution, focusing their analysis on the most significant activities and issues that are relevant to ML/FT risks, their management and supervision. These are broadly divided into two main areas of (a) qualitative factors and (b) quantitative analysis. (a) QUALITATIVE FACTORS : The Bank Examiners are required to take into account issues concerning the legal structure and geographic location of the financial institution’s clients; the quality of management and their risk culture (conservative vs. risk taking); retail vs. niche player market; regulatory compliance /sanctions history; standing and reputation in the applicable sector/ industry; etc. This analysis will be focused on understanding the types of clients, markets, regions, products and services offered, and the organizational culture and business acumen. These could assist the Bank Examiner to form a view as to his approach to ML/FT risk management and compliance of the financial institution. Internal and external audit information, stock exchange filings and other similar information could also complement his analysis as well as the quantitative analysis described below. (b) QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS :
The Examiner is required to quantify the relevant activities and characteristics of the financial institution that could increase the ML/FT risks. He is required to consider the institution’s levels and trends in its business lines, funding sources and liquidity, primary sources of income on and off balance sheet items; breakdown of types of clients in the various activities by nationality, geographic location, PEPs, FEPs, etc. This analysis should be correlated with the qualitative analysis and potential ML/FT risk exposure.
PART 1
4.1.—(a) STRUCTURAL FACTORS
Identify the main structural characteristic features and business of the financial institution in the country and compared with its peers. The more robust and applicable indicators/factors that would promote useful comparison of risk exposure across financial institutions with respect to their peer groups include :
(i) SIZE - Total Assets, clients, geographic reach, size and volume of transactions, etc. (ii) MARKET OR GEOGRAPHIC ZONE — (a) Foreign, (b) Local (iii) OWNERSHIP AND CORPORATE STRUCTURE — (a) Stand alone entity or (b) Subsidiary/Affiliate of financial group (iv) YEARS IN OPERATION. Inherent Risks. Risk Rating Methodology.
B 85
SIZE :
The assumption underlying size as an indicator of risk is that the larger an institution , the higher the probability of ML/FT occurring by virtue of the number of assets it manages, number of clients, geographic reach, size and volume of transactions, etc. The size of a financial institution can be measured by way of its total assets, gross income, number of customers, branches, or employees, etc. It is recommended we use total assets because it is the most robust and stable indicator of size. For simplicity, the following asset size groups are used for purposes of assigning financial institutions to peer groups and risk ranking. Note that the last column reflects the risk rating system used by the CBN’s Supervisory Framework for Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria:
4.2. PEER GROUP RATINGS : ASSET SIZE
From To CBN Scale
N1.00 N150,000,000,000 Low
N150,000,000,001 N300,000,000,000
N300,000,000,001 N500,000,000,000
N500,000,000,001 N1,000,000,000,000 Above average N1,000,000,000,001+ High MARKET OR GEOGRAPHIC ZONE The spread of business across the country or abroad through branches or subsidiaries can have an impact on a bank’s exposure to risk and its ability to oversee and control such risks. This factor can also be used as a measure of geographic risk (not necessarily related to size) based on the location of branches and subsidiaries. OWNERSHIP AND CORPORATE STRUCTURE Issues involving corporate structure relate to the strength and transparency of ownership and control, including management oversight, governance, risk management and more generally fit and proper person issues. Certain assumptions with respect to risk may be drawn from these factors. Financial institutions with less transparent or complex ownership structures may adversely influence the implementation of good corporate governance practices and system of accountability leading to compliance failures. Financial institutions that are members of established and fully regulated conglomerates or groups may have different risk profiles than stand-alone private financial institutions. On a similar vein, financial institutions whose ownership or controllers are associated with participation from countries with high levels of Moderate
B 86 crime and/or with weak prudential and AML/CFT regulation and supervision may have a higher risk profile than banks affiliated with countries with strong regulation and supervision. Another factor to consider is the affiliation of financial institutions with non-financial and non-regulated entities that can expose the financial institutions to the risk of contagion through their dealings or association with entities that may be exposed to a high level of ML/FT risks. YEARS IN OPERATION Similar to financial and prudential supervisory concerns, there are inherent ML/FT risks that could be associated with newly licensed financial institutions, e.g. within the last 5 years. Newly licensed financial institutions may have risks associated with the incentive to grow and secure market share in order to survive, which could adversely affect compliance, particularly with respect to deposittaking activities. Their internal controls and risk management systems may still be evolving. The quality of clients and business may also be lower, exposing them to ML/FT risks.
4.2. BUSINESS-SPECIFIC RISK FACTORS (INSIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES)
Quantitative analysis of the gross risk and business specific risk factors constitute the second main component of risk analysis in relation to the line of business activities of financial institutions. This lower level risk analysis complements the structural risk factor analysis in 4.1. An on-going piloting of the risk assessment matrix will provide the basis for calibrating the criteria, analytical variables and assumptions used. Inherent risks are those that are intrinsic to or built-in the various significant activities identified in the type of product, service or client. This takes a high level view of risk rather than the more granular level of analysis required for individual clients. There are a number of approaches or factors that can be used to assess the relative level of inherent risks in the significant activities. Not all risk factors will be applicable or equally applicable to each significant activity identified. Irrespective of the approach taken, the Bank Examiner will consider the volume and complexity especially with respect to the challenges it can pose to Know Your Customer (KYC) and monitoring requirements associated with corporate customers, trusts, non-face-to-face clients within a particular financial institution.
4.2.1. Business-specific factors constitute the second main building block
of the ML/FT risk analysis framework. The objective is to identify those significant activities that are more exposed to ML/FT risks, including business processes. EACH OF THE ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE ASSESSED FOR THEIR INHERENT EXPOSURE TO ML/FT RISKS. Sufficient information will assist in identifying and applying weights to the main business activities of each financial institution. Inherent Risk Factors. Significant Activities and Inherent Risk Factors
B 87
RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY is to be established and tested in order to arrive at a more precise basis for calibrating the weights assigned, analytical variables and assumptions applied. For this purposes the following significant business activities could be identified for Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) :
DEPOSIT TAKING :
(i) Current accounts
(ii) Time deposits
(iii) Savings accounts
CREDIT AND FINANCIAL GUARANTEES :
Cash secured loans (including secured credit cards) DEBT INSTRUMENTS :
PRIVATE PLACEMENT
OTHER BANKING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES :
(i) Wire transfers
(ii) Money remittance
(iii) E-banking
(iv) Non-resident Nigerian Accounts (NRN) or diaspora accounts. (v) Private Banking (vi) Correspondent banking (vii) Cash export (viii) Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs)
4.2.2. Weights will be assigned to each category of significant activity in
accordance with its relative significance within the business activities. This could be determined using one or more analytical approaches such as the percentage volume each activity generates, the total income in relation to each activity and the number and/or type of clients involved. Such weights would also take into account the knowledge and judgment of the Bank Examiner with respect to ML/ FT risks, and the soundness of risk management practices in such areas.
4.2.3. Inherent risks are those that are intrinsic to or built-in the various
significant activities identified in the type of product, service or client involved. This takes a high level view of risk rather than the more granular level of analysis required for individual clients. There are a number of approaches or factors that can be used to assess the relative level of inherent risks in the significant activities. Not all risk factors will be applicable or equally applicable to each significant activity identified. Irrespective of the approach taken, the Bank Examiner will consider the volume and complexity especially with respect to the challenges it can pose to Know Your Customer (KYC) and monitoring requirements over corporate customers, trusts, non-faceto-face clients of the particular financial institution. Individual Weights. Inherent risk factors.
B 88
While several types of inherent risk factors could be used, it is recommended for adoption an approach based on (a) customers, (b) very exposed persons (financially and politically exposed persons), (c) currency, and (d) others-high risk industries. Each factor represents a different and additional set of inherent risks in the identified activities, i.e. they should be additive and not duplicative. The aim is to use a reasonably small number of factors that would capture the core risk factors inherent in the significant activities. For instance, each activity would be risk-rated using any one or more criteria such as :
(a) Type of customer I (local, foreign) ;
(b) Customers II : (PEP, FEPs) ;
(c) Currency (Naira, Others) ; and
(d) Others (High-Risk Industries).
The following are the inherent risk factors :
(a) Customers
The two broad sub-categories of customers are LOCAL AND FOREIGN. These categories are broken down into further sub-categories such as individuals and corporate clients. (b) Very Exposed Persons These are Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and Financial Exposed Persons (FEPs), irrespective of whether such a client is an individual, or the ultimate beneficial owner of a corporate client. Once a client has been identified as a PEP or FEP an additional risk factor is attached to the line of business associated with him. The basis of analysis could vary based on the relative number of PEP or FEP clients and/or volume of business with PEPs or FEPs in that line of business, using absolute numbers or percentages. Alternatively, both indicators may be considered by using the average volume of PEP or FEP-related business (dividing the volume of business by the number of PEPs or FEPs). A decision will need to be made as to which basis of analysis to use, based on the more reliable indicator of risk. (c) Currency The two broad sub-categories used are (i) Local currencies Naira and (ii) foreign currencies such as US Dollars, Euros or Pound Sterling. This could be measured by the total amount held in local and foreign currencies within client’s accounts in each particular institution. (d) Others (High-Risk Industries) High-risk industries include casinos, precious metal and gem dealing business, money service business and defence industries. They have an inherent risk of money laundering due to the increased risk within the industries as they could be used to launder illicit funds. This could be analyzed by obtaining the
B 89 total number of clients within each financial institution that would fall into the high-risk industry category. The Bank Examiners could decide whether this factor is beneficial or not, including whether to expand or amend the industries suggested, based on their knowledge and experience within the Nigerian market. They may also want to include other financial institutions or the oil and gas industries.
4.3. It is recommended that a simple risk-rating system that uses ranges
from 1 (very low risk) to 5 (very high risk) be adopted and applied for all the variables linked with assessment of quantitative analysis. A financial institution’s risk-rating will then be determined based on their position relative to their peer group or sector using the following simple linear interpolation technique :
The scale between 1 and 5 (described in detail below) should be used as
part of the linear interpolation with other variables including ’minimum’ and
’maximum’. For example, in total assets the minimum and maximum variable would be taken from the total market figure. This would then be assessed using the financial institution’s actual assets amount at a defined period in time (cut-off date of the examination/supervision). The linear interpolation would then be applied based on the rating of between 1 and 5 to assess the risk of the particular financial institution in relation to its structural and business risks. Rating Each structural factor and significant activity is assigned a qualitative risk rating based on its perceived inherent risk. This is then converted to a numerical equivalent. The individual weights (%) assigned to each significant activity are applied to each of the inherent risk ratings (1 to 5) to produce the total weighted risk for each activity and the sum total of all the activities for the financial institution. The numerical results from these calculations can be reconverted to a qualitative rating using the following conversion table for each significant activity and the total inherent risks :
SCORIING : INHERENT RISK AND NET RISK
Scale Quality Range SCALE
Management Management From To
1 Very Low 0,01 1 Low
2 Low 1,01 2
Moderate
3 Medium 2,01 3
4 High 3,01 4 Above Average
5 Very High 4,01 5,0 High
Rating
System.
B 90
PART 2
4.4. RISK MITIGANTS
The qualitative assessment of the quality of risk mitigating factors comprises the second building block of the risk assessment methodology. For this purpose, due consideration must be given to the CBN’s RBS prudential guidelines for banks and other financial institutions as well as the principal compliance obligations imposed by the AML/CFT law on financial institutions. Thus, the risk methodology comprises an assessment of the quantity of risk on the one hand, and quality of risk management, controls and legal compliance on the other. The inclusion of legal compliance introduces a rules-based element to the methodology because in practice, there is no such thing as a pure riskbased system due to the role of supervisors to monitor and enforce the applicable legislation. The following rating system for the quality of risk mitigation from 1 (very good) to 5 (very deficient) is broadly consistent and convertible to the prudential risk-based framework currently used by the CBN :
Mission Rating CBN Rating
Equivalent
Quantitative Qualitative (prudential)
1 Very good Strong
2 Good
3 Acceptable
4 Deficient Needs Improvement
5 Very deficient Weak
Assessing the quality of mitigants is largely a function of on-site examination, (at least during the first phase of using this methodology). The on-site examination process and procedures contained in this Framework will further document the detailed examination steps and techniques to be used to assess the adequacy of risk management and controls, including the review of legal compliance and updating the inherent risks and the overall institutional risk profile. Note that each of these mitigants would have a set of sub-components to be assessed. Where applicable, they should be applied on a group-wide level including overseas branches and subsidiaries. The following group of risk mitigants should be incorporated in the assessment matrix :
(i) CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND ROLE OF THE BOARD For purposes of AML/CFT, corporate governance refers to a set of policies, practices and internal processes that establish a system for controlling, directing and managing the operations of a financial institution. General. Acceptable
B 91
A key feature of good corporate governance is the role of the board/senior management with respect to oversight of a financial institution’s operations and a transparent system of accountability. Good corporate governance is also identified with sound ethical values and business conduct that focus on legal compliance with respect to the prevention, detection and reporting of ML/FT. The Bank Examiners should therefore establish the existence of a code of ethics or conduct that will help in determining if AML/CFT issues are adequately addressed. It should discourage profit making without overlooking AML/CFT compliance. As a regulated entity, corporate governance should consider the interests of the wide public and depositors, and the concerns of its regulators, including the NFIU. The Bank Examiners should therefore pay sufficient attention at the system of corporate governance in financial institutions and hold the board/senior management ultimately responsible for AML/CFT compliance and risk management, and for promoting a strong compliance culture throughout the institution. (ii) RISK MANAGEMENT Risk management is a framework to identify, assess, prioritize and control/ minimize ML/FT risks to lower the probability of ML/FT occurring in a financial institution. It is acknowledged that ML/FT is not a zero sum game so the focus is on risk mitigation. The Bank Examiners should expect financial institutions to formulate and implement policies that identify the ML/FT inherent risk in their main products and business lines, customers, and processes, and to take reasonable measures to measure and control such risks. The review of the adequacy of internal policies, controls, and procedures should therefore not only be limited to legal compliance, but also address the adequacy of risk management systems and controls at various stages of a financial institution’s operations. For instance, the introduction of new products, services or entry into new markets/locations should consider their exposure to ML/FT risks and the adequacy of risk mitigating controls. (iii) POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Policies and procedures should be risk-based. They support implementation of the corporate governance and risk management framework already discussed. In addition to reviewing the role of the board in formulating and communicating policies and procedures, the Bank Examiner should also assess the adequacy of such policies and procedures for compliance with the AML/CFT legislation and regulations. Bank Examiners should also expect consistency between policies and procedures on hand, and the structure of the institution and significant banking business on the other. Other factors to consider include the size, scope and complexity of operations. At a minimum, the Bank Examiners should evaluate the adequacy of policies and procedures with respect to customer acceptance, customer due diligence at take on and on a regular basis, monitoring of customer
B 92 transactions and activities, analysis and reporting of unusual and suspicious activities, record-keeping, recruitment and training, internal audit and compliance functions. (iv) INTERNAL CONTROLS The general principle is that internal controls should be risk-based. That is, there should be stronger controls where there is an increased risk of ML/FT. They can be assessed at macro and micro control levels as follows :
Organizational (macro level) controls refer to AML/CFT systems such as internal and external audit, compliance and management information systems. Macro control systems support the board and management’s ability to properly supervise the activities of the financial institution to control and minimize ML/FT risks, and to comply with the applicable laws. They also underpin sound corporate governance. In particular, a sound management information system will inform the board and top management of the ML/FT risks being assumed, the results of internal (and when applicable external) audit of the adequacy of AML/CFT systems and controls, compliance reports, and the results of the Bank Examiners’ AML/CFT inspections, recommendations and enforcement action. It should also inform management of the level of unusual and suspicious activities, and reports to the NFIU. At the business line level (micro controls) internal controls refer to systems designed to minimize risk in the various business activities, customers, etc. of the financial institution. They also support the institution’s compliance with AML/ CFT internal policies and legislation. The Bank Examiners should evaluate their adequacy and implementation especially in the significant business units and higher risk activities with respect to customer acceptance/rejection, customer identification and verification, due diligence and account monitoring, internal and external suspicious activity reporting, record-keeping, etc. (v) COMPLIANCE Compliance is the bedrock for sound corporate governance and a ML/FT risk management framework. It requires the commitment of the board and senior management, adequate funding, and a system for measuring the compliance/ non-compliance. The board and senior management should foster a culture of compliance throughout the banks and lead by example. It requires a system of accountability and staff ownership of the compliance program that places responsibility on individuals for their actions. Not only should poor compliance be taken into account in evaluating staff performance, but good compliance should also be rewarded. The board and management should ensure that employees have appropriate AML/CFT training and information and should participate in such training themselves. Not only should there be a system of detection and measurement of noncompliance with AML/CFT issues, but management should also respond quickly
B 93 to cases of non-compliance to minimize risk to the institution and improve its risk mitigation systems. The adequacy of compliance should be assessed with respect to legal compliance as well as compliance with internal policies and controls. An effective compliance function will not only help a financial institution comply with the letter of the law but also with the “spirit of the law”. Compliance should be embedded in all significant business lines and processes. The Bank Examiners should evaluate the adequacy of compliance in relation to a financial institution’s size, complexity, history of compliance, and degree of ML/FT risk exposure. A key component of compliance is the legally mandated appointment of the AML/CFT Chief Compliance Officer. The role of compliance is generally focused on ensuring proper customer due diligence, monitoring and reporting of suspicious activities, training, etc. Relevant sections of FAFT Recommendation have set out the expectations for financial institutions with respect to the adequacy of this function. (vi) REPORTING OF SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES This is a key component to an effective AML/CFT regime. The analysis and assessment of the adequacy of the reporting systems should also allow the Bank Examiners to determine whether the financial institution has developed the appropriate mechanisms to comply with the reporting requirements set forth under the legal framework, such as rendering returns on CTRs, PEPs and STRs, with emphasis on STRs and PEPs. The Bank Examiners should also review the adequacy of different systems in place, whether manuals or automated, and the internal reporting lines and analysis of unusual and suspicious activities. The internal and external reporting mechanisms should at a minimum consider the confidentiality, safeguards and promptness for handling suspicious activities. (vii) TRAINING Staff AML/CFT training could be general or specific/specialized depending on the needs of staff and the institution. They range from introductory training for all new staff, to specialized training by function or activity. The Bank Examiners would expect that more enhanced training be provided to staff in the more significant and higher risk areas of business, e.g. wire transfers and NGO clients. It is important for the Bank Examiners to assess the suitability of training, the periodicity, and training budget. Records of attendance/participation in training should be maintained and reviewed by the Bank Examiners and internal inspectors. The above approach provides an analytical framework for assessing the degree of ML/FT risks in a financial institution (risk-based supervision). It also incorporates an assessment of risk mitigating factors including elements of legal compliance (rules-based supervision). The results will be an individual net risk rating for each significant activity and a consolidated ML/FT risk rating for the institution.
B 94
The following summary matrix illustrates an example of the above framework and risk ratings for a financial institution. It is divided in three parts, for illustrative purposes :
(i) Part 1 Structural Risk
(ii) Part 2 Business Risk (Significant Business and Inherent Risks) (iii) Part 3 Risk Mitigants
B 95
PART 1: EXAMPLE OF MACRO-INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURAL FACTORS (25%)
STRUCTURAL Weight Score Total Trend of Structural Risk FACTORS (%) Institutional Structural Trend CBN Risk Risk (Before)
B 96
5.0. AML/CFT RBS REGULATION FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Record-keeping and reporting by designated non-financial institutions, businesses and professions, banks and other financial institutions to regulatory authorities are requirements of extant laws and regulations. Relevant provisions of the law and regulation were designed to help identify the source, volume and movement of currency and other monetary instruments transported or transmitted into or out of Nigeria, or deposited in financial institutions in the country. The enabling Act and Regulation under reference seek to achieve the objective by requiring individuals, banks and other financial institutions to render certain returns listed in AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) to the CBN (AML/CFT Office in Financial Policy and Regulation Department) and Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) ; to properly identify persons conducting transactions and to maintain a paper trail by keeping appropriate records of their financial transactions. Should the need arise, these records will enable law enforcement and regulatory agencies to pursue investigations of criminal, tax and regulatory violations, and provide useful evidence in prosecuting money laundering and other financial crimes. The MLPA, 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) apply equally to all banks, other financial institutions and persons that are under the regulatory purview of the CBN. The law also imposes criminal liability on a person or financial institution that knowingly assists in the laundering of money or fails to report to the NFIU the suspicious transactions conducted through it. The CBN AML/CFT Regulation also directs financial institutions to establish and maintain procedures reasonably designed to ensure and monitor compliance with the reporting and record-keeping requirements of the MLPA, 2011. However, the standards contained herein are only the minimum and financial institutions are encouraged to set better standards to cover their operations. A financial institution is required to render a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) related to money laundering and terrorist fund to the NFIU. The EFCC Act 2004 and TPA, 2011 criminalize the financing of terrorism. CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) has also augmented the existing MLPA legal framework by strengthening customer identification procedures, prohibiting financial institutions from engaging in business with foreign shell banks, requiring financial institutions to have due diligence procedures (in some cases, have enhanced due diligence (EDD) procedures for foreign correspondent and private banking accounts) and improving information sharing between financial institutions, on one hand and the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and regulators on the other.
5.1. OVERVIEW OF ML/FT RISK ASSESSMENT
Any type of account is potentially vulnerable to money laundering or terrorist financing. By the nature of their business, occupation or anticipated transaction activity, certain customers and entities may pose specific risks. At this stage of the risk assessment process, it is essential that the financial institution exercises Background. Suspicious Transaction Report. Customers and Entities.
B 97 judgment and neither define nor treat all members of a specific category of customer as posing the same level of risk. In assessing customer risk, financial institutions are required to consider other variables such as services sought and geographic locations. Guidance and discussion on specific customers and entities that are detailed below may be necessary :
Foreign financial institutions, including banks and foreign money services providers (e.g. currency exchanges and money transmitters) ; (i) Non-bank financial institutions (e.g. money services businesses; casinos and card clubs ; brokers/dealers in securities; and dealers in precious metals, stones or jewels) ; (ii) Senior foreign and domestic political figures, their immediate family members and close associates [collectively known as Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)] ; (iii) Accounts of foreign individuals ; (iv) Foreign corporations and domestic business entities, particularly offshore corporations (such as domestic shell companies and Private Investment Companies (PIC) and International Business Corporations (IBC)) located in higher-risk geographic locations ; (v) Deposit brokers particularly foreign deposit brokers ; (vi) Cash-intensive businesses (e.g. convenience stores, restaurants, retail stores, liquor stores, cigarette distributors, privately owned ATMs and parking garages) ; (vii) Non-governmental organizations and charities (foreign and domestic) ; and (viii) Professional service providers (e.g. attorneys, accountants, doctors or real estate brokers). Identifying geographic locations that may pose a higher risk is essential to a financial institution’s AML/CFT Compliance Program. Financial institutions are required to understand and evaluate the specific risks associated with doing business in, opening accounts for customers from or facilitating transactions involving certain geographic locations. However, geographic risk alone does not necessarily determine a customer’s or transaction’s risk level, either positively or negatively. The second step of the risk assessment process entails a more detailed analysis of the data obtained during the identification stage. It is to help assess more accurately the associated ML/FT risk involved. This step involves evaluating data pertaining to the financial institution’s activities (e.g. the number of domestic and international funds transfers; private banking customers; foreign correspondent accounts; PTAs and domestic and international geographic locations of the institution’s business area and customer transactions) in relation to Customer Identification Program (CIP) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) information. Geographic Locations. Analysis of Specific Risk Categories.
B 98
The level and sophistication of analysis may vary from one financial institution to another. The detailed analysis is important because within any type of product or category of customer there will be account holders that pose varying levels of risk. This step (in the risk assessment process) gives the institution’s management a better understanding of its institution’s risk profile in order to develop the appropriate policies, procedures and processes to mitigate the overall risk. Specifically, the analysis of the data pertaining to the financial institution’s activities should consider, as appropriate, the following factors :
(i) Purpose of the account ;
(ii) Actual or anticipated activity in the account ; (iii) Nature of the customer’s business/occupation ; (iv) Customer’s location ; and (v) Types of products and services used by the customer. The value of a two-step risk assessment process is illustrated in the following example of data collected in the first step of the risk assessment process which reflects that a financial institution sends out 100 international funds transfers per day :
(i) Further analysis may show that approximately 90 percent of the funds transfers are recurring well-documented transactions for long-term customers ; and (ii) On the other hand, the analysis may show that 90 percent of these transfers are non-recurring or are for non-customers. While the numbers are the same for the two examples above, the overall risks are different. As illustrated above, the institution’s Customer Identification Program (CIP) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) information must play important roles in this process. Financial Institution’s management is required to structure its institution’s AML/CFT Compliance Program to adequately address its risk profile as identified by its risk assessment. Management should therefore understand its financial institution’s ML/FT risk exposure and develop the appropriate policies, procedures and processes to monitor and control its ML/FT risks. For example, the financial institution’s monitoring systems should be able to identify, research and report suspicious activity. Such process must be risk-based with particular emphasis on higher-risk products, services, customers, entities and geographic locations as identified by the institution’s ML/FT risk assessment. Note that independent testing (audit) is required to review the financial institution’s risk assessment for reasonableness. Additionally, management is also required to consider the staffing resources and the level of training that are necessary to promote adherence with these policies, procedures and processes. For those financial institutions that assume a higher-risk AML/CFT profile, Developing the Financial Institution‘s AML/CFT Compliance Program Based Upon its Risk Assessment.
B 99 management is required to provide a more robust AML/CFT Compliance Programme that specifically monitors and controls the higher risks accepted by the management and board. Financial institutions that implement a consolidated or partially consolidated AML/CFT Compliance Programme are required to assess risk both individually within business lines and across all activities and legal entities. Aggregating ML/ FT risks on a consolidated basis for larger or more complex institutions may enable the organization to better identify risks and risk exposures within and across specific lines of business or product categories. Consolidated information also assists senior management and the board of directors in understanding and appropriately mitigating risks across the institution. To avoid having an out-dated understanding of the ML/FT risk exposures, the financial institution is required to continually reassess its ML/FT risks and communicate with its business units, functions and legal entities. The identification of ML/FT risks or deficiency in one area of business may indicate concerns elsewhere in the institution. This therefore requires the management’s attention to identify and control them. An effective AML/CFT Compliance Programme must be able to control the risks associated with the institution’s products, services, customers, entities and geographic locations. Therefore, an effective risk assessment is required to be an ongoing process, not a one-time exercise. Management is required to update its risk assessment to identify changes in the financial institution’s risk profile when it is necessary, especially when new products and services are introduced, existing products and services change, higher-risk customers open and close accounts or the financial institution expands through mergers and acquisitions. In the absence of such changes and in the spirit of sound practice, financial institutions are required to periodically reassess their ML/FT risks at least every 12 to 18 months. The Programme should contain the following :
(i) A system of internal controls to ensure on-going compliance ; (ii) Independent testing of AML/CFT compliance ; (iii) Designate an individual or individuals responsible for managing AML/ CFT compliance (Chief Compliance Officer) ; and (iv) Training for appropriate personnel. The board of directors, acting through senior management, is ultimately responsible for the approval of AML/CFT Programme and ensuring that the financial institution maintains an effective AML/CFT internal control structure, including suspicious activity monitoring and reporting. The board of directors and management should create a culture of compliance to ensure staff adherence to the financial institution’s AML/CFT policies, procedures and processes. Consolidated AML/CFT Compliance Risk Assessment. Updating of Risk Assessment by Financial Institution. Minimum Requirement of AML/ CFT Compliance. Internal Controls.
B 100
Internal controls are the institution’s policies, procedures and processes designed to limit and control risks and to achieve compliance with the MLPA, 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation 2009 (as amended) The level of sophistication of the internal controls should be commensurate with the size, structure, risks and complexity of the financial institution. Large complex financial institutions are more likely to implement departmental internal controls for AML/CFT compliance. Departmental internal controls typically address risks and compliance requirements unique to a particular line of business or department and are part of a comprehensive AML/CFT Compliance Programme. Internal controls should :
(i) Identify financial institution’s operations (i.e. products, services, customers, entities and geographic locations) that are more vulnerable to abuse by money launderers and criminals. They should ensure that the institution provides for periodic updates to its risk profile and has AML/CFT Compliance Programme that is tailored to manage risks ; (ii) Be such that the board of directors or its committee thereof and senior management are informed of AML/CFT compliance initiatives, identified compliance deficiencies and corrective action taken, and the directors and senior management should be notified of returns rendered to the regulatory authorities ; (iii) Identify a person or persons responsible for AML/CFT compliance ; (iv) Provide for Programme continuity by way of back-up in personnel and information storage and retrieval in cases of changes in management or employee composition or structure ; (v) Provide for meeting all regulatory record-keeping and reporting requirements, implement all recommendations for AML/CFT compliance and provide for timely updates in response to changes in regulations ; (vi) Cover the implementation of risk-based CDD policies, procedures and processes ; (vii) Identify reportable transactions and that all the required reports are accurately rendered promptly and these include STRs, PEPs and CTRs. Financial institutions are required to centralize their review and report-rendition functions within a unit in the branches and head-offices ; (viii) Provide for dual controls and the segregation of duties as much possible. For example, employees that complete the reporting forms (such as STRs and CTRs generally should not also be responsible for taking the decision to file the reports ; (ix) Provide sufficient controls and systems for rendering CTRs ; (x) Provide sufficient controls and systems of monitoring timely detection and reporting of suspicious activity ;
B 101
(xi) Provide for adequate supervision of employees that handle currency transactions, complete reporting formats, grant exemptions, monitor suspicious activity or engage in any other activity covered by the MLPA, AML/CFT Regulation and other guidelines ; (xii) Incorporate MLPA and AML/CFT Regulation-compliance into the job descriptions and performance evaluations of financial institution personnel, as appropriate ; and (xiii) Provide for the training of employees to be aware of their responsibilities under the AML/CFT Regulations and internal policy guidelines. Independent testing (audit) should be conducted by the internal audit department, external auditors, consultants or other qualified independent parties. While the frequency of audit is not specifically defined in any statute, a sound practice is for the financial institution to conduct independent testing generally every 12 to 18 months or commensurate with the ML/FT risk profile of the institution. Financial institutions that do not employ outside auditors, consultants or have internal audit departments may comply with this requirement by using qualified persons who are not involved in the function that is tested. The persons conducting the AML/CFT testing should report directly to the board of directors or to a designated board committee consisting primarily or completely of outside directors. Those persons responsible for conducting an objective independent evaluation of the written AML/CFT Compliance Programme should perform testing for specific compliance with the MLPA, AML/CFT Regulation and other related requirements. They are required to also evaluate pertinent management information systems (MIS). The audit has to be risk-based and must evaluate the quality of risk management for all the financial institution’s operations, departments and subsidiaries. Risk-based Audit Programmes will vary depending on the institution’s size, complexity, scope of activities, risk profile, quality of control functions, geographic diversity and use of technology. An effective risk-based auditing Programme will cover all of the institution’s activities. The frequency and depth of each audit activity will vary according to the activity’s risk assessment. It should be noted that the risk-based auditing will enable the board of directors and auditors to use the financial institution’s risk assessment to focus its scope of audit on the areas of greatest concern. The testing should assist the board of directors and management in identifying areas of weakness or areas where there is a need for enhancements or stronger controls. Independent testing should (at a minimum) include :
(i) The evaluation of the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the AML/CFT Compliance Programme, including policies, procedures and processes. This evaluation will contain an explicit statement about the AML/CFT compliance Independent Testing.
B 102 programme’s overall adequacy and effectiveness and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. At the very least, the audit should contain sufficient information for the reviewer (e.g. an Examiner, review auditor or NFIU officer) to reach a conclusion about the overall quality of the AML/CFT Compliance Programme ; (ii) A review of the financial institution’s risk assessment for reasonableness given the institution’s risk profile (products, services, customers, entities and geographic locations) ; (iii) Appropriate risk-based transaction testing to verify the financial institution’s adherence to the MLPA, 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 record keeping and rendition of returns requirements on PEPs, STRs and CTRs information sharing requests ; (iv) An evaluation of management’s efforts to resolve violations and deficiencies noted in previous audits and regulatory examinations, including progress in addressing outstanding supervisory actions (if applicable) ; (v) A review of staff training for adequacy, accuracy and completeness ; (vi) A review of the effectiveness of the suspicious transaction monitoring systems (are they manual, automated or a combination?) used for AML/CFT compliance. Related reports may include, but are not limited to :
(a) Suspicious transaction monitoring reports ; (b) Large currency aggregation reports ; (c) Monetary instrument records ; (d) Funds transfer records ; (e) Non-sufficient funds (NSF) reports ; (f ) Large balance fluctuation reports ; (g) Account relationship reports ; (h) An assessment of the overall process for identifying and reporting suspicious transaction, including a review of filed or prepared STRs to determine their accuracy, timeliness, completeness and effectiveness of the institution’s policy ; and (vii) An assessment of the integrity and accuracy of MIS used in the AML/ CFT Compliance Programme. MIS includes reports used to identify and extract data on the large currency transactions, aggregate daily currency transactions, funds-transfer transactions, monetary instrument sales transactions and analytical and trend reports. The auditors’ reports should include their documentation on the scope of the audit, procedures performed, transaction testing completed and findings of the review. All audit documentation and work-papers should be made available for the Examiner to review. Any violations, policy and/or procedures exceptions or other deficiencies noted during the audit should be included in the audit report and reported to the board of directors or its designated committee in a timely manner.
B 103
The board or designated committee and the audit staff are required to track the deficiencies observed in the auditors’ report and document the corrective actions recommended and taken. The institution’s board of directors is required to designate a qualified individual that must not be less than a General Manager to serve as the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). The CCO is responsible for the coordinating and monitoring of day-to-day AML/CFT compliance by the institution. The CCO is also charged with managing all aspects of the AML/CFT Compliance Programme and with managing the institution’s adherence to the MLPA, AML/CFT Regulation and other AML/CFT Requirements. However, it is the board of directors that is ultimately responsible for the institution’s AML/CFT compliance. As the title of the individual responsible for overall AML/CFT compliance is of importance, his/ her level of authority and responsibility within the financial institution is also critical. Though the CCO may delegate the AML/CFT duties to other employees, he/she will be held responsible for the overall AML/CFT compliance by the institution. The board of directors is responsible for ensuring that the CCO has sufficient authority and resources (monetary, physical and personnel) to administer an effective AML/CFT Compliance Programme based on the institution’s risk profile. The CCO should be fully knowledgeable of the MLPA, AML/CFT Regulation and all related requirements. The CCO should also understand the institution’s products, services, customers, entities, geographic locations and the potential money laundering and terrorist financing risks associated with these activities. The appointment of a CCO is not sufficient to meet the regulatory requirement if that person does not have the expertise, authority or time to satisfactorily carry out the job efficiently and effectively. Confirm that the line of communication allows the CCO to regularly apprise the board of directors and senior management of ongoing compliance with AML/ CFT regime of the institution. Ensure that pertinent MLPA-related information, including the reporting of STRs rendered to NFIU are reported to the board of directors or an appropriate board committee so that these individuals can make informed decisions about the overall AML/CFT compliance of the institution. Ensure also that the CCO is responsible for carrying out the directives of the board and ensuring that employees adhere to the institution’s AML/CFT policies, procedures and processes. Financial institutions are required to ensure that appropriate personnel are trained in applicable aspects of the MLPA, 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended). The training should cover the regulatory requirements and the institution’s internal AML/CFT policies, procedures and processes. At a minimum, the financial institution’s training Programme must provide training for all personnel and particularly for whose duties require knowledge of the MLPA and CBN
AML/CFT Regulation 2009 (as amended). The training should be tailored to the person’s specific responsibilities. In addition, an overview Chief Compliance Officer. Training.
B 104 of the AML/CFT requirements typically should be given to new staff during employee orientation. Training should encompass information related to applicable business lines such as trust services, international and private banking. The CCO should receive periodic training that is relevant and appropriate given changes to regulatory requirements as well as the activities and overall ML/ FT risk profile of the institution. The board of directors and senior management should be informed of changes and new developments in the MLPA and AML/CFT Regulation, other guidelines and directives, and regulations by other agencies. While the board of directors may not require the same degree of training as the institution operations personnel, they need to understand the importance of AML/CFT regulatory requirements, the ramifications of non-compliance and the risks posed to the institution. Without a general understanding of the MLPA and AML/CFT Regulation, the board of directors cannot adequately provide AML/CFT oversight, approve AML/CFT policies, procedures and processes or provide sufficient AML/ CFT resources. Training should be on-going and incorporate current developments and changes to the MLPA, 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) and other related guidelines. Changes to internal policies, procedures, processes and monitoring systems should also be covered during training. The training Programme should reinforce the importance that the board and senior management place on the institution’s compliance with the MLPA and AML/CFT Regulation and ensure that all employees understand their roles in maintaining an effective AML/CFT Compliance Programme. Examples of money laundering and suspicious transaction monitoring and reporting can and should be tailored to each individual audience. For example, training for tellers should focus on examples involving large currency transactions or other suspicious transactions while training for the loan department should provide examples involving money laundering through lending arrangements. Financial institutions are required to document their training Programmes. Training and testing materials, the dates of training sessions and attendance records should be maintained by the institution and be made available for Bank Examiners to review.
5.2. OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURES FOR REGULATORY
REQUIREMENTS AND RELATED TOPICS
All financial institutions are required to have a written Customer Identification Programme (CIP). Each financial institution should implement a written CIP that is appropriate for its size and type of business and that includes certain minimum requirements. The CIP must be incorporated into the institution’s AML/CFT Compliance Programme which is subject to approval by the institution’s board of directors. The implementation of a CIP by the financial institution’s subsidiaries is appropriate as a matter of safety, soundness and protection from reputation risks. Overview of Customer Identification Program.
B 105
Domestic subsidiaries (other than functionally regulated subsidiaries that are subject to separate CIP rules) of financial institutions should comply with the CIP rule that applies to the parent institution when opening an account. The CIP is intended to enable the financial institution form a reasonable belief that it knows the true identity of each customer. The CIP must include account opening procedures that specify the identifying information that will be obtained from each customer. It must also include reasonable and practical riskbased procedures for verifying the identity of each customer. Each financial institution is required to conduct a risk assessment of its customer base and product offerings. To determine the risks involved it must consider :
(i) The types of accounts offered by it ;
(ii) The institution’s methods of opening accounts ; (iii) The types of identification information available ; and (iv) The institution’s size, location and customer base, including types of products and services used by the customers in different geographic locations. A financial institution using documentary methods to verify a customer’s identity must have procedures that set forth the minimum acceptable documentation. The identification must provide evidence of a customer’s nationality or residence and bear a photograph or similar safeguard. Examples include a driver’s licence or international passport. However, other forms of identification may be used if they enable the institution to form a reasonable belief that it knows the true identity of the customer. Nonetheless, given the availability of counterfeit and fraudulently obtained documents, a financial institution is encouraged to review more than a single document to ensure that it has a reasonable belief that it knows the customer’s true identity. For a person other than an individual (such as a corporation, partnership or trust), the institution should obtain documents showing the legal existence of the entity. Such documents include certified Memorandum and Articles of Association (Memart) of the incorporation, an un-expired government-issued business licence, a partnership agreement or a trust instrument. Financial institutions are not advised to use non-documentary methods to verify a customer’s identity. However, a financial institution using non-documentary methods to verify a customer’s identity must have procedures that set forth the methods to be used by the institution. A financial institution’s CIP must include record-keeping procedures. At a minimum, the institution must retain the identification information such as name, address, date of birth for an individual, Tax Identification Number (TIN); telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and any other information required by the CIP which are obtained at account opening for a period of five years after the account is closed. For credit cards, the retention period is also five years after the account closes or becomes dormant. Verification through Documents. Verification through NonDocumentary Methods. RecordKeeping and Retention Requirements.
B 106
The financial institution is required to keep a description of the following for five years after the record was made :
(i) Any document that was relied on to verify identity, noting the type of document, the identification number, the place of issuance and the date of issuance and expiration date (if any) ; (ii) The method and the results of any measures undertaken to verify identity ; and (iii) The results of any substantive discrepancy discovered when verifying the identity. The CIP must include procedures for determining whether existing or potential customer appears on any list of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations. As often as possible and in accordance with the requirements of the AML/CFT Regulation and other related requirements on the subject, financial institutions are required to compare customer names against the list of terrorists after the account opening procedure is completed. The CIP must include procedures and evidence in which the financial institution has provided customers with adequate notice for request of information to verify their identities. The notice must generally describe the financial institution’s identification requirements and this should be provided in a manner that is reasonably designed to allow a customer to view it or otherwise receive the notice before the account is opened. Examples include posting the notice in the lobby, on a Web site or within loan application documents. Sample of such notice is provided below. To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, the law and regulation require all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means is that when a prospective customer opens an account, the financial institution will ask for his/her name, address, date of birth and other information that will allow us identify you. The financial institution may also ask to see the potential customers’ driver’s licence, international passport, TIN, National Identity Card, Voter Registration Card or other identifying documents. A financial institution is permitted to rely on another financial institution (including an affiliate) to perform some or all of the elements of the CIP. If such reliance is addressed in the CIP, the following criteria must be met :
(i) The relied-upon financial institution must be subject to a rule that makes it mandatory to implement the AML Programme requirements ; (ii) The customer has an account or is opening an account at the institution and at the other functionally regulated institution ; (iii) Such reliance must be reasonable under the circumstances ; and (iv) The financial institution must enter into a contract, requiring the other financial institution to certify annually to the beneficiary financial institution that the agent-institution has implemented its own AML Programme and that it will perform (or its agent will perform) the specified requirements of the institution’s CIP. Comparison with Terrorist Lists. Adequate Customer Notice. Important Information about Procedures for Opening a new Account. Reliance on another Financial Institution.
B 107
The CIP rule does not alter a financial institution’s authority to use a third party such as an agent or service provider to perform services on its behalf. Therefore, a financial institution is permitted to arrange for a third party such as a Car Dealer or Mortgage Broker to act as its agent in connection with a loan for purpose of verifying the identity of its customer. The financial institution can also arrange for a third party to maintain its records. As with any other responsibility performed by a third party, the financial institution is ultimately responsible for that third party’s compliance with the requirements of its CIP. As a result, financial institution should establish adequate controls and review procedures for such relationships. Nothing in the CIP rule relieves a financial institution of its obligations under any provision of the MLPA, AML/CFT Regulation, other laws, rules and regulations, particularly with respect to provisions concerning information that must be obtained, verified or maintained in connection with any account or transaction. Financial institutions should establish policies, procedures and processes for identifying PEPs’ requests, monitoring their transaction activity when appropriate, identifying unusual or potentially suspicious transaction related to those subjects and filing, as appropriate, STRs related to them. Examiners should review the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies, procedures and processes of identifying PEPs’ requests, monitoring their transaction activity when appropriate, identifying unusual or potentially suspicious transaction related to them, filing as appropriate, STRs related to the subjects.
5.3. The MLPA 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended)
require financial institutions to maintain records of funds transfer in amounts of N5 million and above for individuals; and N10 million & above for corporate bodies. Periodic review of this information can assist financial institutions in identifying patterns of unusual activity. A periodic review of the funds transfer records in financial institutions with low funds transfer activity is usually sufficient to identify unusual activity. For financial institutions with more significant funds transfer activity, use of spreadsheet or vendor software is an efficient way to review funds transfer activity for unusual patterns. Most vendor software systems include standard suspicious transaction filter reports. These reports typically focus on identifying certain higher-risk geographic locations and larger currency funds transfer transactions for individuals and businesses. Each institution should establish its own filtering criteria for both individuals and businesses. Non customer funds transfer transactions and Payable Upon Proper Identification (PUPID) transactions should be reviewed by Examiners for unusual activity. Activities identified during these reviews should be subjected to additional research to ensure that identified activity is consistent with the stated account purpose and expected activity. When inconsistencies are identified, financial institutions may need to conduct a global relationship review to determine if a STR is warranted.
5.4. Keeping of record for sale of monetary instrument is a requirement of
the MLPA, 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended). Such records Use of Third Parties. Other Legal Requirements. Inquiries and Requests by PEPs. Funds transfer records. Monetary instrument records.
B 108 can assist the financial institution in identifying possible currency structuring through the purchase of cashier’s cheques, official bank/financial institution cheques, money orders, or traveller’s cheques in amounts of USA $10,000 or its equivalent. A periodic review of these records can also help identify frequent purchasers of monetary instruments and common payees. Reviews for suspicious transaction should encompass activity for an extended period of time (30, 60, 90 days) and should focus on, among other things, identification of commonalities, such as common payees and purchasers, or consecutively numbered purchased monetary instruments.
5.5. A surveillance monitoring system (sometimes referred to as an
automated account monitoring system) can cover multiple types of transactions and use various rules to identify potentially suspicious transaction. In addition, many can adapt over time based on historical activity, trends or internal peer comparison. These systems typically use computer Programmes to identify individual transactions, patterns of unusual activity or deviations from expected activity. These systems can capture a wide range of account activity, such as deposits, withdrawals, funds transfers, Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transactions, directly from the financial institution’s core data processing system.
5.6. STR completion and filing with NFIU are a critical part of the STR
monitoring and reporting process. Appropriate policies, procedures and processes should be in place to ensure that STR forms are filed in a timely manner as required by extant law and regulation, are complete and accurate, and that the narrative provides a sufficient description of the activity reported as well as the basis for filing.
5.7. A financial institution is required to render Currency Transaction Report
(CTR) to NFIU for each transaction in cash (deposit, withdrawal, exchange or other payment or transfer) of N5,000,000 and above or N10,000,000 and above for individuals or corporate bodies respectively through, from or to the financial institution. All types of currency transactions are to be reported, there are no exempt persons. Multiple cash transactions totaling more than N5,000,000 or N10,000,000 and above for individuals or corporate bodies respectively during any one business day are treated as a single transaction if the financial institution has knowledge that they are by or on behalf of the same person. Transactions throughout the financial institution should be aggregated when determining multiple transactions. Types of currency transactions subject to reporting requirements individually or by aggregation include but are not limited to denomination exchanges, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), loan payments, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transactions, purchases of certificates of deposit, deposits and withdrawals, funds transfers paid for in currency and monetary instrument purchases. Financial institutions are strongly encouraged to develop systems necessary to aggregate currency transactions throughout the institution. Management should ensure that an adequate system exists and is implemented that will appropriately report currency transactions to the appropriate authorities subject to the CBN AML/ CFT Regulation 2009 (as amended) requirement. Surveillance Monitoring (Automated Account Monitoring). STR Completion and Filing. Overview of Currency Transaction Reporting. Aggregation of Currency Transactions.
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A completed CTR is required to be rendered (manually or electronically) to the NFIU within 7 days after the date of the transaction. The financial institution must retain copies of CTRs for five years from the date of the report. If a financial institution fails to file CTRs on reportable transactions, the institution is required to file the un-filed CTRs immediately.
5.8. SEARCH REQUIREMENTS
Upon receiving an information-request, a financial institution is required to conduct a one-time search of its records to identify accounts or transactions of a named suspect. Unless otherwise instructed by an information-request, financial institutions must search their records for current accounts, accounts maintained during the preceding 12 months and transactions conducted outside of an account by or on behalf of a named suspect during the preceding six months. The financial institution must search its records and report any positive matches to CBN/NFIU within seven (7) days, unless otherwise specified in the information-request. If a financial institution identifies any account or transaction, it must report to the CBN/NFIU that it has a match. Relevant details are required to be provided to CBN/NFIU in addition to the fact that the financial institution has found a match. Where no match is found, a nil report must be submitted within the deadline. The institution is forbidden from keeping silent or providing no response. A financial institution may provide subject lists to a third-party service provider or vendor to perform or facilitate record searches as long as the institution takes the necessary steps, through the use of an agreement or procedures to ensure that the third party safeguards and maintains the confidentiality of the information. If a financial institution that receives the subject lists fails to perform or complete searches on one or more information-request received during the previous 12 months, it must immediately obtain these prior requests from CBN/ NFIU and perform a retroactive search of its records. A financial institution is not required to perform retroactive searches in connection with information sharing requests that were transmitted more than 12 months before the date upon which it discovers that it failed to perform or complete searches on prior information requests. Additionally, in performing retroactive searches a financial institution is not required to search records created after the date of the original information request. Financial institutions should develop and implement comprehensive policies, procedures and processes for responding to requests. A financial institution may use the required information rendered to CBN/NFIU to determine whether to establish or maintain an account or engage in a transaction, or to assist in its AML/CFT compliance. While the subject-list could be used to determine whether to establish or maintain an account, CBN/NFIU strongly discourages financial Filing Time Frames and Record Retention Requirements. CTR BackFiling. Information Sharing Between Law Enforcement and Financial Institutions. Restrictions and Confidentiality.
B 110 institutions from using this as the sole factor in reaching a decision to do so, unless the request specifically states otherwise. Subject-lists are not permanent watch lists . They generally relate to onetime inquiries and could not be updated or corrected if an investigation is dropped, a prosecution is declined, or a subject is exonerated. Furthermore, such names do not necessarily correspond to convicted or indicted persons. A subject need only be reasonably suspected based on credible evidence of engaging in terrorist acts or money laundering. Moreover, CBN/NFIU advises that inclusion of a name on subject-list should not be the sole factor used to determine whether to file STR. Financial institutions are required to establish a process for determining when and if a STR should be filed. Actions taken pursuant to information provided in a request from CBN/ NFIU do not affect a financial institution’s obligations to comply with all of the rules and regulations of MLPA 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation 2009 (as amended) nor do they affect a financial institution’s obligations to respond to any legal process. Additionally, actions taken in response to a request do not relieve a financial institution of its obligation to file a STR and immediately notify LEA, if necessary, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. A financial institution must not disclose to any person (other than to CBN/ NFIU, the institution’s primary regulator or the LEA on whose behalf CBN/NFIU is requesting information) the fact that CBN/NFIU has requested or obtained information. A financial institution should designate one or more points of contact for receiving information-requests. An affiliated group of financial institutions may establish one point of contact to distribute the subject-list to respond to requests. However, the subject-lists cannot be shared with any foreign office, branch or affiliate (unless the request specifically states otherwise). The lists cannot be shared with affiliates or subsidiaries of financial institutions’ holding companies, if the affiliates or subsidiaries are not financial institutions. Each financial institution must maintain adequate procedures to protect the security and confidentiality of requests from CBN/NFIU. The procedures to ensure confidentiality will be considered adequate if the financial institution applies procedures similar to those it has established to comply with regulatory requirements in order to protect its customers’ non-public personal information. Financial institutions may keep a log of all requests received and of any positive matches identified and reported to CBN/NFIU Additionally, documentation of how all the required searches were conducted is essential. A financial institution may maintain copies of the cover page of the request on which it signed-off that the records were checked, the date of the search and search results (positive or negative). For positive matches with subjectlists
received, copies of the form returned to CBN/NFIU and the supporting documentation should be retained. Financial institutions are required to print search self-verification document and subject response list for documentation purpose. The Subject Response List displays the total number of positive responses submitted to CBN/NFIU for that transmission, the transmission date, the submitted Documentation.
B 111 date, the tracking number and subject name that had the positive hit. If the financial institution elects to maintain copies of such requests, the Examiner should not criticize it for doing so, as long as it appropriately secures them and protects their confidentiality. Audit reports should include an evaluation of compliance with these guidelines within their scope. CBN/NFIU will regularly update a list of search transmissions, including information on the date of transmission, tracking number and number of subjects listed in the transmission. Examiners may review this subject-list to verify that search requests have been received. Each financial institution should contact its primary regulator for guidance to ensure it obtains the subject-list and for updating contact information. Financial institutions and their associates are encouraged to share information in order to identify and report activities that may involve terrorist activity or money laundering. Financial institutions should however notify the CBN/NFIU of its intent to engage in information sharing and that it has established and will maintain adequate procedures to protect the security and confidentiality of the information. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in loss of safeharbour protection for information sharing and may result in a violation of privacy laws or other laws and regulations. If a financial institution chooses to voluntarily participate in VIS, policies, procedures and processes should be developed and implemented for sharing and receiving of information. The financial institution should designate a point of contact for receiving and providing information. A financial institution should establish a process for sending and receiving information sharing requests. Additionally, a financial institution must take reasonable steps to verify that the other financial institution or association of financial institutions with which it intends to share information has also submitted the required notice to CBN/NFIU. The CBN/NFIU provides participating financial institutions with access to a list of other participating financial institutions and their related contact information. If a financial institution receives such information from another financial institution, it must also limit the use of the information and maintain its security and confidentiality. Such information may be used only to identify and render returns on money laundering and terrorist financing; to determine whether to establish or maintain an account; to engage in other forms of transactions; or to assist in complying with MLPA and AML/CFT Regulation. The procedures to ensure confidentiality will be considered adequate if the financial institution applies procedures similar to the ones it has established to comply with the regulation on the protection of its customers’ non-public personal information. The VIS does not authorize a financial institution to share information on
suspicious transactions, nor does it permit the financial institution to disclose the existence or non-existence of such transactions. Voluntary Information Sharing. Notice to share information given to CBN/NFIU.
B 112
If a financial institution shares information under VIS about the subject on STR, the information shared should be limited to underlying transaction and customer information. A financial institution may use information obtained under VIS to determine whether to file a STR, but the intention to prepare or file a STR cannot be shared with another financial institution. Financial institutions should establish a process for determining when and if a STR should be filed. Actions taken pursuant to information obtained through the VIS process do not affect a financial institution’s obligations to respond to any legal process. Additionally, actions taken in response to information obtained through the voluntary information sharing process do not relieve a financial institution of its obligation to file a STR and to immediately notify the LEA (if necessary) in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
5.9. OVERVIEW OF PURCHASE AND SALE OF MONETARY INSTRUMENTS
RECORD-KEEPING
Financial institutions are required to verify the identity of persons purchasing monetary instruments for cash in tandem with the reportable thresholds in the laws and regulation and USA $1,000 or above, and to maintain records of all such sales. Financial institutions should either verify that the purchaser of monetary instruments is a deposit account holder with identifying information on record with the financial institution, or a financial institution may verify the identity of the purchaser in accordance with the form of identification contained in AML/ CFT Regulation in respect of the customer’s name and address and other means of identification acceptable by the financial community for cashing cheques by non-customers. The financial institution must obtain additional information for purchasers who do not have deposit accounts. The method used to verify the identity of the purchaser must be recorded. Financial institutions may implement a policy requiring customers who are deposit account holders and who want to purchase monetary instruments in amounts of N5 million for individuals, N10 million for corporate entities or USA $1,000 with cash to first deposit the cash into their deposit accounts. Nothing within the CBN AML/CFT Regulation 2009 (as amended) or other regulations prohibits a financial institution from instituting such a policy. However, when a customer purchases a monetary instrument in amounts of N5 million for individuals, N10 million for corporate entities or USA $1,000 using cash, the customer should first deposit such cash into his/its account, the transaction is still subject to the regulatory record-keeping and reporting requirements. These requirements apply whether the transaction is conducted in accordance with a financial institution’s established policy or at the request of the customer. Generally, when a bank/other financial institution sells monetary instruments to deposit account holders, it is expected to already maintain most of the regulatory required information in the normal course of its business. Purchaser Verification. Indirect Currency Purchases of Monetary Instruments.
B 113
A financial institution’s records of sales must contain, at a minimum, the following information :
(A) If the purchaser has a deposit account with the bank :
(i) Name of the purchaser ;
(ii) Date of purchase ;
(iii) Types of instruments purchased ;
(iv) Serial numbers of each of the instruments purchased ; (v) Amounts of each of the instruments purchased in Naira or other currencies ; (vi) Specific identifying information, if applicable ; and (vii) Telephone numbers and e-mail address. (B) If the purchaser does not have a deposit account with the financial institution :
(i) Name and address of the purchaser ;
(ii) Social security or alien identification number of the purchaser ; (iii) Date of birth of the purchaser ; (iv) Date of purchase ; (v) Types of instruments purchased ; (vi) Serial numbers of each of the instruments purchased ; (vii) Naira or other currencies amount of each of the instruments purchased ; (viii) Specific identifying information for verifying the purchaser’s identity (e.g. state of issuance and number on driver’s licence) ; and (ix) Telephone number and e-mail address. If the purchaser cannot provide the required information at the time of the transaction or through the financial institution’s own previously verified records, the transaction should be refused. The records of monetary instrument sales must be retained for five years and be available for & reported to CBN, NFIU, auditors and other competent authorities.
5.10. Every financial institution is required to comply with statutory and
regulatory requirements for funds transfers.
The regulatory requirements are set forth in the MLPA, 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended). Funds transfer systems enable instantaneous transfer of funds, including both domestic and cross-border transfers. Consequently these systems can present an attractive method to disguise the source of funds derived from illegal activity. The CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 requires each financial institution involved in funds transfers to collect and retain certain information in connection with funds transfers of USA$1,000 or more. The information required to be collected and retained depends on the financial institution’s role in the particular funds Record keeping and Retention Requirements. Overview of Funds Transfers RecordKeeping.
B 114 transfer (originator’s financial institution, intermediary financial institution, or beneficiary’s financial institution). The requirements may also vary depending on whether an originator or beneficiary is an established customer of a financial institution and whether a payment order is made in person or otherwise. It also requires all financial institutions to include certain information in transmittal orders for funds transfers of USA $1,000 or more. RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORIGINATOR’S FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS For each payment order in the amount of USA $1,000 or more that a financial institution accepts as an originator’s financial institution, it must obtain and retain the following records :
(i) Name and address of the originator ;
(ii) Amount of the payment order ;
(iii) Date of the payment order ;
(iv) Any payment instructions ;
(v) Identity of the beneficiary’s institution ; (vi) As many of the following items as are received with the payment order :
(a) Name and address of the beneficiary ;
(b) Account number of the beneficiary ; and (c) Any other specific identifier of the beneficiary. If the originator is not an established customer of the financial institution, the originator’s financial institution must collect and retain the information listed above. In addition, the originator’s financial institution must collect and retain other information, depending on whether the payment order is made in person by the originator. If the payment order is made in person by the originator, the originator’s financial institution must verify the identity of the person placing the payment order before it accepts the order. If it accepts the payment order, the originator’s financial institution must obtain and retain the following records :
(i) Name and address of the person placing the order ; (ii) Type of identification document reviewed ; (iii) Number of the identification document (e.g., driver’s licence) ; and (iv) The person’s Tax Identification Number (TIN), National I.D. number or Employer Identification Number (EIN) or, if none, the passport number and country of issuance, or a notation in the record of lack of it thereof. If the originator’s financial institution has knowledge that the person placing the payment order is not the originator, the originator’s financial institution must obtain and record the originator’s TIN or, if none, the passport number and country of issuance, or a notation of lack of it thereof. RecordKeeping Requirements. Additional Recordkeeping Requirements for Nonestablished Customers. Payment Orders Made in Person
B 115
If a payment order is not made in person by the originator, the originator’s financial institution must obtain and retain the following records :
(i) Name and address of the person placing the payment order ; and (ii) The person’s TIN or, if none, the passport number and country of issuance, or a notation in the record of lack of it thereof, and a copy or record of the method of payment (e.g., cheque or credit card transaction) for the funds transfer. If the originator’s financial institution has knowledge that the person placing the payment order is not the originator, the originator’s financial institution must obtain and record the originator’s TIN or, if none, the passport number and country of issuance, or a notation of lack of it thereof. Information retained must be retrievable by reference to the name of the originator. When the originator is an established customer of the financial institution and has an account used for funds transfers, information retained must also be retrievable by account number. Records must be maintained for five years. For funds transmittals of USA $1,000 or more, the transmittor’s financial institution must include the following information in the transmittal order at the time that a transmittal order is sent to a receiving financial institution :
(i) Name and account number of the transmittor, and, if the payment is ordered from an account ; (ii) Address of the transmittor ; (iii) Amount of the transmittal order ; (iv) Date of the transmittal order ; (v) Identity of the recipient’s financial institution ; (vi) As many of the following items as are received with the transmittal order :
(a) Name and address of the recipient ;
(b) Account number of the recipient ;
(c) Any other specific identifier of the recipient ; and (vii) Either the name and address or the numerical identifier of the transmittor’s financial institution. RESPONSIBILITIES OF INTERMEDIARY INSTITUTIONS For each payment order of USA $1,000 or more that a financial institution accepts as an intermediary financial institution, the institution must retain a record of the payment order. For funds transmittals of USA $1,000 or more, the intermediary financial institution must include the following information if received from the sender in a transmittal order at the time that order is sent to a receiving financial institution :
Payment
Orders Not
Made in
Person.
Irretrievability.
Travel Rule
Requirement.
RecordKeeping
Requirements.
Travel Rule
Requirements.
B 116
(i) Name and account number of the transmittor ; (ii) Address of the transmittor ; (iii) Amount of the transmittal order ; (iv) Date of the transmittal order ; (v) Identity of the recipient’s financial institution ; (vi) As many of the following items as are received with the transmittal order :
(a) Name and address of the recipient ;
(b) Account number of the recipient ;
(c) Any other specific identifier of the recipient ; and (vii) Either the name and address or the numerical identifier of the transmittor’s financial institution. Intermediary financial institutions must pass on all the information received from a transmittor’s financial institution or the preceding financial institution, but they have no duty to obtain information not provided by the transmittor’s financial institution or the preceding financial institution. RESPONSIBILITIES OF BENEFICIARY’S FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS For each payment order of USA $1,000 or more that a financial institution accepts as a beneficiary’s financial institution, the institution must retain a record of the payment order. If the beneficiary is not an established customer of the financial institution, the beneficiary’s institution must retain the above information for each payment order of USA $1,000 or more. If proceeds are delivered in person to the beneficiary or its representative or agent, the institution must verify the identity of the person receiving the proceeds and retain a record of the following :
(i) Name and address ;
(ii) The type of document reviewed ;
(iii) The number of the identification document ; (iv) The person’s TIN, or, if none, the passport number and country of issuance, or a notation in the record of the lack thereof ; and (v) If the institution has knowledge that the person receiving the proceeds is not the beneficiary, the institution must obtain and retain a record of the beneficiary’s name and address, as well as the beneficiary’s identification. If proceeds are not delivered in person, the institution must retain a copy of the cheque or other instrument used to effect the payment, or the institution must record the information on the instrument. The institution must also record the name and address of the person to whom it was sent. RecordKeeping Requirements. Proceeds Delivered in Person. Proceeds Not Delivered in Person.
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Information retained must be retrievable by reference to the name of the beneficiary. When the beneficiary is an established customer of the institution and has an account used for funds transfers, information retained must also be retrievable by account number. There are no Travel Rule requirements for beneficiary financial institutions. Although the use of coded names or pseudonyms are not permitted, the use of abbreviated names, names reflecting different accounts of a corporation (e.g., XYZ Payroll Account), and trade and assumed names of a business ( doing business as ) or the names of unincorporated divisions or departments of the business are allowed. Customer’s street address is required to be included in a transmittal order and this should be known to the transmittor’s financial institution. The regulatory interpretation of the term address means either the transmittor’s street address or the transmittor’s address maintained in the financial institution’s automated CIF (not mailing address such as post office box) as long as the institution maintains the transmittor’s address on file and the address information is retrievable upon request by LEA. A financial institution that maintains a correspondent account for a foreign financial institution must maintain records identifying the owners of each foreign financial institution. A financial institution must also record the name and street address of a person who resides in Nigeria and who is authorized, and has agreed, to be an agent to accept service of legal process. A financial institution must produce these records within seven days upon receipt of a written request from a LEA. Financial institutions must obtain certifications (or re-certifications) or the required information within 30 calendar days after the date an account is established and at least once every three years thereafter. If the financial institution is unable to obtain the required information, it must close all correspondent accounts with the foreign financial institution within a commercially reasonable time. A financial institution should review certifications for reasonableness and accuracy. If a financial institution at any time knows, suspects, or has reason to suspect that any information obtained or that any other information it relied on is no longer correct, the financial institution must request the foreign financial institution to verify or correct such information, or the financial institution must take other appropriate measures to ascertain its accuracy. Therefore, financial institutions should review certifications for potential problems that may warrant further review, such as use of post office boxes or forwarding addresses. If the financial institution has not obtained the necessary or corrected information within 90 days, it must close the account within a commercially reasonable time. During this time, the financial institution may not permit the foreign financial institution to establish any new
financial positions or execute any transactions through the account, other than those transactions necessary to Irretrievability. Abbreviations and Addresses. Customer Address. Certifications. Account Closure. Verification.
B 118 close the account. Also, a financial institution may not establish any other correspondent account for the foreign financial institution until it obtains the required information. A financial institution must also retain the original of any document provided by a foreign financial institution, and retain the original or a copy of any document otherwise relied on for the purposes of the regulation, for at least five years after the date that the financial institution no longer maintains any correspondent account for the foreign financial institution.
5.11. Also, upon request by its regulator(s), a financial institution must
provide or make available records related to its AML compliance or one of its customers within three (3) working days from the time of the request.
5.12. This subsection requires each financial institution that establishes,
maintains, administers, or manages a correspondent account for a foreign financial institution to take certain AML measures for such accounts. Financial institutions are required to establish a due diligence programme that includes appropriate, specific, risk-based, and, where necessary, enhanced policies, procedures and controls that are reasonably designed to enable the financial institution to detect and report, on an ongoing basis, any known or suspected money laundering activity conducted through or involving any correspondent account established, maintained, administered, or managed by it for a foreign financial institution. Due diligence policies, procedures and controls must include each of the following :
(i) Determining whether each such foreign correspondent account is subject to Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) ; (ii) Assessing the money laundering risks presented by each such foreign correspondent account ; and (iii) Applying risk-based procedures and controls to each such foreign correspondent account reasonably designed to detect and report known or suspected money laundering activity, including a periodic review of the correspondent account activity sufficient to determine consistency with information obtained about the type, purpose and anticipated activity of the account. A financial institution’s general due diligence Programme must include policies, procedures and processes to assess the risks posed by its foreign financial institution customers. A financial institution’s resources are most appropriately directed at those accounts that pose a more significant money laundering risk. Its due diligence programme should provide for the risk assessment of foreign correspondent accounts considering all relevant factors, including, as appropriate :
Requests for
AML
Records by
Regulator.
Special Due
Diligence
Program for
Foreign
Correspondent
Accounts.
General Due
Diligence.
Risk assessment of foreign financial institutions.
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(i) The nature of the foreign financial institution’s business and the markets it serves ; (ii) The type, purpose and anticipated activity of the foreign correspondent account ; (iii) The nature and duration of the financial institution’s relationship with the foreign financial institution (and, if relevant, with any affiliate of the foreign financial institution) ; (iv) The AML and supervisory regime of the jurisdiction that issued the charter or licence to the foreign financial institution and, to the extent that information regarding such jurisdiction is reasonably available, of the jurisdiction in which any company that is an owner of the foreign financial institution is incorporated or chartered ; and (v) Information known or reasonably available to the financial institution about the foreign financial institution’s AML record, including public information in standard industry guides, periodicals and major publications. As part of ongoing due diligence, financial institutions should periodically review their foreign correspondent accounts. Monitoring will not, in the ordinary situation, involve scrutiny of every transaction taking place within the account, but, instead, should involve a review of the account sufficient to ensure that the financial institution can determine whether the nature and volume of account activity are generally consistent with information regarding the purpose of the account and expected account activity and to ensure that the financial institution can adequately identify suspicious transactions. An effective due diligence Programme will provide for a range of due diligence measures, based upon the financial institution’s risk assessment of each foreign correspondent account. The starting point for an effective due diligence Programme, therefore, should be a stratification of the money laundering risk of each foreign correspondent account based on the financial institution’s review of relevant risk factors (such as those identified above) to determine which accounts may require increased measures. The due diligence Programme should identify risk factors that would warrant the institution conducting additional scrutiny or increased monitoring of a particular account. As due diligence is an ongoing process, a financial institution should take measures to ensure account profiles are current and monitoring should be risk-based. Financial institutions should consider whether risk profiles should be adjusted or suspicious activity reported when the activity is inconsistent with the profile. Financial institutions are required to establish risk-based EDD policies, procedures and controls when establishing, maintaining, administering or managing a correspondent account in Nigeria for foreign financial institutions operating under any one or more of the following :
(i) An offshore banking licence ;
(ii) A banking licence issued by a foreign country that has been designated as non-cooperative with international AML principles or procedures by an Monitoring of foreign correspondent accounts. Enhanced Due Diligence.
B 120 inter-governmental group or organization of which Nigeria is a member and Nigeria representative to the group or organization concurs its decision ; and (iii) A banking licence issued by a foreign country that has been designated by the CBN as warranting special measures due to money laundering concerns. If such an account is established or maintained, the financial institution is required to establish EDD policies, procedures and controls to ensure that it, at a minimum, takes reasonable steps to :
(i) Determine, for any such foreign financial institution whose shares are not publicly traded, the identity of each of the owners of the foreign financial institution and the nature and extent of the ownership interest of each such owner ; (ii) Conduct enhanced scrutiny of such account to guard against money laundering and to identify and report any suspicious transactions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. (This enhanced scrutiny is to reflect the risk assessment of the account and shall include, as appropriate) ; (iii) Obtain and consider information relating to the foreign financial institution’s anti-money laundering Programme to assess the risk of money laundering presented by the foreign financial institution’s correspondent account ; (iv) Monitor transactions to, from, or through the correspondent account in a manner reasonably designed to detect money laundering and suspicious activity ; (v) Obtain information from the foreign financial institution about the identity of any person with authority to direct transactions through any correspondent account that is a payable through account, and the sources and the beneficial owner of funds or other assets in the payable through account ; and (vi) Determine whether the foreign financial institution for which the correspondent account is maintained in turn maintains correspondent accounts for other foreign financial institutions that use the foreign financial institution’s correspondent account. (If so, take reasonable steps to obtain information relevant to assess and mitigate money laundering risks associated with the foreign financial institution’s correspondent accounts for other foreign financial institutions, including, as appropriate, the identity of those foreign financial institutions). In addition to those categories of foreign financial institutions identified in the regulation as requiring EDD, financial institutions may find it appropriate to conduct additional due diligence measures on foreign financial institutions identified through application of the financial institution’s general due diligence Programme as posing a higher risk for money laundering. Such measures may include any or all of the elements of EDD set forth in the regulation, as appropriate for the risks posed by the specific foreign correspondent account. As also noted in the above section on general due diligence, a financial institution’s resources are most appropriately directed at those accounts that
B 121 pose a more significant money laundering risk. Accordingly, where a financial institution is required or otherwise determines that it is necessary to conduct EDD in connection with a foreign correspondent account, the financial institution may consider the risk assessment factors discussed in the section on general due diligence when determining the extent of the EDD that is necessary and appropriate to mitigate the risks presented. In particular, the anti-money laundering and supervisory regime of the jurisdiction that issued a charter or licence to the foreign financial institution may be especially relevant in a financial institution’s determination of the nature and extent of the risks posed by a foreign correspondent account and the extent of the EDD to be applied. A financial institution’s due diligence policies, procedures and controls established must include procedures to be followed in circumstances when appropriate due diligence or EDD cannot be performed with respect to a foreign correspondent account and when the financial institution should :
(i) Refuse to open the account ;
(ii) Suspend transaction activity ;
(iii) File STR ; and
(iv) Close account.
5.13. Financial institution are required to comply with the statutory and
regulatory requirements by implementing policies, procedures and controls to detect and report money laundering and suspicious activity through private banking accounts established, administered or maintained for non-Nigerian persons. Private banking can be broadly defined as providing personalized financial services to wealthy clients. In particular, a financial institution must establish appropriate, specific and (where necessary) EDD policies, procedures and controls that are reasonably designed to enable the financial institution to detect and report instances of money laundering through such accounts. CBN AML/CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) mandates enhanced scrutiny to detect and, if appropriate, report transactions that may involve proceeds of foreign corruption for private banking accounts that are requested or maintained by or on behalf of a senior foreign/local political figure or the individual’s immediate family and close associates. A private banking account is an account (or any combination of accounts) either so-called private bank account or maintained at a financial institution that satisfies all the three criteria :
(i) Requires a minimum aggregate deposit of funds or other assets of not less than USA$50,000 or its equivalent ; (ii) Is established on behalf of or for the benefit of one or more Nigerian or non-Nigerian persons who are direct or beneficial owners of the account ; and Special Procedures When Due Diligence Cannot Be Performed. Overview of Private Banking Due Diligence Program (NonNigerians). Private Banking Accounts.
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(iii) Is assigned to, or is administered by, in whole or in part, an officer, employee, or agent of a financial institution acting as a liaison between a financial institution covered by the regulation and the direct or beneficial owner of the account. With regard to the minimum deposit requirement, a private banking account is an account (or combination of accounts) that requires a minimum deposit of not less than USA $50,000 or its equivalent. A financial institution may offer a wide range of services that are generically termed private banking, and even if certain (or any combination, or all) of the financial institution’s private banking services do not require a minimum deposit of not less than USA $50,000 or its equivalent, these relationships should be subject to a greater level of due diligence under the financial institution’s risk- based AML compliance Programme. A financial institution is required to establish and maintain a due diligence Programme that includes policies, procedures and controls that are reasonably designed to detect and report any known or suspected money laundering or suspicious activity conducted through or involving any private banking account for a Nigerian or non-Nigerian person that is established, maintained, administered, or managed in Nigeria by the financial institution. The due diligence Programme must ensure that, at a minimum, the financial institution takes reasonable steps to do each of the following :
(i) Ascertain the identity of all nominal and beneficial owners of a private banking account ; (ii) Ascertain whether the nominal or beneficial owner of any private banking account is a senior local/foreign political figure ; (iii) Ascertain the source(s) of funds deposited into a private banking account and the purpose and expected use of the account ; and (iv) Review the activity of the account to ensure that it is consistent with the information obtained about the client’s source of funds, and with the stated purpose and expected use of the account, and to file a STR, as appropriate, to report any known or suspected money laundering or suspicious activity conducted to, from, or through a private banking account. The nature and extent of due diligence conducted on private banking accounts for Nigerian/non- Nigerian persons will likely vary for each client depending on the presence of potential risk factors. More extensive due diligence, for example, may be appropriate for new clients; clients who operate in, or whose funds are transmitted from or through jurisdictions with weak AML controls; and clients whose lines of business are primarily currency-based (e.g., casinos or currency exchangers). Due diligence should also be commensurate with the size of the account. Accounts with relatively more deposits and assets should be subject to greater due diligence. In addition, if the financial institution at any time learns of information that casts doubt on previous information, further due diligence would be appropriate. Risk Assessment of Private Banking Accounts for Nigerian/ NonNigerian Persons. Due Dilligence.
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Financial institutions that provide private banking services generally are required to obtain considerable information about their clients, including the purpose for which the customer establishes the private banking account. This information can establish a baseline for account activity that will enable a financial institution to better detect suspicious activity and to assess situations where additional verification regarding the source of funds may be necessary. Financial institutions are not expected, in the ordinary course of business, to verify the source of every deposit placed into every private banking account. However, financial institutions should monitor deposits and transactions as necessary to ensure that activity is consistent with information that the financial institution has received about the client’s source of funds and with the stated purpose and expected use of the account. Such monitoring will facilitate the identification of accounts that warrant additional scrutiny. The term senior political figure is defined to include one or more of the following :
(i) A current or former Senior official in the executive, legislative, administrative, military, or judicial branches of a foreign government (whether elected or not) ; (ii) Senior official of a major foreign political party ; (iii) Senior executive of a foreign-government-owned commercial enterprise ; (iv) A corporation, business, or other entity that has been formed by, or for the benefit of, any such individual ; (v) An immediate family member (including spouses, parents, siblings, children, and a spouse’s parents and siblings) of any such individual ; and (vi) A person who is widely and publicly known (or is actually known by the relevant financial institution) to be a close associate of such individual. Senior political figures as defined above are often referred to as Politically Exposed Persons or PEPs. For private banking accounts for which a senior local/foreign political figure is a nominal or beneficial owner, the financial institution’s due diligence Programme must include enhanced scrutiny that is reasonably designed to detect and report transactions that may involve the proceeds of local/ foreign corruption. The term proceeds of local/foreign corruption means any asset or property that is acquired by, through, or on behalf of a senior local/ foreign political figure through misappropriation, theft, or embezzlement of public funds, the unlawful conversion of property of a foreign government, or through acts of bribery or extortion, and includes any other property into which any such assets have been transformed or converted. Enhanced scrutiny of private banking accounts for senior local/foreign political figures should be risk-based. Reasonable steps to perform enhanced scrutiny may include consulting publicly available information regarding the home country of the client, contacting branches of the financial institution operating in the home country of the client to obtain additional information about the client and the political environment, and conducting greater scrutiny of the client’s Ascertaining Source of Funds and Monitoring Account Activity. Enhanced Scrutiny of Private Banking Accounts for Senior Local/ Foreign Political Figures.
B 124 employment history and sources of income. For example, funds transfers from a government account to the personal account of a government official with signature authority over the government account may raise a financial institution’s suspicions of possible political corruption. In addition, if a financial institution’s review of major news sources indicates that a client may be or is involved in political corruption, the financial institution should review the client’s account for unusual activity and :
(i) Refuse to open the account ;
(ii) Suspend transaction activity ;
(iii) File an STR ; and
(iv) Close the account.
Financial institutions are required to establish policies, procedures and controls that include reasonable steps to ascertain the status of an individual as a senior political figure. Procedures should require obtaining information regarding employment and other sources of income, and the financial institution should seek information directly from the client regarding possible senior local/foreign political figure status. The financial institution should also check references, as appropriate, to determine whether the individual holds or has previously held a senior political position or may be a close associate of a senior local/foreign political figure. In addition, the financial institution should make reasonable efforts to review public sources of information regarding the client. Financial institutions applying reasonable due diligence procedures in accordance with regulatory requirements may not be able to identify, in every case, individuals who qualify as senior local/foreign political figures, and, in particular, their close associates, and thus may not apply enhanced scrutiny to all such accounts. If the financial institution’s due diligence Programme is reasonably designed to make this determination, and it administers this Programme effectively, then the financial institution should generally be able to detect, report and take appropriate action when suspected money laundering is occurring with respect to these accounts, even in cases when the financial institution has not been able to identify the accountholder as a senior foreign political figure warranting enhanced scrutiny. A financial institution’s due diligence policies, procedures and controls established must include special procedures when appropriate due diligence cannot be performed. These special procedures must include when the financial institution should :
(i) Refuse to open the account ;
(ii) Suspend transaction activity ;
(iii) File an STR ; and
(iv) Close the account.
Identifying
Senior
Political
Figures.
Special
Procedures
When Due
Diligence
Cannot Be
Performed.
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5.14. Financial institutions and domestic financial agencies are required to
take certain special measures against foreign jurisdictions, foreign financial institutions, classes of international transactions, or types of accounts of primary money laundering concern. TYPES OF SPECIAL MEASURES They are to take following special measures either individually, jointly or in any combination :
Under the first special measure, financial institutions are required to maintain records or file reports or both, concerning the aggregate amount of transactions or the specifics of each transaction with respect to a jurisdiction, financial institution, class of transactions or type of account that is of primary money laundering concern. Under the second special measure, financial institutions are required to take reasonable and practicable steps to obtain and retain information concerning the beneficial ownership of any account opened or maintained by a foreign person (other than a foreign entity whose shares are subject to public reporting requirements or are listed and traded on a regulated exchange or trading market), or a representative of such foreign person that involves a jurisdiction, financial institution, class of transactions or type of account that is of primary money laundering concern. Under the third special measure, financial institutions that open or maintain a payable through account involving a jurisdiction, financial institution, class of transactions or type of account that is of primary money laundering concern are required to :
(i) To identify each customer (and representative) who is permitted to use the account or whose transactions are routed through the account ; and (ii) To obtain information about each customer (and representative) that is substantially comparable to that which the financial institution obtains in the ordinary course of business with respect to its customers residing in Nigeria. Under the fourth special measure, financial institutions that open or maintain a correspondent account involving a jurisdiction, financial institution, class of transactions or type of account that is of primary money laundering concern are required to :
Identify each customer (and representative) who is permitted to use the account or whose transactions are routed through the account ; and (i) Obtain information about each such customer (and representative) that is substantially comparable to that which a depository institution obtains in the ordinary course of business with respect to its customers residing in Nigeria. Overview of Special Measures. Record keeping and Reporting of Certain Financial Transactions. Information Relating to Beneficial Ownership. Information Relating to Certain Payable through Accounts. Information Relating to Certain Correspondent Accounts.
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Financial institutions are required to comply with statutory and regulatory requirements for the reporting of international shipments of currency or monetary instruments. Each person (including a financial institution) who physically transports, mails or ships currency or monetary instruments in excess of USA $10,000 at one time out of or into Nigeria (and each person who causes such transportation, mailing or shipment) must file a Declaration Report with the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) at the time of entry into or departure from Nigeria in accordance with section 2(3) of MLPA, 2011. When a person receives currency or monetary instruments through financial institution in an amount exceeding USA $10,000 or its equivalent at one time that have been shipped from and to any place outside Nigeria, a report must be filed with the CBN, SEC and NFIU within 7 days of date of such transaction (unless a report has already been filed). The report is to be completed by or on behalf of the person requesting transfer of the currency or monetary instruments. Financial institutions are also required to report these items if they are mailed or shipped through the postal service or by common carrier. However, a financial institution or trust company recognized under the law is not required to report overland shipments of currency or monetary instruments if they are shipped to or received from an established customer maintaining a deposit relationship with the financial institution where the latter can reasonably conclude that the amounts do not exceed what is commensurate with the customary conduct of the business, industry or profession of the customer concerned. Management should implement applicable policies, procedures and processes for filing these declaration reports. Management should review the international transportation of currency and monetary instruments. Financial institutions are required to establish procedures and processes of monitoring and identifying OFAC blocked countries, entities, etc. Also assess the appropriateness of the procedures and processes are also to be appropriate, taking into consideration the financial institution’s products, services, customers, entities, transactions, geographical locations and its scope of international operations. Though complying with OFAC requirements is mandatory to only U.S. based banks, it is important that financial institutions in Nigeria be aware of these requirements and take notice of all OFAC blocked/banned countries, terrorists, entities, etc. This would enable the financial institutions know and avoid carrying out transactions with blocked entities as transactions that pass through a U.S. correspondent bank would be confiscated. This could cause both financial and reputation loss to the Nigerian financial institution victims. Financial institutions are therefore required to have procedures and processes of knowing the requirements, updating them, monitoring and reporting transactions with
entities, countries, etc on the OFAC List, United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) 1267, 1373 and their successor resolutions. Overview of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments Reporting. Monitoring of Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) List.
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5.15. OVERVIEW AND PROCEDURES FOR CONSOLIDATED AND
OTHER TYPES OF AML/CFT COMPLIANCE PROGRAMME STRUCTURES A financial institution is required to ensure that its structure and management of its institution’s AML/CFT Compliance Programme and (if applicable) its consolidated or partially consolidated approach to AML/CFT are adequate. Every financial institution is required to have a comprehensive AML/CFT Compliance Programme that addresses the requirements of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and CBN AML/CFT Regulation 2009 applicable to all its operations. Each financial institution has discretion as to how its AML/CFT Compliance Programme is structured and managed. It may structure and manage its AML/ CFT Compliance Programme or some parts of the Programme within a legal entity; with some degree of consolidation across entities within the institution; or as part of a comprehensive enterprise risk management framework. Many large, complex financial institutions aggregate risk of all types (e.g., compliance, operational, credit, interest rate risk, etc.) on an institution-wide basis in order to maximize efficiencies and better identify, monitor and control all types of risks within or across affiliates, subsidiaries, lines of business or jurisdictions. In such institutions, management of MLPA, 2011 and CBN AML/ CFT Regulation, 2009 (as amended) risk is generally the responsibility of a corporate compliance function that supports and oversees the AML/CFT Compliance Programme. Other financial institutions may adopt a structure that is less centralized but still consolidates some or all aspects of AML/CFT compliance. For example, risk assessment, internal controls, suspicious transaction monitoring, independent testing or training may be managed centrally. Such centralization can effectively maximize efficiencies and enhance assessment of risks and implementation of controls across business lines, legal entities and jurisdiction of operation. For example, a centralized ML/FT risk assessment function may enable a financial institution to determine its overall risk exposure to a customer doing business with it in multiple business lines or jurisdiction. Regardless of how a consolidated AML/CFT Compliance Programme is organized, it should reflect the institution’s business structure, size and complexity. It should be designed to effectively address risks, exposures and applicable legal requirements across the institution. A consolidated approach should also include the establishment of corporate standards for AML/CFT compliance that reflect the expectations of the financial institution’s board of directors, with senior management working to ensure that the Chief Compliance Officer implements these corporate standards. Individual lines of business policies would then supplement the corporate standards and address specific risks within the line of business or department. A consolidated AML/CFT Compliance Programme typically includes a central point where its risks throughout the institution are
aggregated. Under a consolidated Overview of AML/CFT Compliance Program Structures.
B 128 approach, risk should be assessed both within and across all business lines, legal entities and jurisdictions of operation. Compliance Programmes for global institutions should incorporate the AML laws and requirements of the various jurisdictions in which they operate. Internal audit should assess the level of compliance with the consolidated AML/CFT Compliance Programme. Bank Examiners should be aware that some complex and diversified financial institutions may have various subsidiaries that hold different types of licences and banking charters or may organize business activities and AML/CFT Compliance Programme components across their legal entities. For instance, a highly diversified financial institution may establish or maintain accounts using multiple legal entities that are examined by multiple regulators. This action may be taken in order to maximize efficiencies, enhance tax benefits, adhere to jurisdictional regulations, etc. This methodology may present a challenge to the Bank Examiner reviewing AML/CFT compliance in a legal entity within an institution. As appropriate, Examiners should coordinate efforts with other regulatory agencies in order to address these challenges or ensure the examination scope appropriately covers the legal entity examined. Financial institution has discretion as how to structure and manage its AML/ CFT Compliance Programme. For example, a small institution may choose to combine its compliance with other functions and utilize the same personnel in several roles. In such circumstances, there should still be adequate senior-level attention to AML/CFT compliance and sufficient dedicated resources. As is the case in all structures, the audit function should remain independent. A larger and more complex institution may establish a corporate AML/CFT compliance function to coordinate some or all its responsibilities. For example, when there is delegation of AML/CFT compliance responsibilities and its Chief Compliance Officer is located within lines of business, expectations should be clearly set forth in order to avoid conflicts and ensure effective implementation of the AML/CFT Compliance Programme. In particular, allocation of responsibility should be clear with respect to the content and comprehensiveness of MIS reports, the depth and frequency of monitoring efforts, and the role of different parties within the financial institution (e.g., risk, business lines, operations) in AML/CFT compliance decision-making processes. A clear communication of the functions that have been delegated and those that remain centralized help to ensure consistent implementation of the AML/CFT Compliance Programme among lines of business, affiliates and jurisdictions. In addition, a clear line of responsibility may help to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure that objectivity is maintained. Regardless of the management structure or size of the institution, AML/ CFT compliance staff located within lines of business is not
precluded from close interaction with the management and staff of the various business lines. AML/CFT compliance functions are often most effective when strong working relationships exist between compliance and business line staff. In some compliance structures, the compliance officers could report to the management of the business line. This can occur in smaller institutions when the Structure of the AML/ CFT Compliance Function.
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AML/CFT compliance officer reports to a senior officer; in larger institutions, the compliance officer could report to a line business manager; or in a foreign owned financial institution, its Nigeria’s operations could be reported by the compliance officer to a single officer or executive. These situations can present risks of potential conflicts of interest that could hinder effective AML/CFT compliance. To ensure the strength of compliance controls, an appropriate level of its compliance independence should be maintained, for example, by :
(i) Providing AML/CFT compliance officer a reporting line to the corporate compliance or other independent function ; (ii) Ensuring that AML/CFT compliance officer is actively involved in all matters affecting AML risk (e.g., new products, review or termination of customer relationships, filing determinations) ; (iii) Establishing a process for escalating and objectively resolving disputes between AML/CFT compliance officer and business line management ; and (iv) Establishing internal controls to ensure that compliance objectivity is maintained when AML/CFT compliance officer is assigned additional responsibilities. The board of directors and senior management of a financial institution have different responsibilities and roles in overseeing and managing AML/CFT compliance risk. The board of directors has primary responsibility for ensuring that the financial institution has a comprehensive and effective AML/CFT Compliance Programme and oversight framework that is reasonably designed to ensure compliance with MLPA, AML/CFT Regulation and related regulations. Senior management is responsible for implementing the board-approved AML/ CFT Compliance Programme. The board of directors is responsible for approving the AML/CFT Compliance Programme and for overseeing the structure and management of its compliance function. The board is responsible for setting an appropriate culture of AML/CFT compliance, establishing clear policies regarding the management of key AML/CFT risks and ensuring that these policies are adhered to in practice. The board should ensure that senior management is fully capable, qualified and properly motivated to manage the AML/CFT compliance risks arising from the institution’s business activities in a manner that is consistent with the board’s expectations. The board should ensure that its compliance function has an appropriately prominent status within the organization. Senior management within the AML/CFT compliance function and senior compliance personnel within the individual business lines should have the appropriate authority, independence and access to personnel and information within the organization and appropriate resources to conduct their activities effectively. The board should ensure that its views about the importance of AML/CFT compliance are understood and communicated across all levels of the financial Management and Oversight of the AML/ CFT Compliance Program. Board of Directors.
B 130 institution. The board also should ensure that senior management has established appropriate incentives to integrate AML/CFT compliance objectives into management goals and compensation structure across the organization, and that corrective actions, including disciplinary measures, if appropriate, are taken when serious AML/CFT compliance failures are identified. Senior management is responsible for communicating and reinforcing the AML/CFT compliance culture established by the board, and implementing and enforcing the board-approved AML/CFT Compliance Programme. If the financial institution has a separate AML/CFT compliance function, the senior management is required to establish, support and oversee the institution’s AML/CFT Compliance Programme. AML/CFT chief compliance officer should report to the board or a committee thereof on effectiveness of the AML/CFT, Compliance Programme and significant AML/CFT compliance matters. Senior management of a foreign owned financial institution is required to provide sufficient AML/CFT compliance information relating to its Nigerian operations to the board/senior management and control unit in its home country. It should also ensure that responsible senior management in the home country has an appropriate understanding of the Nigerian ML/FT risk and control environment governing its Nigeria operations. The management of such Nigerian financial institution should assess the effectiveness of established AML/CFT control mechanisms for Nigerian operations on an on-going basis, report and escalate areas of concern as needed. As appropriate, corrective action then should be developed and implemented. Financial institutions that centrally manage the operations and functions of their subsidiary financial institutions, other subsidiaries and business lines should ensure that comprehensive risk management policies, procedures and processes are in place across the organization to address the entire organization’s spectrum of risk. An adequate consolidated AML/CFT Compliance Programme provides the framework for all subsidiaries, business lines and foreign branches to meet their specific regulatory requirements (e.g., country or industry requirements). Accordingly, financial institutions that centrally manage a consolidated AML/ CFT Compliance Programme should, among other things, provide appropriate structure and advise the business lines, subsidiaries and foreign branches on the development of appropriate guidelines. An organization applying a consolidated AML/CFT Compliance Programme may choose to manage only specific compliance controls (e.g. STR monitoring systems and audit) on a consolidated basis, with other compliance controls managed solely within affiliates, subsidiaries and business lines. Financial Institution’s Holding Companies (FIHC) or any non-bank subsidiary thereof, or a foreign owned financial institution that is subject to the BOFI Act or any non-bank subsidiary of such a foreign owned
financial institution operating in Nigeria, are required to file STRs. A FIHC’s non-bank subsidiaries operating only outside Nigeria are also required to file STRs. Certain savings and loan holding companies and their non depository subsidiaries are required to file STRs Senior Management. Consolidated AML/CFT Compliance Programs. Suspicious Transaction Reporting.
B 131 pursuant to CBN AML/CFT Regulations, 2009 (as amended). In addition, savings and loan holding companies are strongly required to file STRs.
5.16. The Financial institution’s systems are required to be adequate to
manage the risks associated with foreign branches and offices, and the management should have the ability to implement its monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Nigerian financial institutions open foreign branches and offices in order to meet specific customer demands, help them grow, or expand products or services offered. Foreign branches and offices vary significantly in size, complexity of operations, and scope of products and services offered. Financial institutions must take these factors into consideration when reviewing their foreign branches and offices AML/CFT Compliance Programme. Financial institutions are expected to have policies, procedures and processes in place at all their branches and offices to protect against risks of money laundering and terrorist financing. AML/ CFT policies, procedures and processes at the foreign office or branch should comply with local requirements and be consistent with the Nigerian financial institution’s standards; however, they may need to be tailored for local or business practices. Financial institutions should understand the type of products and services offered at their foreign branches and offices, as well as the customers and geographic locations served at the foreign branches and offices. Any service offered by the Nigerian financial institution may be offered by the foreign branches and offices if not prohibited by the host country. Such products and services offered at the foreign branches and offices may have a different risk profile from that of the same products or services offered in Nigerian. Therefore, the institution should be aware that risks associated with foreign branches and offices may differ (e.g., wholesale versus retail operations). Financial institution should understand the foreign jurisdiction’s various AML/CFT requirements. Secrecy laws or their equivalent may affect the ability of the foreign branch or office to share information with the Nigerian financial institutions parent institution. While financial institution with overseas branches or subsidiaries may find it necessary to tailor monitoring approaches as a result of local privacy laws, the compliance oversight mechanism should ensure it can effectively assess and monitor risks within such branches and subsidiaries. Although specific MLPA requirements are not applicable at foreign branches and offices, financial institutions are expected to have policies, procedures and processes in place at all their branches and offices to protect against risks of money laundering and terrorist financing. In this regard, foreign branches and offices should be guided by the Nigerian financial institutions’ AML/CFT policies, procedures and processes. The foreign branches and offices must comply with applicable provisions of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (MLPA), AML/ CFT Regulation requirements and all other local AML/CFT related laws, rules and regulations. Overview of Foreign Branches and Offices of Nigerian
Financial Institutions. Risk Factors.
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Branches and offices of Nigerian financial institutions located in higher-risk geographic locations may be vulnerable to abuse by money launderers. To address this concern, the Nigerian financial institution’s policies, procedures and processes for the foreign operation should be consistent with the following recommendations:
(i) The Nigerian financial institution’s head office and management in Nigeria and the one at the foreign country should understand the effectiveness and quality of supervision and the legal and regulatory requirements of the host country. The Nigerian financial institution’s head office should be aware of and understand any concerns that the host country supervisors may have with respect to the foreign branch or office ; (ii) The Nigerian financial institution’s head office should understand the foreign branches’ or offices’ risk profile (e.g., products, services, customers and geographic locations) ; and (iii) The Nigerian financial institution’s head office and management should have access to sufficient information in order to periodically monitor the activity of their foreign branches and offices, including the offices’ and branches’ level of compliance with head office policies, procedures and processes. Some of this may be achieved through Management Information System (MIS) reports. The Nigerian financial institution’s head office should develop a system for testing and verifying the integrity and effectiveness of internal controls at the foreign branches or offices by conducting in-country audits. Senior management at the head office should obtain and review copies (written in English) of audit reports and any other reports related to AML/CFT and internal control evaluations. (iii) The Nigeria financial institution’s head office should establish robust information-sharing practices between branches and offices, particularly regarding higher-risk account relationships. The institution should use the information to evaluate and understand account relationships throughout the corporate structure (e.g., across borders or legal structures). (iv) The Nigerian institution’s head office should be able to provide Examiners with any information deemed necessary to assess compliance with the applicable laws. Foreign branch and office compliance and audit structures can vary substantially based on the scope of operations (e.g., geographic locations) and the type of products, services and customers. Foreign branches and offices with multiple locations within a geographic region are frequently overseen by branch compliance and audit staff. Regardless of the size or scope of operations, the compliance and audit staff and audit Programmes should be sufficient to oversee the ML/FT risk.
5.17. OVERVIEW OF PARALLEL BANKING
The financial institution’s systems are required to be adequate to manage the risks associated with parallel banking relationships and the management should Risk Mitigation.
B 133 have the ability to implement its due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems effectively. A parallel financial institution exists when at least one Nigerian financial institution and one foreign financial institution are controlled either directly or indirectly by the same person or group of persons who are closely associated in their business dealings or otherwise acting together, but are not subject to consolidated supervision by a single home country supervisor. The foreign financial institution will be subject to different money laundering rules and regulations and a different supervisory oversight structure, both of which may be less stringent than Nigeria. The regulatory and supervisory differences heighten the ML/FT risk associated with parallel banking organizations. Parallel banking organizations may have common management, share policies and procedures, cross-sell products, or generally be linked to a foreign parallel financial institution in a number of ways. The key money laundering concern regarding parallel banking organizations is that the Nigerian financial institution may be exposed to greater risk through transactions with the foreign parallel financial institution. Transactions may be facilitated and risks heightened because of the lack of arm’s length dealing or reduced controls on transactions between financial institutions that are linked or closely associated. For example, officers or directors may be common to both entities or may be different but nonetheless work together. The Nigerian financial institution’s policies, procedures and processes for parallel banking relationships should be consistent with those of other foreign correspondent bank relationships. In addition, parallel financial institutions should :
(i) Provide for independent lines of decision-making authority ; (ii) Guard against conflicts of interest ; and (iii) Ensure independent and arm’s-length dealings between related entities.
5.18. The financial institution’s systems are to be adequate to manage the
ML/FT risks associated with offering of domestic correspondent account relationships, and the management must have the ability to implement its monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Financial institutions maintain correspondent relationships at other domestic financial institutions to provide certain services that can be performed more economically or efficiently because of the other financial institution’s size, expertise in a specific line of business or geographic location. Such services may include :
(i) Deposit accounts — Assets known as due from financial institution deposits or correspondent financial institution balances may represent the financial institution’s primary operating account ; (ii) Funds transfers — A transfer of funds between financial institutions may result from the collection of cheques or other cash items, transfer and settlement of securities transactions, transfer of participating loan funds, purchase or sale of government funds, or processing of customer transactions ; and Risk Factors. Risk Mitigation. Overview of Correspondent Accounts (Domestic).
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(iii) Other services — Services include processing of loan participations, facilitating secondary market loan sales, performing data processing and payroll services and exchanging foreign currency. Because domestic financial institutions must follow the same regulatory requirements, ML/FT risks in domestic correspondent banking are minimal in comparison to other types of financial services, especially for proprietary accounts (i.e., the domestic financial institution is using the correspondent account for its own transactions). Each financial institution, however, has its own approach for conducting its AML/CFT Compliance Programme, including customer due diligence, MIS, account monitoring, and reporting suspicious transactions. Furthermore, while a domestic correspondent account may not be considered higher risk, transactions through the account, which may be conducted on behalf of the respondent’s customer, may be higher risk. ML/FT risks can be heightened when a respondent financial institution allows its customers to direct or execute transactions through the correspondent account, especially when such transactions are directed or executed through an ostensibly proprietary account. The correspondent financial institution also faces heightened risks when providing direct currency shipments for customers of respondent financial institution. This is not to imply that such activities necessarily entail money laundering, but these direct currency shipments should be appropriately monitored for unusual and suspicious activity. Without such a monitoring system, the correspondent bank is essentially providing these direct services to an unknown customer. Financial institutions that offer correspondent bank services to respondent banks should have policies, procedures and processes to manage the ML/FT risks involved in these correspondent relationships and to detect and report suspicious activities. Financial institution should ascertain whether domestic correspondent accounts are proprietary or allow third-party transactions. When the respondent financial institution allows third-party customers to transact business through the correspondent account, the correspondent financial institution should ensure that it puts the necessary steps in understanding the due diligence and procedures of the monitoring applied by the respondent on its customers that will be utilizing the account. The level of risk varies depending on the services provided and the types of transactions conducted through the account and the respondent financial institution’s AML/CFT Compliance Programme, products, services, customers, entities and geographic locations. Each financial institution should appropriately monitor transactions of domestic correspondent accounts relative to the level of assessed risk.
5.19. The Nigerian financial institution’s systems are required to be adequate
to manage the ML/FT risks associated with foreign correspondent banking and the management should have the ability to implement its due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems effectively. ML/FT Risk Factors. Risk Mitigation. Overview of Correspondent Accounts (Foreign).
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Foreign financial institutions maintain accounts at Nigerian financial institutions to gain access to the Nigerian financial system and to take advantage of services and products that may not be available in the foreign financial institution’s jurisdiction. These services may be performed more economically or efficiently by the Nigerian financial institutions or may be necessary for other reasons, such as the facilitation of international trade. Services may include :
(i) Cash management services, including deposit accounts ; (ii) International funds transfers ; (iii) Check clearing ; (iv) Payable through accounts ; (v) Pouch activities ; (vi) Foreign exchange services ; (vii) Overnight investment accounts (sweep accounts) ; and (viii) Loans and letters of credit. Each relationship that a Nigerian financial institution has with a foreign correspondent financial institution should be governed by an agreement or a contract describing each party’s responsibilities and other relationship details (e.g., products and services provided, acceptance of deposits, clearing of items, forms of payment and acceptable forms of endorsement). The agreement or contract should also consider the foreign financial institution’s AML/CFT regulatory requirements, customer-base, due diligence procedures and permitted third-party usage of the correspondent account. Some foreign financial institutions are not subject to the same or similar regulatory guidelines as Nigerian financial institutions; therefore, these foreign institutions may pose a higher money laundering and financing terrorists risk to their respective Nigerian financial institutions correspondent(s). Investigations have disclosed that in the past, foreign correspondent accounts were used to launder funds. Shell companies are sometimes used in the layering process to hide the true ownership of accounts at foreign correspondent financial institutions. Because of the large amount of funds, multiple transactions, and the Nigerian financial institution’s potential lack of familiarity with the foreign correspondent financial institution’s customer, criminals and terrorists can more easily conceal the source and use of illicit funds. Consequently, each Nigerian financial institution, including all overseas branches, offices and subsidiaries should closely monitor transactions related to foreign correspondent accounts. Nested accounts occur when one foreign financial institution gains access to the financial system in Nigeria by operating through the correspondent account belonging to another foreign financial institution. If the Nigerian financial institution is unaware that its foreign correspondent financial institution customer is providing such access to third-party foreign financial Contractual Agreements. ML/FT Risk Factors. Nested Accounts.
B 136 institutions, these third-party financial institutions can effectively gain anonymous access to the Nigerian financial system. Behaviour indicative of nested accounts and other accounts of concern includes transactions in jurisdictions in which the foreign financial institution has no known business activities or interests and transactions in which the total volume and frequency significantly exceed expected activity for the foreign financial institution, considering its customer base or asset size. Nigerian financial institutions that offer foreign correspondent financial institution services should have policies, procedure, and processes to manage the ML/FT risks inherent with these relationships and should closely monitor transactions related to these accounts to detect and report suspicious transactions. The level of risk varies depending on the foreign financial institution’s products, services, customers and geographic locations. The Nigerian financial institutions’ policies, procedures and processes should :
(i) Specify appropriate account-opening procedures and KYC requirements, which may include minimum levels of documentation to be obtained from prospective customers ; an account approval process independent of the correspondent account business line for potential higher-risk customers ; and a description of circumstances when the financial institution will not open an account ; (ii) Assess the risks posed by a prospective foreign correspondent customer relationship utilizing consistent, well-documented risk-rating methodologies, and incorporate that risk determination into the financial institution’s suspicious transaction monitoring system ; (iii) Understand the intended use of the accounts and expected account activity (e.g., determine whether the relationship will serve as a payable through account) ; (iv) Understand the foreign correspondent financial institution’s other correspondent relationships (e.g., determine whether nested accounts will be utilized) ; (v) Conduct adequate and ongoing due diligence on the foreign correspondent financial institution relationships, which may include periodic visits ; (vi) Establish a formalized process for escalating suspicious information on potential and existing customers to an appropriate management level for review ; (vii) Ensure that foreign correspondent financial institution relationships are appropriately included within the Nigerian financial institution’s suspicious transaction monitoring and reporting systems ; (viii) Ensure that appropriate due diligence standards are applied to those accounts determined to be higher risk ; and (ix) Establish criteria for closing the foreign correspondent financial institution account. Risk Mitigation.
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As a sound practice, Nigerian financial institutions are encouraged to communicate their AML/CFT-related expectations to their foreign correspondent financial institutions’ customers. Moreover, the Nigerian financial institutions should generally understand the AML/CFT controls at the foreign correspondent financial institution, including customer due diligence practices and record keeping documentation.
5.20. The Nigerian financial institution’s systems are required to be adequate
to manage the risks associated with receiving bulk shipments of currency and management should have the ability to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems. Bulk shipments of currency entail the use of common, independent, or Postal Service’s air/land/sea carriers to transport large volumes of bank notes (Nigeria or foreign) from sources either inside or outside Nigeria to a bank in Nigeria. Often, but not always, shipments take the form of containerized cargo. Shippers may be Currency Originators i.e., individuals or businesses that generate currency from cash sales of commodities or other products or services (including monetary instruments or exchanges of currency). Shippers also may be intermediaries that ship currency gathered from their customers who are Currency Originators. Intermediaries may also ship currency gathered from other intermediaries. Intermediaries may be other financial institutions, central banks, non-deposit financial institutions or agents of these entities. Financial institutions receive bulk shipments of currency directly when they take possession of an actual shipment. Financial institutions receive bulk shipments of currency indirectly when they take possession of the economic equivalent of a currency shipment, such as through a cash letter notification. Bulk shipments of currency to financial institutions from shippers that are presumed to be reputable may nevertheless originate from illicit activity. The monetary proceeds of criminal activities, for example, often reappear in the financial system as seemingly legitimate funds that have been placed and finally integrated by flowing through numerous intermediaries and layered transactions that disguise the origin of the funds. Layering can include shipments to or through other jurisdictions. Accordingly, financial institutions that receive direct or indirect bulk shipments of currency risk becoming complicit in money laundering or terrorist financing schemes. In recent years, the smuggling of bulk currency has become a preferred method for moving illicit funds across borders. However, the activity of shipping currency in bulk is not necessarily indicative of criminal or terrorist activity. Many individuals and businesses, both domestic and foreign, generate currency from legitimate cash sales of commodities or other products or services. Also, intermediaries gather and ship currency from single or multiple currency originators whose activities are legitimate. Financial institutions may legitimately offer services to receive such shipments. However, financial institutions should be aware of the Overview of Bulk Shipments of Currency. Risk Factors.
B 138 potential misuse of their services by shippers of bulk currency. Financial institutions also should guard against introducing the monetary proceeds of criminal or terrorist activity into the financial system. Nigerian financial institutions that offer services to receive bulk shipments of currency should have policies, procedures and processes in place that mitigate and manage the ML/FT risks associated with the receipt of bulk currency shipments. Financial institutions should also closely monitor bulk currency shipment transactions to detect and report suspicious transaction, with particular emphasis on the source of funds and the reasonableness of transaction volumes from currency originators and intermediaries. ML/FT risk mitigation begins with an effective risk assessment process that distinguishes relationships and transactions that present a higher risk of money laundering or terrorist financing. Risk assessment processes should consider currency originator’s and intermediary’s ownership, geographies and the nature, source, location and control of bulk currency. Financial institution’s policies, procedures and processes should :
(i) Specify appropriate ML/FT risk-based relationship and account opening procedures which may include minimum levels of documentation to be obtained from prospective currency originators and intermediaries ; (ii) Specify relationship approval process that, for potential higher-risk relationships, is independent of the business line and may include a visit to the prospective shipper or shipping-preparation sites ; (iii) Describe the circumstances under which the financial institution will not open a relationship ; (iv) Determine the intended use of the relationship, the expected volumes, frequency of activity arising from transactions, sources of funds, reasonableness of volumes based on originators and shippers and any reporting requirements (CTRs, STRs, PEPs, etc) ; (v) Identify the characteristics of acceptable and unacceptable transactions, including circumstances when the bank will or will not accept bulk currency shipments ; (vi) Assess the risks posed by a prospective shipping relationship using consistent and well-documented risk-rating methodologies ; (vii) Incorporate risk assessments, as appropriate, into the financial institution’s customer due diligence, EDD and suspicious transaction monitoring systems ; (viii) Once the relationship is established, require adequate and ongoing due diligence which, as appropriate, may include periodic visits to the shipper and to shipping-preparation sites and as necessary, scrutinize for legitimacy the root source of cash shipments, using risk-based processes ; (ix) Ensure that appropriate due diligence standards are applied to relationships determined to be higher risk ; Risk Mitigation.
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(x) Include procedures for processing shipments, including employees’ responsibilities, controls, reconciliation and documentation requirements, and employee/management authorizations ; (xi) Establish a process for escalating suspicious information on potential and existing currency originator and intermediary relationships and transactions to an appropriate management level for review ; (xii) Refuse shipments that have questionable or suspicious origins ; (xiii) Ensure that shipping relationships and comparisons of expected and actual shipping volumes are included, as appropriate, within the Nigerian financial institution’s systems for monitoring and reporting suspicious transaction ; and (xiv) Establish criteria for terminating a shipment relationship. As a sound practice, financial institutions should inform currency originators and intermediaries of the AML/CFT-related requirements and expectations that apply to Nigerian financial institutions. The financial institutions also should understand the AML/CFT controls that apply to or are otherwise adopted by the currency originator or intermediary, including any customer due diligence and recordkeeping requirements or practices. Other financial institutions’ controls may also prove useful in protecting financial institution against illicit bulk shipments of currency. These may include effective controls over foreign correspondent banking activity, pouch activity, funds transfers, international automated clearing house transactions and remote deposit capture. Financial institutions should establish agreements or contracts with currency originators or intermediaries. The agreement or contract should describe each party’s responsibilities and other relevant details of the relationship. The agreement or contract should reflect and be consistent with any AML/CFT considerations that apply to the financial institution, the currency originator or intermediary and the currency originator or intermediary’s customers. The agreement or contract should also address expectations about due diligence and permitted third-party usage of the shipper’s services. While agreements and contracts should provide for respective AML/CFT controls, obligations and considerations, Nigerian financial institutions cannot shift their AML/CFT responsibilities to others.
5.21. The financial institution’s systems are required to be adequate to
manage the ML/FT risks associated with foreign currency denominated drafts and the management should have the ability to implement its monitoring and reporting systems effectively. A foreign currency draft is a financial institution’s drafts or cheque denominated in foreign currency and made available at foreign financial institution. These drafts are drawn on a Nigerian correspondent account by a foreign financial institution. Such drafts are frequently purchased to pay for commercial or personal transactions and to settle overseas obligations. Contractual Agreements. Overview of Foreign Currency Denominated Drafts.
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Most foreign currency denominated drafts could be legitimate. However, such drafts have proven to be vulnerable to money laundering abuse. Schemes involving foreign currency drafts could involve the smuggling of currency to a foreign financial institution for the purchase of a cheque or draft denominated in another foreign currency. The foreign financial institution accepts the draft denominated in a particular foreign currency and issues another draft denominated in a different foreign currency. Once the currency is in the form of a bank draft, the money launderer can more easily conceal the source of funds. The ability to convert illicit proceeds to a bank draft at a foreign financial institution makes it easier for a money launderer to transport the instrument either back into the originating country or to endorse it to a third party in a jurisdiction where money laundering laws or compliance are lax. In any case, when the individual has succeeded in laundering his illicit proceeds, the draft or cheque would be returned ultimately for processing in the originating country. The financial institution’s policies, procedures and processes should :
(i) Outline criteria for opening a foreign currency denominated draft relationship with a foreign financial institution or entity (e.g., jurisdiction, products, services, target market, purpose of account and anticipated activity or customer history) ; (ii) Detail acceptable and unacceptable transactions (e.g., structuring transactions or the purchase of multiple sequentially numbered drafts for the same payee) ; (iii) Detail the monitoring and reporting of suspicious transaction associated with foreign currency denominated drafts ; and (iv) Discuss criteria for closing a foreign currency denominated draft relationships.
5.22. The financial institution’s systems are required to be adequate to
manage the risks associated with payable through accounts (PTA), and the management should have the ability to implement its monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Foreign financial institutions use PTAs, also known as pass-through or pass-by accounts to provide their customers with access to the Nigerian financial system. Some financial institutions in Nigeria also offer payable through accounts as a service to foreign financial institutions. The risk associated with money laundering/ financing of terrorism and other illicit activities is higher in PTAs that are not adequately controlled. Generally, a foreign financial institution requests a PTA for its customers that want to conduct banking transactions in Nigeria through the foreign financial institution’s account at financial institution in Nigeria. The foreign financial institution provides its customers, commonly referred to as sub account holders, with cheques that allow them to draw funds from the foreign financial institution’s account from a Nigerian financial institution. The sub accountholders, which may number several hundred or in the thousands for one PTA, all become ML/FT Risk Factors. Risk Mitigation. Overview of Payable Through Accounts.
B 141 signatories on the foreign financial institution’s account in a Nigerian financial institution. While payable through customers are able to write cheques and make deposits at a financial institution in Nigeria like any other accountholder, they might not be directly subject to the financial institution’s account opening requirements in Nigeria. PTA activities should not be confused with traditional international correspondent banking relationships in which a foreign financial institution enters into an agreement with a Nigerian financial institution to process and complete transactions on behalf of the foreign financial institution and its customers. Under the latter correspondent arrangement, the foreign financial institution’s customers do not have direct access to the correspondent account at the Nigerian financial institution, but they do transact business through the Nigerian financial institution. This arrangement differs significantly from a PTA with sub accountholders who have direct access to the Nigerian financial system by virtue of their independent ability to conduct transactions with the Nigerian financial system through the PTA. PTAs may be prone to higher risk because Nigerian financial institutions do not typically implement the same due diligence requirements for PTAs that they require of domestic customers who want to open current and other accounts. Foreign financial institutions use of PTAs, coupled with inadequate oversight by Nigerian financial institutions, may facilitate unsound banking practices, including money laundering/ financing of terrorism and other related criminal activities. The potential for facilitating money laundering or terrorist financing, and other serious crimes increases when a Nigerian financial institution is unable to identify and adequately understand the transactions of the ultimate users (all or most of whom are outside of Nigeria) of its account with a foreign correspondent. PTAs used for illegal purposes can cause financial institutions serious financial losses in criminal and civil fines and penalties, seizure or forfeiture of collateral and reputation damage. Financial institutions offering PTA services should develop and maintain adequate policies, procedures and processes to guard against possible illicit use of these accounts. At a minimum, policies, procedures and processes should enable each Nigerian financial institution to identify the ultimate users of its foreign financial institution’s PTA. This should include the financial institution’s obtaining (or having the ability to obtain through a trusted third-party arrangement) substantially the same information on the ultimate PTA users as it obtains on its direct customers. Policies, procedures and processes should include a review of the foreign financial institution’s processes to identify and monitor the transactions of its sub-account holders and to comply with any AML/CFT statutory and regulatory requirements existing in
Nigeria (as the host country). It should also review the foreign financial institution’s master agreement with the Nigerian financial institutions on the PTAs. In addition, Nigerian financial institutions should have procedures for monitoring transactions conducted in the foreign financial institutions’ PTAs. ML/FT Risk Factors. Risk Mitigation.
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In an effort to address the risk inherent in PTAs, financial institutions in Nigeria should have a signed contract (i.e., master agreement) that includes :
(i) Roles and responsibilities of each party ; (ii) Limits or restrictions on transaction types and amounts (e.g., currency deposits, funds transfers, cheque cashing) ; (iii) Restrictions on some types of sub account holders (e.g., finance companies, funds remitters or other non-bank financial institutions) ; (iv) Prohibitions or restrictions on multi-tier sub accountholders ; and (v) Access to the foreign financial institution’s internal documents and audits that pertain to its PTA activity. Financial institutions should consider closing the PTA in the following circumstances :
(i) Insufficient information on the ultimate PTA users ; (ii) Evidence of substantive or ongoing suspicious activity ; and (iii) Inability to ensure that the PTAs are not being used for money laundering or other illicit purposes.
5.23. The financial institution’s systems are required to be adequate to
manage the ML/FT risks associated with pouch activities and the management should have the ability to implement its monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Pouch activity entails the use of a carrier, courier (either independent or common) or a referral agent employed by the courier to transport currency, monetary instruments and other documents from foreign countries to financial institutions in Nigeria. Pouches can be sent by financial institution or individuals. Pouch services are commonly offered in conjunction with foreign correspondent banking services. Pouches can contain loan repayments, transactions for demand deposit accounts or other types of transactions. Financial institutions should be aware that bulk amounts of monetary instruments purchased in Nigeria that appear to have been structured to avoid the AML/CFT-reporting requirements often have been found in pouches or cash letters received from foreign financial institutions. The monetary instruments involved are frequently traveller’s cheques and bank cheques that usually have one or more of the following characteristics in common :
(i) The instruments purchased on the same or consecutive days at different locations ; (ii) The payee lines are left blank or made out to the same person (or to only a few people) ; (iii) They contain little or no purchaser information ; (iv) They bear the same stamp, symbol or initials ; Overview of Pouch Activities. Risk Factors.
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(v) They are purchased in round denominations or repetitive amounts ; and (vi) The depositing of the instruments is followed soon after by a funds transfer out in the same dollar amount. Financial institutions should have policies, procedures and processes related to pouch activity that should :
(i) Outline criteria for opening a pouch relationship with an individual or a foreign financial institution (e.g., customer due diligence requirements, type of institution or person, acceptable purpose of the relationship) ; (ii) Detail acceptable and unacceptable transactions (e.g., monetary instruments with blank payees, unsigned monetary instruments and a large number of consecutively numbered monetary instruments) ; (iii) Detail procedures for processing the pouch including employee responsibilities, dual control, reconciliation, documentation requirements, and employee sign off ; (iv) Detail procedures for reviewing of unusual or suspicious transaction including elevating concerns to management. Contents of pouches may be subject to CTR, Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments (CMIR) ; and (v) Discuss criteria for closing pouch relationships. The above factors should be included within an agreement or contract between the financial institution and the courier that details the services to be provided and the responsibilities of both parties.
5.24. The financial institution’s systems should be adequate to manage the
risks associated with electronic banking (e-banking) customers including Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) activity and the management should have the ability to implement its monitoring and reporting systems effectively. E-banking systems which provide electronic delivery of banking products to customers include automated teller machine (ATM) transactions; online account opening; internet banking transactions; and telephone banking. For example, credit cards, deposit accounts, mortgage loans and funds transfers can all be initiated online without face-to-face contact. Management needs to recognize this as a potentially higher-risk area and develop adequate policies, procedures and processes for customer identification and monitoring for specific areas of banking. Financial institutions should ensure that their monitoring systems adequately capture transactions conducted electronically. As with any account, they should be alert to anomalies in account behaviour. Red flags may include the velocity of funds in the account or in the case of ATMs, the number of debit cards associated with the account. Accounts that are opened without face-to-face contact may be a higher risk for money laundering and terrorist financing for the following reasons :
Risk
Mitigation.
Overview of
Electronic
Banking.
ML/FT Risk
Factors.
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(i) More difficult to positively verify the individual’s identity ; (ii) Customer may be out of the financial institution’s targeted geographic area or country ; (iii) Customer may perceive the transactions as less transparent ; (iv) Transactions are instantaneous ; and (v) May be used by a front company or unknown third party. Financial institutions should establish AML/CFT monitoring, identification and reporting for unusual and suspicious transactions occurring through e-banking systems. Useful MIS for detecting unusual transaction in higher-risk accounts include ATM activity reports, funds transfer reports, new account activity reports, change of internet address reports, Internet Protocol (IP) address reports and reports to identify related or linked accounts (e.g., common addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses and tax identification numbers). In determining the level of monitoring required for an account, financial institutions should include how the account was opened as a factor. Financial institutions engaging in transactional internet banking should have effective and reliable methods to authenticate a customer’s identity when opening accounts online and should establish policies for when a customer should be required to open accounts on a face-to-face basis. Financial institutions may also institute other controls, such as establishing transaction dollar limits for large items that require manual intervention to exceed the pre-set limit. Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) is a deposit transaction delivery system that has made cheque and monetary instrument processing (e.g., traveller’s cheques) more efficient. In broad terms, RDC allows a financial institution’s customers to scan a cheque or monetary instrument and then transmit the scanned or digitized image to the institution. It should be noted that scanning and transmission activities can take place at remote locations including the financial institution’s branches, ATMs, domestic and foreign correspondents, and locations owned or controlled by commercial or retail customers. By eliminating face-to-face transactions, RDC decreases the cost and volume of paper associated with physically mailing or depositing items. RDC also supports new and existing banking products and improves customers’ access to their deposits. RDC may expose financial institutions to various risks including money laundering, financing of terrorists, fraud and information security. Fraudulent, sequentially numbered or physically altered documents, particularly money orders and traveler’s cheques may be more difficult to detect when submitted by RDC and not inspected by a qualified person. Financial institutions may face challenges in controlling or knowing the location of RDC equipment because the equipment can be readily transported from one jurisdiction to another. Risk Mitigation. Remote Deposit Capture. ML/FT Risk Factors in Remote Deposit Capture.
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This challenge is increased as foreign correspondents and foreign money services businesses are increasingly using RDC services to replace pouch and certain instrument processing and clearing activities. Inadequate controls could result in intentional or unintentional alterations to deposit item data, re-submission of a data file, or duplicate presentment of cheques and images at one or multiple financial institutions. In addition, original deposit items are not typically forwarded to financial institutions, but instead the customer or the customer’s service provider retains them. As a result, record keeping, data safety and integrity issues may increase. Higher-risk customers may be defined by industry, incidence of fraud or other criteria. Examples of higher-risk parties include online payment processors, certain credit-repair services, certain mail order and telephone order companies, online gambling operations, businesses located offshore and adult entertainment businesses. Management should develop appropriate policies, procedures and processes to mitigate the risks associated with RDC services and to effectively monitor for unusual or suspicious transactions. Examples of risk mitigants include :
(i) Comprehensively identifying and assessing RDC risk prior to implementation. Senior management should identify AML/CFT operational, information security, compliance, legal, and reputation risks. Depending on the financial institution’s size and complexity, this comprehensive risk assessment process should include staff from information technology and security, deposit operations, treasury or cash management sales, business continuity, audit, compliance, accounting and legal ; (ii) Conducting appropriate CDD and EDD ; (iii) Creating risk-based parameters that can be used to conduct Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) customer suitability reviews. Parameters may include a list of acceptable industries, standardized underwriting criteria (e.g., credit history, financial statements and ownership structure of business) and other risk factors. When the level of risk warrants, financial institutions’ staff should consider visiting the customer’s physical location as part of the suitability review. During these visits, the customer’s operational controls and risk management processes should be evaluated ; (iv) Conducting vendor due diligence when financial institutions use a service provider for RDC activities. Management should ensure implementation of sound vendor management processes ; (v) Obtaining expected account activity from the RDC customer, such as the anticipated RDC transaction volume, and type (e.g., payroll cheques, thirdparty cheques, or traveller’s cheques), comparing it to actual transaction and resolving significant deviations. (vi) Comparing expected activity to business type to ensure they are reasonable and consistent ; Risk Mitigation.
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(vii) Establishing or modifying customer Remote Deposit Capture transaction limits ; (viii) Developing well-constructed contracts that clearly identify each party’s role, responsibilities and liabilities, and detail record retention procedures for RDC data. These procedures should include physical and logical security expectations for access, transmission, storage and ultimate disposal of original documents. The contract should also address the customer’s responsibility for properly securing RDC equipment and preventing inappropriate use, including establishing effective equipment security controls (e.g., passwords and dual control access). In addition, contracts should detail the RDC customer’s obligation to provide original documents to the financial institution in order to facilitate investigations related to unusual transactions or poor quality transmissions, or to resolve disputes. Contracts should clearly detail the authority of the financial institution to mandate specific internal controls, conduct audits or terminate the RDC relationship.Implementing additional monitoring or review when significant changes occur in the type or volume of transactions, or when significant changes occur in the underwriting criteria, customer base, customer risk management processes or geographic location that the bank relied on when establishing RDC services ; (ix) Ensuring that RDC customers receive adequate training. The training should include documentation that addresses issues such as routine operations and procedures, duplication and problem resolution ; (x) Using improved aggregation and monitoring capabilities as facilitated by the digitized data ; and (xi) As appropriate, using technology to minimize errors (e.g., the use of franking to stamp or identify a deposit as being processed).
5.25. The financial institution’s systems should be adequate to manage the
ML/FT risks associated with funds transfers and the management should have ability to implement effective monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Payment systems in Nigeria consist of numerous financial intermediaries, financial services companies and non-bank businesses that create process and distribute payments. The domestic and international expansion of the financial industry services has increased the importance of electronic funds transfers, including funds transfers made through the wholesale payment systems. The vast majority of the value of Naira payments or transfers in Nigeria is ultimately processed through wholesale payment systems which generally handle large-value transactions between financial institutions. Financial institutions conduct these transfers on their own behalf as well as for the benefit of other financial service providers and financial institution customers, both consumer and corporate. Related retail transfer systems facilitate transactions such as automated clearing houses (ACH); automated teller machines (ATM); point-of-sales (POS); telephone bill paying; home banking systems; and credit, debit, and prepaid cards. Overview of Funds Transfers. Funds Transfer Services.
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Most of these retail transactions are initiated by customers rather than by financial institutions or corporate users. These individual transactions may then be batched in order to form larger wholesale transfers, which are the focus of this section. The primary domestic wholesale payment system for interbank funds transfers is the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). The bulk of the Naira value of these payments is originated electronically to make large value, time-critical payments, such as the settlement of interbank purchases and sales of government funds, settlement of foreign exchange transactions, disbursement or repayment of loans; settlement of real estate transactions or other financial market transactions; and purchasing, selling or financing securities transactions. NIBSS and Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) participants facilitate these transactions on their behalf and on behalf of their customers, including non-bank financial institutions, commercial businesses and correspondent banks that do not have direct access. Structurally, there are two components to funds transfers :
(i) The instructions, which contain information on the sender and receiver of the funds ; and (ii) The actual movement or transfer of funds. The instructions may be sent in a variety of ways, including by electronic access to networks operated by the NIBSS payment systems; by access to financial telecommunications systems such as Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT); or e-mail, facsimile, telephone or telex. NIBSS and RTGS are used to facilitate funds transfers between two domestic endpoints or the fund segment of international transactions. SWIFT is an international messaging service that is used to transmit payment instructions for the vast majority of international interbank transactions which can be denominated in numerous currencies. The SWIFT network is a messaging infrastructure (not a payments system) which provides users with a private international communications-link among themselves. The actual funds movements (payments) are completed through correspondent financial institution relationship. Movement of payments denominated in different currencies occurs through correspondent financial institution relationships or over funds transfer systems in the relevant country. In addition to customer and financial institution funds transfers, SWIFT is used to transmit foreign exchange confirmations, debit and credit entry confirmations, statements, collections and documentary credits. A typical funds transfer involves an originator instructing his financial institution (the originator’s financial institution) to make payment to the account of a payee (the beneficiary) in the beneficiary’s financial institution. A cover payment occurs when the originator’s financial institution and the beneficiary’s financial institution do not have a relationship that allows them to settle the payment Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. Cover Payments.
B 148 directly. In that case, the originator’s financial institution instructs the beneficiary’s financial institution to effect the payment and advises that transmission of funds to cover the obligation created by the payment order has been arranged through correspondent accounts at one or more intermediary financial institutions. Cross-border cover payments usually involve multiple financial institutions in multiple jurisdictions. An Informal Value Transfer System (IVTS) is used to describe a currency or value transfer system that operates informally to transfer money as a business. In countries lacking a stable financial sector or with large areas not served by formal financial institutions, IVTS may be the only method for conducting financial transactions. Persons living in Nigeria may use IVTS to transfer funds to their home countries. One type of funds transfer transaction that carries particular ML/FT risk is the payable upon proper identification (PUPID) service. PUPID transactions are funds transfers for which there are no specific account to deposit the funds and the beneficiary of the funds is not a financial institution customer. For example, an individual may transfer funds to a relative or an individual who does not have an account relationship with the financial institution that receives the funds transfer. In this case, the beneficiary financial institution may place the incoming funds into a suspense account and ultimately release the funds when the individual provides proof of identity. In some cases, financial institutions permit noncustomers to initiate PUPID transactions. These transactions are considered extremely high risk and require strong controls. Funds transfers may present a heightened degree of ML/FT risk, depending on such factors as the number and Naira volume of transactions, geographic location of originators and beneficiaries, and whether the originator or beneficiary is a financial institution customer. The size and complexity of a financial institution’s operation and the origin and destination of the funds being transferred will determine which type of funds transfer system the financial institution uses. The vast majority of funds transfer instructions are conducted electronically. However, Examiners need to be mindful that physical instructions may be transmitted by other informal methods, as described earlier. Cover payments made through SWIFT pose additional risks for intermediary financial institutions that do not have facilities that identify the originator and beneficiary of the funds transfer. Without such facilities, the intermediary financial institution is unable to monitor or filter payment information. This lack of transparency limits the Nigerian intermediary financial institution’s ability to appropriately assess and manage the risk associated with correspondent and clearing operations and monitor suspicious transaction. The risks of PUPID transactions to the beneficiary financial institution
are similar to other transactions in which the financial institution does business with non-customers. However, the risks are heightened in PUPID transactions if the financial institution allows a non-customer to access the funds transfer system Informal Value Transfer System. Payable Upon Proper Identification Transactions. ML/FT Risk Factors in Funds Transfer.
B 149 by providing minimal or no identifying information. Financial institutions that allow non-customers to transfer funds using the PUPID service pose significant risk to both the originating and beneficiary financial institution. In these situations, both financial institutions have minimal or no identifying information on the originator or the beneficiary. Funds transfers can be used in the placement, layering and integration stages of money laundering. Funds transfers purchased with currency are an example of the placement stage. Detecting unusual transaction in the layering and integration stages is more difficult for a financial institution because transactions may appear legitimate. In many cases, a financial institution may not be involved in the placement of the funds or in the final integration, only the layering of transactions. Financial institutions should consider all three stages of money laundering when evaluating or assessing funds transfer risks. Financial institutions need to have sound policies, procedures and processes to manage the ML/FT risks of its funds transfer activities. Funds transfer policies, procedures and processes should address all foreign correspondent banking transactions, including transactions in which Nigerian branches and agencies of foreign financial institutions are intermediaries for their head offices. Obtaining CDD information is an important risk mitigant in providing funds transfer services. Because of the nature of funds transfers, adequate and effective CDD policies, procedures and processes are critical in detecting unusual and suspicious transactions. An effective risk-based suspicious transaction monitoring and reporting system is equally important. Whether this monitoring and reporting system is automated or manual, it should be sufficient to detect suspicious trends and patterns typically associated with money laundering. Financial institutions involved in international payments transactions are encouraged to adhere to the following :
(i) Financial institutions should not omit, delete or alter information in payment messages or orders for the purpose of avoiding detection of that information by any other financial institution in the payment process ; (ii) Financial institutions should not use any particular payment message for the purpose of avoiding detection of information by any other financial institution in the payment process ; (iii) Subject to all applicable laws, financial institutions should cooperate as fully as practicable with other financial institutions in the payment process when requested to provide information about the parties involved ; and (iv) Financial institutions should strongly encourage their correspondent financial institutions to observe these principles. In addition, effective monitoring processes for cover payments include :
(i) Monitoring funds transfers processed through automated systems in order to identify suspicious transaction. This monitoring may be conducted after the transfers are processed, on an automated basis, and may use a riskbased approach ; and Risk Mitigation.
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(ii) Given the volume of messages and data for large Nigerian intermediary financial institutions, a manual review of every payment order may not be feasible or effective. However, intermediary financial institutions should have, as part of their monitoring processes, a risk-based method to identify incomplete fields or fields with meaningless data. Nigerian financial institutions engaged in processing cover payments should have policies to address such circumstances, including those that involve systems other than SWIFT. Originating and beneficiary financial institutions should establish effective and appropriate policies, procedures and processes for PUPID transaction including :
(i) Specifying the type of identification that is acceptable ; (ii) Maintaining documentation of individuals consistent with the bank’s recordkeeping policies ; (iii) Defining which financial institution employees may conduct PUPID transactions ; (iv) Establishing limits on the amount of funds that may be transferred to or from the financial institution for non-customers ; (v) Monitoring and reporting suspicious transactions ; (vi) Providing enhanced scrutiny for transfers to or from certain jurisdictions ; and (vii) Identifying disbursement method for proceeds from a beneficiary financial institution.
5.26. The financial institution’s systems should be adequate to manage the
risks associated with automated clearing house (ACH) and international ACH transactions (IAT) and the management should have the ability to implement its monitoring and reporting systems effectively. The use of the ACH has grown markedly over the last several years due to the increased volume of electronic cheque conversion and one-time ACH debits, reflecting the lower cost of ACH processing relative to cheque processing. Cheque conversion transactions as well as one-time ACH debits are primarily of low currency value used for consumer transactions for purchases of goods and services or payment of consumer bills. ACH is primarily used for domestic payments. Traditionally, the ACH system has been used for the direct deposit of payroll and government benefit payments and for the direct payment of mortgages and loans. As noted earlier, the ACH has been expanding to include one-time debits and cheque conversion. ACH transactions are payment instructions to either credit or debit a deposit account. Examples of credit payment transactions include payroll direct deposit, social security, dividends and interest payments. Examples of debit transactions include mortgage, loan, insurance premium and a variety of other consumer payments initiated through merchants or businesses. In the electronic cheque conversion process, merchants that receive a cheque for payment do not collect the cheque through the cheque collection Overview of Automated Clearing House (ACH) Transactions. ACH Payment Systems.
B 151 system, either electronically or in paper form. Instead, merchants use the information on the cheque to initiate a type of electronic funds transfer known as an ACH debit to the cheque writer’s account. The cheque is used to obtain the bank routing number, account number, cheque serial number and currency amount for the transaction. The cheque itself is not sent through the cheque collection system in any form as a payment instrument. Merchants use electronic cheque conversion because it can be a more efficient way for them to obtain payment than collecting the cheque. RTGS is a central clearing facility for transmitting and receiving ACH payments and SWIFT/ Interswitch which sends cross-border ACH credits and debit payments to some countries around the world. A Third-Party Service Provider (TPSP) is an entity other than an originator, Originating Depository Financial Institution (ODFI) or Receiving Depository Financial Institution (RDFI) that performs any functions on behalf of the Originator, the ODFI or the RDFI with respect to the processing of ACH entries. The ACH system was designed to transfer a high volume of domestic currency transactions which pose lower ML/FT risks. Nevertheless, the ability to send high international currency transactions through the ACH may expose banks to higher ML/FT risks. Banks/Other financial institutions (OFIs) without a robust ML/FT monitoring system may be exposed to additional risk particularly when accounts are opened over the internet without face-to face contact. ACH transactions that are originated through a TPSP (that is, when the originator is not a direct customer of the ODFI) may increase ML/FT risks, therefore, making it difficult for an ODFI to underwrite and review originator’s transactions for compliance with AML/CFT rules. Risks are heightened when neither the TPSP nor the ODFI performs due diligence on the companies for whom they are originating payments. Certain ACH transactions, such as those originated through the internet or the telephone may be susceptible to manipulation and fraudulent use. Certain practices associated with how the banking industry processes ACH transactions may expose banks/OFIs to ML/FT risks. These practices include :
(i) An Originating Depository Financial Institution (ODFI) authorizing a Third Party Service Provider (TPSP) to send ACH files directly to an ACH Operator, in essence by-passing the ODFI ; (ii) ODFIs and Receiving Depository Financial Institutions (RDFIs) relying on each other to perform adequate due diligence on their customers ; (iii) Batch processing that obscures the identities of originators ; and (iv) Lack of sharing of information on or about originators and receivers inhibits a bank’s/OFIs’ ability to appropriately assess, monitor, control/manage and mitigate the risk associated with correspondent and ACH processing operations, monitor for suspicious activity and screen for MLPA 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation 2009 (as amended) compliance. Third-Party Service Providers. Risk Factors.
B 152
The BOFIA Cap. B3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, MLPA 2011 and CBN AML/CFT Regulation 2009 (as amended) require financial institutions to have AML/CFT Compliance Programmes and appropriate policies, procedures and processes in place to monitor and identify unusual activity, including ACH transactions. Obtaining CDD information in all operations is an important mitigant to ML/FT risk in ACH transactions. Because of the nature of ACH transactions and the reliance that ODFIs and RDFIs place on each other for regulatory reviews and other necessary due diligence information, it is essential that all parties have a strong CDD Programme for regular ACH customers. For relationships with TPSPs, CDD on the TPSP can be supplemented with due diligence on the principals associated with the TPSP and, as necessary, on the originators. Adequate and effective CDD policies, procedures and processes are critical in detecting a pattern of unusual and suspicious activities because the individual ACH transactions are typically not reviewed. Equally important is an effective risk-based suspicious activity monitoring and reporting system. In cases where a financial institution is heavily reliant upon the TPSP, the financial institution may want to review the TPSP’s suspicious activity monitoring and reporting Programme, either through its own or an independent inspection. The ODFI may establish an agreement with the TPSP, which delineates general TPSP guidelines, such as compliance with ACH operating requirements and responsibilities and meeting other applicable regulations. Financial institutions may need to consider controls to restrict or refuse ACH services to potential originators and receivers engaged in questionable or deceptive business practices. ACH transactions can be used in the layering and integration stages of money laundering. Detecting unusual activity in the layering and integration stages can be a difficult task, because ACH may be used to legitimize frequent and recurring transactions. Financial institutions should consider the layering and integration stages of money laundering when evaluating or assessing the ACH transaction risks of a particular customer. The ODFI should be aware of IAT activity and evaluate the activity using a risk-based approach in order to ensure that suspicious activity is identified and monitored. The ODFI, if frequently involved in international transfers, may develop a separate process which may be automated for reviewing international transfers that minimizes disruption to general ACH processing, reconcililiation and settlement. The potentially higher risk inherent in international transfers should be considered in the financial institution’s ACH policies, procedures and processes. The financial institution should consider its current, potential roles and responsibilities when developing internal controls to monitor and mitigate the risk associated with international transfers and to comply with the financial
institution’s suspicious activity reporting obligations. In processing international transfers, financial institutions should consider the following :
(i) Customers and transaction types and volume.
Risk
Mitigation.
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(ii) Third-party payment processor relationships.
(iii) Responsibilities, obligations and risks of becoming a Gateway Operator (GO). (iv) CIP, CDD and EDD standards and practices. (v) Suspicious activity monitoring and reporting. (vi) Appropriate MIS, including the potential necessity for systems upgrades or changes. (vii) Processing procedures (e.g., identifying and handling international transfers and handling non-compliant and rejected messages). (viii) Training Programmes for appropriate bank personnel (e.g., ACH personnel, operations, compliance audit, customer service, etc.). (ix) Legal agreements, including those with customers, third-party processors and vendors, and whether those agreements need to be upgraded or modified. Financial institutions that have relationships with third-party service providers should assess the nature of those relationships and their related ACH transactions to ascertain the financial institution’s level of ML/FT risk and to develop appropriate policies, procedures and processes to mitigate that risk.
5.27. The financial institution’s systems should be adequate to manage the
risks associated with electronic cash (e-cash) and the management should have the ability to implement its monitoring and reporting systems effectively. E-cash (e-money) is a digital representation of money. E-cash comes in several forms including computer-based, mobile telephone-based and prepaid cards. Computer e-cash is accessed through personal computer hard disks via a modem or stored-in-an-online repository. Mobile telephone-based e-cash is accessed through an individual’s mobile telephone. Prepaid cards, discussed in more detail below, are used to access funds generally held by issuing financial institutions in pooled accounts. In the case of computer e-cash, monetary value is electronically deducted from the financial institution account when a purchase is made or funds are transferred to another person. Transactions using e-cash may pose the following unique risks to the financial institution :
(i) Funds may be transferred to or from an unknown third party ; (ii) Customers may be able to avoid border restrictions as the transactions can become mobile and may not be subject to jurisdictional restrictions ; (iii) Transactions may be instantaneous ; (iv) Specific cardholder activity may be difficult to determine by reviewing activity through a pooled account ; and (v) The customer may perceive the transactions as less transparent. Overview of Electronic Cash. Risk Factors.
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Financial institutions should establish AML/CFT monitoring, identification and reporting for unusual and suspicious activities occurring through e-cash. Useful MIS for detecting unusual activity on higher-risk accounts include ATM activity reports (focusing on foreign transactions), funds transfer reports, new account activity reports, change of internet address reports, internet protocol (IP) address reports and reports to identify related or linked accounts (e.g., common addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses and taxpayer identification numbers). The financial institution also may institute other controls, such as establishing transaction and account/currency limits that require manual intervention to exceed the preset limit. Consistent with industry practice, the term prepaid card is primarily used in this document. Although some sources use the term stored value card more broadly, it most commonly refers to cards where the monetary value is physically stored on the card. The term prepaid card generally refers to an access device linked to funds held in a pooled account, which is the type of product most frequently offered by banking organizations. Prepaid cards can cover a variety of products, functionalities and technologies. Prepaid cards operate within either an open or closed system. Open-system prepaid cards can be used for purchases at any merchant or to access cash at any automated teller machine (ATM) that connects to the affiliated global payment network. Examples of open system cards are payroll cards and gift cards that can be used anywhere a credit card can be used. Some prepaid cards may be reloaded, allowing the cardholder to add value. Closed-system cards generally can only be used to buy goods or services from the merchant issuing the card or a select group of merchants or service providers that participate in a specific network. Examples of closed system cards include merchant-specific retail gift cards, mall cards and mass transit system cards. Some prepaid card Programmes may combine multiple features, such as a flexible spending account card that can be used to purchase specific health services as well as products at a variety of merchants. These Programmes are often referred to as hybrid cards. Prepaid cards provide a compact and transportable way to maintain and access funds. They also offer individuals without bank accounts an alternative to cash and money orders. As an alternate method of cross-border funds transmittal, prepaid card Programmes may issue multiple cards per account, so that persons in another country or jurisdiction can access the funds loaded by the original cardholder via ATM withdrawals of cash or merchant purchases. Many financial institution that offer prepaid card Programmes do so as issuer or issuing bank. Most payment networks require that their branded prepaid cards be issued by a bank that is a member of that payment network. In addition to issuing prepaid cards, banks may participate in
other aspects of a card Programme such as marketing and distributing cards issued by another financial Risk Mitigation. Prepaid Cards/Stored Value Cards.
B 155 institution. Banks often rely on multiple third parties to accomplish the design, implementation and maintenance of their prepaid card Programmes. These third parties may include Programme managers, distributors, marketers, merchants and processors. Under payment network requirements, the issuing bank or other financial institution may have due diligence and other responsibilities relative to these third parties. Each relationship that a Nigerian financial institution has with another financial institution or third party as part of a prepaid card Programme should be governed by an agreement or a contract describing each party’s responsibilities and other relationship details, such as the products and services provided. The agreement or contract should also consider each party’s AML/CFT compliance requirements, customer base, due diligence procedures and any payment network obligations. The issuing bank or financial institution maintains ultimate responsibility for AML/ CFT compliance whether or not a contractual agreement has been established. Money laundering, terrorist financing and other criminal activities may occur through prepaid card Programmes if effective controls are not in place. Investigations have found that some prepaid cardholders used false identification and funded their initial deposits with stolen credit cards or purchased multiple cards under aliases. In the placement phase of money laundering, because many domestic and offshore financial institutions offer cards with currency access through ATMs internationally, criminals may load cash from illicit sources onto prepaid cards through unregulated load points and send the cards to their accomplices inside or outside the country. Investigations have disclosed that both open and closed system prepaid cards have been used in conjunction with, or as a replacement to bulk cash smuggling. Third parties involved in prepaid card Programmes may or may not be subject to regulatory requirements, oversight and supervision. In addition, these requirements may vary by party. Prepaid card Programmes are extremely diverse in the range of products and services offered and the customer bases they serve. In evaluating the risk profile of a prepaid card Programme, financial institutions should consider the Programme’s specific features and functionalities. No single indicator is necessarily determinative of lower or higher ML/FT risk. Higher potential money laundering risk associated with prepaid cards results from the anonymity of the cardholder, fictitious cardholder information, cash access of the card (especially internationally) and the volume of funds that can be transacted on the card. Other risk factors include type and frequency of card loads and transactions, geographic location of card activity, relationships with parties in the card Programme, card value limits, distribution channels and the nature of funding sources. Financial institutions that offer prepaid cards or otherwise
participate in prepaid card Programmes should have policies, procedures and processes sufficient to control and manage the related ML/FT risks. Customer due diligence is an important mitigant of ML/FT risk in prepaid card Programmes. A financial institution’s CDD Programme should provide for a risk assessment of all third parties involved in the prepaid card Programme, considering all relevant factors, including, as appropriate :
Contractual
Agreements.
Risk Factors.
Risk
Mitigation.
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(i) The identity and location of all third parties involved in the prepaid card Programme, including any sub-agents ; (ii) Corporate documentation, licences, references (including independent reporting services) and, if appropriate, documentation on principal owners ; (iii) The nature of the third-parties’ businesses and the markets and customer bases served ; (iv) The information collected to identify and verify cardholder identity ; (v) The type, purpose and anticipated activity of the prepaid card Programme ; (vi) The nature and duration of the financial institution’s relationship with third parties in the card Programme ; and (vii) The ML/FT risk obligations of third parties. As part of their system of internal controls, financial institutions should establish a means for monitoring, identifying and reporting suspicious activity related to prepaid card Programmes. This reporting obligation extends to all transactions by, at or through the financial institution, including those in an aggregated form. Financial institutions may need to establish protocols to regularly obtain card transaction information from processors or other third parties. Monitoring systems should have the ability to identify foreign card activity, bulk purchases made by one individual and multiple purchases made by related parties. In addition, procedures should include monitoring for unusual activity patterns, such as cash card loads followed immediately by withdrawals of the full amount from another location. Card features can provide important mitigation to the ML/FT risks inherent in prepaid card relationships and transactions and may include :
(i) Limits or prohibitions on cash loads, access or redemption ; (ii) Limits or prohibitions on amounts of loads and number of loads/reloads within a specific time frame (velocity or speed of fund use) ; (iii) Controls on the number of cards purchased by one individual ; (iv) Maximum currency thresholds on ATM withdrawals and on the number of withdrawals within a specific time frame (velocity or speed of fund use) ; (v) Limits or prohibitions on certain usage (e.g., merchant type) and on geographic usage, such as outside Nigeria ; and (vi) Limits on aggregate card values.
5.28. The financial institution’s systems should be adequate to manage the
risks associated with its relationships with third-party payment processors and the management should have the ability to implement its monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Non-bank or third-party payment processors (processors) are bank or other financial institution customers that provide payment-processing services to merchants and other business entities. Traditionally, processors primarily contract Overview of Third-Party Payment Processors.
B 157 with retailers that have physical locations in order to process the retailers’ transactions. These merchant transactions primarily included credit card payments but also covered automated clearing house (ACH) transactions, Remotely Created Cheques (RCCs), debit and prepaid cards transactions. With the expansion of the internet, retail borders have been eliminated. Processors now provide services to a variety of merchant accounts, including conventional retail and internet-based establishments, prepaid travel, telemarketers and internet gaming enterprises. Third-party payment processors often use their commercial bank accounts to conduct payment processing for their merchant clients. For example, the processor may deposit into its account RCCs generated on behalf of a merchant client, or act as a third-party sender of ACH transactions. In either case, the financial institution does not have a direct relationship with the merchant. The increased use by processor customers, particularly telemarketers of RCCs also raises the risk of fraudulent payments being processed through the processor’s bank account. Processors generally are not subject to AML/CFT compliance and regulatory requirements. As a result, some processors may be vulnerable to money laundering, identity theft, fraud schemes and illicit transactions or transactions prohibited by MLPA 2011. The financial institution’s ML/FT risks when dealing with a processor account are similar to risks from other activities in which the financial institution’s customer conducts transactions through the bank on behalf of the customer’s clients. When the financial institution is unable to identify and understand the nature and source of the transactions processed through an account, the risks to the financial institution and the likelihood of suspicious activity can increase. If a financial institution has not implemented an adequate processor-approval Programme that goes beyond credit risk management, it could be vulnerable to processing illicit or sanction-able transactions. Financial institutions offering account services to processors should develop and maintain adequate policies, procedures and processes to address risks related to these relationships. At a minimum, these policies should authenticate the processor’s business operations and assess their risk level. A financial institution may assess the risks associated with payment processors by considering the following :
(i) Implementing a policy that requires an initial background check of the processor (using for example, state incorporation departments, internet searches and other investigative processes) and of the processor’s underlying merchants on a risk-adjusted basis in order to verify their creditworthiness and general business practices ; (ii) Reviewing the processor’s promotional materials, including its Web site to determine the target clientele. A financial institution may develop policies, procedures and processes that restrict the types of entities for which it will Risk Factors. Risk Mitigation.
B 158 allow processing services. These entities may include higher risk entities such as offshore companies, online gambling-related operations, telemarketers and online pay lenders. These restrictions should be clearly communicated to the processor at account opening stage ; (iii) Determining whether the processor re-sells its services to a third party who may be referred to as an agent or provider of independent sales institution opportunities or internet service provider (gateway) arrangements ; (iv) Reviewing the processor’s policies, procedures and processes to determine the adequacy of its due diligence standards for new merchants ; (v) Requiring the processor to identify its major customers by providing information such as the merchant’s name, principal business activity and geographic location ; (vi) Verifying directly or through the processor that the merchant is operating a legitimate business by comparing the merchant’s identifying information against public record databases, fraud and financial institution check databases ; (vii) Reviewing corporate documentation including independent reporting services and, if applicable, documentation on principal owners ; and (viii) Visiting the processor’s business operations centre. Financial institutions which provide account services to third-party payment processors should monitor their processor relationships for any significant changes in the processor’s business strategies that may affect their risk profile. Financial institutions should periodically re-verify and update the processors’ profiles to ensure the risk assessment is appropriate. In addition to adequate and effective account opening and due diligence procedures for processor accounts, management should monitor these relationships for unusual and suspicious activities. To effectively monitor these accounts, the financial institution should have an understanding of the following processor information :
(i) Merchant base ;
(ii) Merchant activities ;
(iii) Average number of dollar/Naira volume and number of transactions ; (iv) Swiping versus keying volume for credit card transactions ; (v) Charge-back history, including rates of return for ACH debit transactions and Remotely Created Cheques (RCCs) ; and (vi) Consumer complaints that suggest a payment processor’s merchant clients are inappropriately obtaining personal account information and using it to create unauthorized RCCs or ACH debits. With respect to account monitoring, a financial institution should thoroughly investigate high levels of returns and should not accept high levels of returns on the basis that the processor has provided collateral or other security to the financial institution. A financial institution should implement appropriate policies, procedures
B 159 and processes that address compliance and fraud risks. High levels of RCCs or ACH debits returned for insufficient funds or as unauthorized can be an indication of fraud or suspicious activity.
5.29. The financial institution’s systems should be adequate to manage the
risks associated with monetary instrument and the management should have the ability to implement its monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Monetary instruments are products provided by financial institutions and include cashier’s cheques, traveller’s cheques, and money orders. Monetary instruments are typically purchased to pay for commercial or personal transactions and, in the case of traveller’s cheques, as a form of stored value for future purchases. The purchase or exchange of monetary instruments at the placement and layering stages of money laundering can conceal the source of illicit proceeds. As a result, financial institutions have been major targets in laundering operations because they provide and process monetary instruments through deposits. For example, customers or non-customers have been known to purchase monetary instruments in amounts below the reportable currency threshold to avoid having to provide adequate identification. Subsequently, monetary instruments are then placed into deposit accounts to circumvent the CTR filing threshold. Financial institutions selling monetary instruments should have appropriate policies, procedures and processes in place to mitigate risk. Policies should define:
(i) Acceptable and unacceptable monetary instrument transactions (e.g., non-customer transactions, monetary instruments with blank payees, unsigned monetary instruments, identification requirements for structured transactions, or the purchase of multiple sequentially numbered monetary instruments for the same payee) ; (ii) Procedures for reviewing for unusual or suspicious activity, including elevating concerns to management ; and (iii) Criteria for closing relationships or refusing to do business with noncustomers who have consistently or egregiously been involved in suspicious activity.
5.30. The financial institution’s systems should be adequate to manage the
risks associated with brokered deposit relationship and the management should have the ability to implement its due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems effectively. The use of brokered deposits is a common funding source for many banks and other financial institutions. Recent technology developments allow brokers to provide bankers with increased access to a broad range of potential investors who have no relationship with the bank and/or other financial institutions. Deposits can be raised over the internet through certificates of deposit listing services or through other advertising methods. Deposit brokers provide intermediary services for financial institutions and investors. This activity is considered higher risk because each deposit broker Overview of Purchase and Sale of Monetary Instruments. Risk Factors. Risk Mitigation. Overview of Brokered Deposits.
B 160 operates under its own guidelines for obtaining deposits. The level of regulatory oversight over deposit brokers varies, as the applicability of AML/CFT Regulatory requirements directly on the deposit broker varies. However, the deposit broker is subject to other statutory requirements regardless of its regulatory status. Consequently, the deposit broker may not be performing adequate customer due diligence. The financial institution accepting brokered deposits depends on the deposit broker to sufficiently perform required account opening procedures and to follow applicable AML/CFT Compliance Programme requirements. Money laundering and terrorist financing risks arise because the financial institution may not know the ultimate beneficial owners or the source of funds. The deposit broker could represent a range of clients that may be of higher risk for money laundering and terrorist financing (e.g., non-resident or offshore customers, Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) or foreign shell banks). Financial institutions which accept deposit broker accounts or funds should develop appropriate policies, procedures and processes that establish minimum CDD procedures for all deposit brokers providing deposits to the bank or other financial institution. The level of due diligence performed by a financial institution should be commensurate with its knowledge of the deposit broker and the deposit broker’s known business practices and customer base. In an effort to address the risk inherent in certain deposit broker relationships, financial institutions may want to consider having a signed contract that sets out the roles and responsibilities of each party and restrictions on types of customers (e.g., non-resident or offshore customers, PEPs or foreign shell banks). Financial institutions should conduct sufficient due diligence on deposit brokers, especially unknown, foreign, independent or unregulated deposit brokers. To manage the ML/FT risks associated with brokered deposits, the financial institution should :
(i) Determine whether the deposit broker is a legitimate business in all operating locations where the business is conducted ; (ii) Review the deposit broker’s business strategies, including targeted customer markets (e.g., foreign or domestic customers) and methods for soliciting clients ; (iii) Determine whether the deposit broker is subject to regulatory oversight ; (iv) Evaluate whether the deposit broker’s AML/CFT compliance policies, procedures, and processes are adequate (e.g., ascertain whether the deposit broker performs sufficient CDD including CIP procedures) ; and (v) Evaluate the adequacy of the deposit broker’s AML/CFT audits and ensure that they address compliance with applicable regulations and requirements. Financial institutions should take particular care in their oversight of deposit brokers who are not adequately regulated entities and :
(i) Are unknown to the financial institution ; Risk Factors.
Risk
Mitigation.
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(ii) Conduct business or obtain deposits primarily in other jurisdictions ; (iii) Use unknown businesses and financial institutions for references ; (iv) Provide other services that may be suspect, such as creating shell companies for foreign clients ; (v) Refuse to provide requested audit and due diligence information or insist on placing deposits before providing this information ; and (vi) Use technology that provides anonymity to customers. Financial institutions should also monitor existing deposit broker relationships for any significant changes in business strategies that may influence the broker’s risk profile. As such, financial institutions should periodically re-verify and update each deposit broker’s profile to ensure an appropriate risk assessment.
5.31. The financial institution’s systems should be adequate to manage the
risks associated with both networking and in-house non-deposit investment products (NDIP) and the management should have the ability to implement its monitoring and reporting systems effectively. NDIP include a wide array of investment products (e.g., securities, bonds and fixed or variable annuities). Sales Programmes may also include cash management sweep accounts to retail and commercial clients; these Programmes are offered by the bank directly. Banks and other financial institutions offer these investments to increase fee income and provide customers with additional products and services. The manner in which the NDIP relationship is structured and the methods with which the products are offered substantially affect the bank’s/ other financial institution’s ML/FT risks and responsibilities. The financial institution is fully responsible for in-house NDIP transactions completed on behalf of its customers either with or without the benefit of an internal broker/dealer employee. In addition, the bank or other financial institution may also offer its own proprietary NDIPs which can be created and offered by the bank or other financial institution, its subsidiary or affiliate. With in-house sales and proprietary products, the entire customer relationship and all ML/FT risks may need to be managed by the financial institution, depending on how the products are sold. Financial institution management should assess risk on the basis of a variety of factors such as :
(i) Type of NDIP purchased and the size of the transactions ; (ii) Types and frequency of transactions ; (iii) Country of residence of the principals or beneficiaries, the country of incorporation or the source of funds ; and (iv) Accounts and transactions that are not usual and customary for the customer or for the financial institution. For customers that management considers higher risk for money laundering and terrorist financing, more stringent documentation, verification and transaction Overview of Non-Deposit Investment Products. In-House Sales and Proprietary Products.
B 162 monitoring procedures should be established. EDD may be appropriate in the following situations :
(i) Financial institution is entering into a relationship with a new customer ; (ii) Non-discretionary accounts have a large asset size or frequent transactions ; (iii) Customer resides in a foreign jurisdiction ; (iv) Customer is a PIC or other corporate structure established in a higherrisk jurisdiction ; (v) Assets or transactions are typical for the customer ; (vi) Investment type, size, assets or transactions are typical for the financial institution ; (vii) International funds transfers are conducted, particularly from offshore funding sources ; (viii) The identities of the principals or beneficiaries in investments or relationships are unknown or cannot be easily determined ; and (ix) Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) are parties to any investments or transactions. ML/FT risks arise because NDIP can involve complex legal arrangements, large amounts and the rapid movement of funds. NDIP portfolios managed and controlled directly by clients pose a greater money laundering risk than those managed by the bank or other financial services provider. Sophisticated clients may create ownership structures to obscure the ultimate control and ownership of these investments. For example, customers can retain a certain level of anonymity by creating Private Investment Companies (PIC), offshore trusts or other investment entities that hide the customer’s ownership or beneficial interest. Management should develop risk-based policies, procedures and processes that enable the bank/other financial institution to identify unusual account relationships and circumstances, questionable assets and sources of funds and other potential areas of risk (e.g., offshore accounts, agency accounts and unidentified beneficiaries). Management should be alert to situations that need additional review or research. Before entering into a networking arrangement, financial institutions should conduct an appropriate review of the broker/dealer. The review should include an assessment of the broker/dealer’s financial status, management experience, Securities Dealers status, reputation and ability to fulfil its AML/CFT compliance responsibilities as regards the financial institution’s customers. Appropriate due diligence would include a determination that the broker/dealer has adequate policies, procedures and processes in place to enable the broker/dealer meet its legal obligations. The financial institution should maintain documentation on its due diligence of the broker/dealer. Furthermore, detailed written contracts should address the AML/CFT responsibilities, including suspicious activity monitoring and reporting of the broker/dealer and its registered representatives. Risk Factors. Risk Mitigation. Networking Arrangements.
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A financial institution may also want to mitigate risk exposure by limiting certain investment products offered to its customers. Investment products such as PICs, offshore trusts or offshore hedge funds (may involve international funds transfers) are offered to customers as a way to obscure ownership interests. Financial institution management should develop and put in place structure that can update due diligence information on the broker/dealer. Such structures should include a periodic review of information on the broker/dealer’s compliance with its AML/CFT responsibilities, verification of the broker/dealer’s record in meeting testing requirements and a review of consumer complaints. Financial institution management is also encouraged, when possible, to review AML/CFT reports generated by the broker/dealer. This review could include information on account openings, transactions, investment products sold and suspicious activity monitoring and reporting.
5.32. The financial institution’s systems should be adequate to manage the
AML/CFT risks associated with concentration accounts and the management should have the ability to implement its monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Concentration accounts are internal accounts established to facilitate the processing and settlement of multiple or individual customer transactions within the financial institution, usually on the same day. These accounts may also be known as special-use, omnibus, suspense, settlement, intra-day, sweep, or collection accounts. Concentration accounts are frequently used to facilitate transactions for private banking, trust and custody accounts, funds transfers and international affiliates. Money laundering risk can arise in concentration accounts if the customeridentifying information such as name, transaction amount and account number are separated from the financial transaction. If separation occurs, the audit trail is lost and accounts may be misused or administered improperly. Financial institution that use concentration accounts should implement adequate policies, procedures and processes covering the operation and recordkeeping for these accounts. Policies should establish guidelines to identify, measure, monitor and control the risks. Because of the risks involved, management should be familiar with the nature of their customers’ businesses and with the transactions flowing through the financial institution’s concentration accounts. Additionally, the monitoring of concentration account transactions is necessary to identify and report unusual or suspicious transactions. Internal controls are necessary to ensure that processed transactions include the identifying customer information. Retaining complete information is crucial for compliance with regulatory requirements as well as ensuring adequate transaction monitoring. Adequate internal controls may include :
(i) Maintaining a comprehensive system that identifies (institution-wide) the general ledger accounts used as concentration accounts, as well as the departments and individuals authorized to use those accounts ; Overview of Concentration Accounts. Risk Factors. Risk Mitigation.
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(ii) Requiring dual signatures on general ledger tickets ; (iii) Prohibiting direct customer access to concentration accounts ; (iv) Capturing customer transactions in the customer’s account statements ; (v) Prohibiting customer’s knowledge of concentration accounts or their ability to direct employees to conduct transactions through the accounts ; (vi) Retaining appropriate transaction and customer identifying information ; (vii) Frequent reconciliation of the accounts by an individual who is independent from the transactions ; (viii) Establishing timely discrepancy resolution process ; and (ix) Identifying recurring customer names, institution’s involvement in trade finance minimizes payment risk to importers and exporters. The nature of trade finance activities, however, requires the active involvement of multiple parties on both sides of the transaction. In addition to the basic exporter or importer relationship at the center of any particular trade activity, relationships may exist between the exporter and its suppliers and between the importer and its customers. Both the exporter and importer may also have other banking relationships. Furthermore, many other intermediary financial and non-financial institutions may provide conduits and services to expedite the underlying documents and payment flows associated with trade transactions. Financial institutions can participate in trade financing by, among other things, providing pre-export financing, helping in the collection process, confirming or issuing letters of credit, discounting drafts and acceptances or offering fee-based services such as providing credit and country information on buyers. Although most trade financing is short-term and self-liquidating in nature, medium-term loans (one to five years) or long-term loans (more than five years) may be used to finance the import and export of capital goods such as machinery and equipment. In transactions that are covered by letters of credit, financial institutions are required to take the following roles :
Applicant—The buyer or party who requests the issuance of a letter of credit. Issuing Bank—The bank that issues the letter of credit on behalf of the applicant and advises it to the beneficiary either directly or through an advising financial institution. The applicant is the issuing bank’s customer. Confirming Bank—Typically, is in the home country of the beneficiary and at the request of the issuing bank. It is the financial institution that adds its commitment to honour draws made by the beneficiary, provided the terms and conditions of the letter of credit are met. Advising Bank—The bank that advises the credit at the request of the issuing bank. The issuing bank sends the original credit to the advising bank for onward forwarding to the beneficiary. The advising bank authenticates the
B 165 credit and advises it to the beneficiary. There may be more than one advising bank in a letter of credit transaction. The advising bank may also be a confirming bank. Beneficiary—The seller or party to whom the letter of credit is addressed. Negotiation—The purchase by the nominated bank of drafts (drawn on a bank other than the nominated bank) or documents under a complying presentation by advancing or agreeing to advance funds to the beneficiary on or before the banking day on which reimbursement is due to the nominated bank. Nominated Bank—The bank with which the credit is available or any bank in which the credit is available. Accepting Bank—The bank that accepts a draft, providing a draft is called for by the credit. Drafts are drawn on the accepting bank that dates and signs the instrument. Discounting Bank—The bank that discounts a draft for the beneficiary after it has been accepted by the accepting bank. The discounting bank is often the accepting bank. Reimbursing Bank—The bank authorized by the issuing bank to reimburse the paying bank submitting claims under the letter of credit. Paying Bank—The bank that makes payment to the beneficiary of the letter of credit. As an example, in a letter of credit arrangement, a bank can serve as the issuing bank, allowing its customer (the buyer) to purchase goods locally or internationally, or the bank can act as an advising bank, enabling its customer (the exporter) to sell its goods locally or internationally. The relationship between any two banks may vary and could include any of the roles listed above. The international trade system is subject to a wide range of risks and vulnerabilities that provide criminal organizations with the opportunity to launder the proceeds of crime and move funds to terrorist organizations with a relatively low risk of detection. The involvement of multiple parties on both sides of any international trade transaction can make the process of due diligence more difficult. Also, because trade finance can be more document-based than other banking activities, it can be susceptible to documentary fraud which can be linked to money laundering, terrorist financing or the circumvention of sanctions or other restrictions (such as export prohibitions, licensing requirements or controls). While financial institutions should be alert to transactions involving higherrisk goods (e.g., trade in weapons or nuclear equipment), they need to be aware that goods may be over or undervalued in an effort to evade AML/CFT requirements or customs regulations, or to move funds or value across national borders. For example, an importer may pay a large sum of money from the proceeds of an illegal activity for goods that are essentially worthless and are subsequently discarded. Alternatively, trade documents such as invoices may be fraudulently altered to hide the scheme. Variations on this theme include inaccurate or double invoicing, partial shipment of goods (short shipping) and the
use of fictitious goods. Illegal proceeds transferred in such transactions thereby appear Risk Factors.
B 166 sanitized and enter the realm of legitimate commerce. Moreover, many suspect trade finance transactions also involve collusion between buyers and sellers. The applicant’s true identity or ownership may be disguised by the use of certain corporate forms such as shell companies or offshore front companies. The use of these types of entities results in a lack of transparency, effectively hiding the identity of the purchasing party and thus increasing the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing. Sound CDD procedures are needed to gain a thorough understanding of the customer’s underlying business and locations served. The financial institutions in the letter of credit process need to undertake varying degrees of due diligence depending upon their role in the transaction. For example, issuing bank should conduct sufficient due diligence on a prospective customer before establishing the letter of credit. The due diligence should include gathering sufficient information on the applicants and beneficiaries including their identities, nature of business and sources of funding. This may require the use of background checks or investigations, particularly in higher-risk jurisdictions. As such, financial institutions should conduct a thorough review and reasonably know their customers prior to facilitating trade-related activity and should have a thorough understanding of trade finance documentation. Likewise, guidance provided by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on money laundering has helped in setting important industry standards and is a resource for financial institutions that provide trade finance services. The Wolfsberg Group also has published suggested industry standards and guidance for financial institutions that provide trade finance services. Financial institutions taking other roles in the letter of credit process should complete due diligence that is commensurate with their roles in each transaction. Financial institutions need to be aware that because of the frequency of transactions in which multiple banks are involved, issuing banks may not always have correspondent relationships with the advising or confirming bank. To the extent feasible, financial institutions should review documentation, not only for compliance with the terms of the letter of credit, but also for anomalies or red flags that could indicate unusual or suspicious transaction. Reliable documentation is critical in identifying potentially suspicious transaction. When analyzing trade transactions for unusual or suspicious transaction, financial institutions should consider obtaining copies of official Nigerian or foreign government import and export forms to assess the reliability of documentation provided. These anomalies could appear in shipping documentation, obvious under or over-invoicing, government licences (when required) or discrepancies in the description of goods on various documents. Identification of these elements may not, in itself, require
the filing of STRs, but may suggest the need for further research and verification. In circumstances where STRs are warranted, the financial institution is not expected to stop trade or discontinue processing the transaction. However, stopping the trade may be required to avoid a potential violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. Risk Mitigation.
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Trade finance transactions frequently use Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) messages. Nigerian financial institutions must comply with relevant regulations and when necessary, provide funding in advance of consummating the deal involved. Financial institutions should monitor the names of the parties contained in these messages and compare the names against terrorist lists. Financial institutions with a high volume of SWIFT messages should determine whether their monitoring efforts are adequate to detect suspicious transaction, particularly if the monitoring mechanism is not automated. Policies, procedures and processes should also require a thorough review of all applicable trade documentation (e.g., customs declarations, trade documents, invoices, etc) to enable the financial institution to monitor and report unusual and suspicious transactions based on the role played by the financial institution in the letter of credit process. The sophistication of the documentation review process and MIS should be commensurate with the size and complexity of the financial institution’s trade finance portfolio and its role in the letter of credit process. The monitoring process should give greater scrutiny to :
(i) Items shipped that are inconsistent with the nature of the customer’s business (e.g., a steel company that starts dealing in paper products or an information technology company that starts dealing in bulk pharmaceuticals) ; (ii) Customers conducting business in higher-risk jurisdictions ; (iii) Customers shipping items through higher-risk jurisdictions including transit through non -cooperative countries ; (iv) Customers involved in potentially higher-risk activities including activities that may be subject to export/import restrictions (e.g., equipment for military or police organizations of foreign governments, weapons, ammunition, chemical mixtures, classified defense articles, sensitive technical data, nuclear materials, precious gems, or certain natural resources such as metals, ore and crude oil) ; (v) Obvious over or under-pricing of goods and services ; (vi) Obvious misrepresentation of quantity or type of goods imported or exported ; (vii) Transaction structure appears unnecessarily complex and designed to obscure the true nature of the transaction ; (viii) Customer directs payment of proceeds to an unrelated third party ; (ix) Shipment locations or description of goods not consistent with letter of credit ; and (x) Significantly amended letters of credit without reasonable justification or changes to the beneficiary or location of payment. Unless customer behaviour or transaction documentation appears unusual, the financial institution should not be expected to spend undue time or effort reviewing all information. The examples above, particularly for an issuing bank, may be included as part of its routine CDD process. Financial institution with
B 168 robust CDD Programmes may find that less focus is needed on individual transactions as a result of their comprehensive knowledge of the customer’s activities.
5.33. The financial institution’s systems should be adequate to manage the
risks associated with private banking activities and the management should have the ability to implement its due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Private banking activities are generally defined as providing personalized services to higher net worth customers (e.g., estate planning, financial advice, lending, investment management, bill paying, mail forwarding and maintenance of a residence). Private banking has become an increasingly important business line for large and diverse banking organizations and a source of enhanced fee income. Nigerian financial institution manage private banking relationships for both domestic and international customers. Typically, thresholds of private banking service are based on the amount of assets for management and on the need for specific products or services (e.g., real estate management, closely held company oversight, money management). The fees charged are ordinarily based on asset thresholds and the use of specific products and services. Private banking arrangements are typically structured to have a central point of contact (i.e., relationship officer/manager) that acts as a liaison between the client and the financial institution and facilitates the client’s use of the financial institution’s financial services and products. Typical products and services offered in a private banking relationship include :
(i) Cash management (e.g., cheque-accounts, overdraft privileges, cash sweeps and bill-paying services) ; (ii) Funds transfers ; (iii) Asset management (e.g., trust, investment advisory, investment management and custodial and brokerage services) ; (iv) The facilitation of shell companies and offshore entities (e.g., Private Investment Companies (PIC), International Business Corporations (IBC) and trusts) ; (v) Lending services (e.g., mortgage loans, credit cards, personal loans and letters of credit) ; (vi) Financial planning services including tax and estate planning ; (vii) Custody services ; and (viii) Other services as requested (e.g., mail services). Privacy and confidentiality are important elements of private banking relationships. Although customers may choose private banking services simply to manage their assets, they may also seek a confidential, safe and legal haven for Overview of Private Banking Activities.
B 169 their capital. When acting as a fiduciary, financial institution have statutory, contractual and ethical obligations to uphold. Private banking services can be vulnerable to money laundering schemes and past money laundering prosecutions have demonstrated that vulnerability. Vulnerabilities to money laundering include the following :
(i) Private bankers as client advocates ;
(ii) Powerful clients including politically exposed persons, industrialists and entertainers ; (iii) Culture of confidentiality and the use of secrecy jurisdictions or shell companies ; (iv) Private banking culture of lax internal controls ; (v) Competitive nature of the business ; and (vi) Significant profit potential for the financial institution. Effective policies, procedures and processes can help protect financial institutions from becoming conduits for or victims of money laundering, terrorist financing and other financial crimes that are perpetrated through private banking relationships. Illicit activities through the private banking unit could result in significant financial costs and reputational risk to the financial institution. Financial impacts could include regulatory sanctions and fines, litigation expenses, the loss of business, reduced liquidity, asset seizures and freezes, loan losses and remediation expenses. Financial institutions should assess the risks its private banking activities pose on the basis of the scope of operations and the complexity of the financial institution’s customer relationships. Management should establish a risk profile for each customer to be used in prioritizing oversight resources and for ongoing monitoring of relationship activities. The following factors should be considered when identifying risk characteristics of private banking customers :
(i) Nature of the customer’s wealth and the customer’s business - The source of the customer’s wealth, the nature of the customer’s business and the extent to which the customer’s business history presents an increased risk for money laundering and terrorist financing. This factor should be considered for private banking accounts opened for politically exposed persons (PEP). (ii) Purpose and anticipated activity — The size, purpose, types of accounts, products and services involved in the relationship, and the anticipated activity of the account. (iii) Relationship — The nature and duration of the financial institution’s relationship (including relationships with affiliates) with the private banking customer. Risk Factors. Risk Mitigation. Customer Risk Assessment in Private Banking.
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(iv) Customer’s corporate structure — Type of corporate structure (Private, public, holding, etc). (v) Geographic location and jurisdiction — The geographic location of the private banking customer’s domicile and business (domestic or foreign). The review should consider the extent to which the relevant jurisdiction is internationally recognized as presenting a greater risk for money laundering or conversely, is considered to have robust AML/CFT standards. (vi) Public information — Information known or reasonably available to the financial institution about the private banking customer. The scope and depth of this review should depend on the nature of this relationship and the risks involved. Customer Due Diligence (CDD) is essential when establishing any customer relationship and it is critical for private banking clients. Financial institutions should take reasonable steps to establish the identity of their private banking clients and as appropriate, the beneficial owners of accounts. Adequate due diligence should vary based on the risk factors identified previously. Policies, procedures and processes should define acceptable CDD for different types of products, services and account holders. As due diligence is an ongoing process, a financial institution should take measures to ensure account profiles are current and monitoring should be risk-based. Financial institutions should consider whether risk profiles should be adjusted or suspicious transaction reported when the activity is inconsistent with the profile. For purposes of the customer identification Programme (CIP), the financial institution is not required to search the private banking account to verify the identities of beneficiaries. Instead, it is required to verify the identity of the named account holder only. However, the CIP rule also provides that based on the financial institution’s risk assessment of a new account opened by a customer that is not an individual (e.g., private banking accounts opened for a PIC), the institution may need to obtain information about individuals with authority or control over such an account, including signatories in order to verify the customer’s identity to determine whether the account is maintained for non-Nigerians. Before opening accounts, financial institutions should collect the following information from the private banking clients :
(i) Purpose of the account ;
(ii) Type of products and services to be used ; (iii) Anticipated account activity ; (iv) Description and history of the source of the client’s wealth ; (v) Client’s estimated net worth, including financial statements ; (vi) Current source of funds for the account ; and (vii) References or other information to confirm the reputation of the client. Some shell companies issue bearer shares. Bearer shares allow their ownership to be vested on their bearer and the ownership of the company to Customer Due Diligence. Bearer Shares of Shell Companies.
B 171 therefore be conveyed by simply transferring of the physical possession of the shares. Risk mitigation of shell companies that issue bearer shares may include maintaining control of the bearer shares, entrusting the shares with a reliable independent third party or requiring periodic certification of ownership. Financial institutions should assess the risks these relationships pose and determine the appropriate controls. For example, in most cases, financial institutions should choose to maintain (or have an independent third party maintain) bearer shares for their customers. In rare cases that involve lower-risk, well-known, long-time customers, financial institutions may find that periodically re-certifying of the beneficial ownership is effective. A strong CDD Programme is an effective underlying control through which financial institutions can determine the nature, purpose and expected use of shell companies and apply appropriate monitoring and documentation standards. The board of directors’ and senior management’s active oversight of private banking activities and the creation of an appropriate corporate governance oversight culture are crucial elements of a sound risk management and control environment. The purpose and objectives of the institution’s private banking activities should be clearly identified and communicated by the board and senior management. Well-developed goals and objectives should describe the target client base in terms of minimum net worth, investable assets, types of products and services sought. Goals and objectives should also specifically describe the types of clients the financial institution will and will not accept and should establish appropriate levels of authorization for new-client acceptance. Board and senior management should also be actively involved in establishing control and risk management goals for private banking activities, including effective audit and compliance reviews. Each financial institution should ensure that its policies, procedures and processes for conducting private banking activities are evaluated and updated regularly and ensure that roles, responsibilities and accountability are clearly delineated. Employee compensation plans are often based on the number of new accounts established or on an increase in the managed assets. Board and senior management should ensure that compensation plans do not create incentives for employees to ignore appropriate due diligence and account opening procedures or possible suspicious activity relating to the account. Procedures that require various levels of approval for accepting new private banking accounts can minimize such opportunities. Given the sensitive nature of private banking and the potential liability associated with it, financial institutions should thoroughly investigate the background of newly hired private banking relationship managers. During the course of employment, any indications of inappropriate activities should be
promptly investigated by the financial institution. Additionally, when private banking relationship managers change employers, their customers often move with them. Financial institutions bear the same potential liability for the existing customers of newly hired officers as they do for any new, private banking relationship. Therefore, those accounts should be promptly reviewed using the financial institution’s procedures for establishing new account relationships. Board of Directors and Senior Management Oversight of Private Banking Activities.
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MIS and reports are also important in effectively supervising and managing private banking relationships and risks. Board and senior management should review relationship manager compensation reports, budget or target comparison reports and applicable risk management reports. Private banker MIS reports should enable the relationship manager to view and manage the whole client and any related client relationships.
5.34. OBJECTIVE
The financial institution’s policies, procedures, processes and systems to manage the ML/FT risks associated with trust and asset management services should be adequate and the management should have the ability to implement effective due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Trust accounts are generally defined as a legal arrangement in which one party (the trustor or grantor) transfers ownership of assets to a person or bank/ other financial institution (the trustee) to be held or used for the benefit of others. These arrangements include the broad categories of court-supervised accounts (e.g., executorships and guardianships), personal trusts (e.g., living trusts, trusts established under a will, charitable trusts) and corporate trusts (e.g., bond trusteeships). Agency accounts are established by contract and governed by contract law. Assets are held under the terms of the contract and legal title or ownership does not transfer to the financial institution as agent. Agency accounts include custody, escrow, investment management and safekeeping relationships. Agency products and services may be offered in a traditional trust department or through other financial institution departments. Customer identification Programme (CIP) rules apply to all financial institutions’ accounts. The CIP rule defines an account to include cash management, safekeeping, and custodian and trust relationships but excludes employee benefit accounts. For purposes of the CIP, the financial institution is not required to search the trust, escrow or similar accounts to verify the identities of beneficiaries. Instead, it is required to verify the identity of the named accountholder (the trust) only. In the case of a trust account, the customer is the trust whether or not the financial institution is the trustee for the trust. However, the CIP rule also provides that, based on the financial institution’s ML/FT risk assessment of a new account opened by a customer that is not an individual, the financial institution may need to obtain information about individuals with authority or control over such an account, including the signatories in order to verify the customer’s identity. For example, in certain circumstances involving revocable trusts, the financial institution may need to gather information about the settlor, grantor, trustee, or other persons with the authority to direct the trustee and who thus have authority or control over the account in order to establish the true identity of the customer. Overview of Trust and Asset Management Services Customer Identification Program.
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In the case of an escrow account, if a financial institution establishes an account in the name of a third party such as a real estate agent (who is acting as agent) then, the financial institution’s customer is the escrow agent. If the financial institution is the escrow agent, then the person who establishes the account is the financial institution’s customer. For example, if the purchaser of real estate directly opens an escrow account and deposits funds to be paid to the seller upon satisfaction of specified conditions, the financial institution’s customer will be the purchaser. Further, if a company in formation establishes an escrow account for investors to deposit their subscriptions pending receipt of a required minimum amount, the financial institution’s customer will be the company in formation (or if not yet a legal entity, the person opening the account on its behalf). However, the CIP rule also provides that, based on the financial institution’s ML/FT risk assessment of a new account opened by a customer that is not an individual, the financial institution may need to obtain information about individuals with authority or control over such an account including the signatories in order to verify the customer’s identity. Trust and asset management accounts including agency relationships present ML/FT concerns similar to those of deposit taking, lending and other traditional financial institution’s activities. Concerns are primarily due to the unique relationship structures involved when the financial institution handles trust and agency activities, such as :
(i) Personal and court-supervised accounts ; (ii) Trust accounts formed in the private banking department ; (iii) Asset management and investment advisory accounts ; (iv) Global and domestic custody accounts ; (v) Securities lending ; (vi) Employee benefit and retirement accounts ; (vii) Corporate trust accounts ; (viii) Transfer Agent Accounts ; and (ix) Other related business lines. As in any account relationship, money laundering risk may arise from trust and asset management activities. When misused, trust and asset management accounts can conceal the sources and uses of funds as well as the identity of beneficial and legal owners. Customers and account beneficiaries may try to remain anonymous in order to move illicit funds or avoid scrutiny. For example, customers may seek a certain level of anonymity by creating private investment companies offshore trusts or other investment entities that hide the true ownership or beneficial interest of the trust. ML/FT Risk Factors.
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Management should develop policies, procedures and processes that enable the financial institution to identify unusual account relationships and circumstances, questionable assets and sources of assets and other potential areas of ML/FT risk (e.g., Offshore Accounts, PICs, Asset Protection Trusts (APT), agency accounts and unidentified beneficiaries). While the majority of traditional trust and asset management accounts will not need EDD, management should be alert to those situations that need additional review or research. The financial institution must maintain required CIP information and complete the required one-time check of trust account names against VIS search requests. The financial institution should also be able to identify customers who may be politically exposed persons (PEP), doing business with or located in a jurisdiction designated as primary money laundering concern. The financial institution should also determine the identity of other parties that may have control over the account, such as grantors or co-trustees. CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANTING ENHANCED DUE DILIGENCE. (i) Management should assess account risk on the basis of a variety of factors which may include :
(a) Type of trust or agency account and its size ; (b) Types and frequency of transactions ; (c) Country of residence of the principals or beneficiaries or the country where established or source of funds ; (d) Accounts and transactions that are not usual and customary for the customer or for the financial institution ; and (e) Stringent documentation, verification and transaction monitoring procedures should be established for accounts that the management considers as higher risk, (typically, employee benefit accounts and courtsupervised accounts are among the lowest ML/FT risks). (ii) Circumstance in which EDD may be appropriate :
The financial institution is entering into a relationship with a new customer. (a) Account principals or beneficiaries reside in a foreign jurisdiction or the trust or its funding mechanisms are established offshore ; (b) Assets or transactions are not typical for the type and character of the customer ; (c) Account type, size, assets or transactions are atypical for the financial institution ; (d) International funds transfers are conducted particularly through offshore funding sources ; (e) Accounts are funded with easily transportable assets such as gemstones, precious metals, coins, artwork, rare stamps or negotiable instruments ; Risk Mitigation. Customer Comparison Against Various Lists.
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(f ) Accounts or relationships are maintained in way that the identities of the principals, beneficiaries, sources of funds are unknown or cannot be easily determined ; (g) Accounts transactions are for the benefit of charitable organizations or other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that may be used as a conduit for illegal activities ; (h) Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) holding are processing significant currency/dollar amounts ; (i) Account assets that include PICs ; and (j) PEPs are parties to the accounts or transactions.
5.35. OVERVIEW OF NON-RESIDENT ALIENS AND FOREIGN INDIVIDUALS
The financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated with transactions involving accounts held by non-resident aliens (NRA) and foreign individuals should be adequate and the management should have the ability to implement its due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Foreign individuals maintaining relationships with Nigerian financial institutions can be divided into two categories of resident aliens and non-resident aliens. For definitional purposes, a NRA is a non-Nigerian citizen who :
(i) is not a lawful permanent resident of Nigeria during the calendar year and who does not meet the substantial presence test or (ii) has not been issued an alien registration permit. The FIRS determines the tax liabilities of a foreign person and officially defines the person as a resident or non-resident. Although NRAs are not permanent residents, they may have a legitimate need to establish an account relationship with a Nigerian financial institution. NRAs can use bank products and services for asset preservation (e.g., mitigating losses due to exchange rates), business expansion and investments. Financial institutions may find it more difficult to verify and authenticate an NRA accountholder’s identification, source of funds and source of wealth which may result in ML/FT risks. The NRA’s home country may also heighten the account risk, depending on the secrecy laws of that country. Because the NRA is expected to reside outside of Nigeria, funds transfers or the use of foreign automated teller machines (ATM) may be more frequent. The ML/FT risk may be further heightened if the NRA is a Politically Exposed Person (PEP). Financial institutions should establish policies, procedures and processes that provide for sound due diligence and verification practices, adequate risk assessment of NRA accounts, ongoing monitoring and reporting of unusual or suspicious activities. The following factors are to be considered when determining the risk level of an NRA account :
Overview of
Expanded
Examination and
Procedures for Persons and Entities.
Risk Factors of NRA
Account
Holder.
Risk
Mitigation.
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(i) Account-holder’s home country ;
(ii) Types of products and services used ; (iii) Forms of identification ; (iv) Source of wealth and funds ; and (v) Unusual account activity. The financial institution’s CIP should detail the identification requirements for opening an account for a non-Nigerian person, including a NRA. The Programme should include the use of documentary and non-documentary methods to verify a customer. In addition, financial institutions must maintain due diligence procedures for private banking accounts for non-Nigerian persons, including those held for PEPs or senior foreign political figures.
5.36. The financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated
with senior local/foreign political figures, often referred to as politically exposed persons (PEP) should be adequate and the management should have the ability to implement its risk-based due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Financial institution should take all reasonable steps to ensure that they do not knowingly or unwittingly assist in hiding or moving the proceeds of corruption by senior local/foreign political figures, their families and associates. Because the risks presented by PEPs will vary by customer, product, service, country and industry, identifying, monitoring and designing controls for these accounts and transactions should be risk-based. The term politically exposed persons generally include individuals who are or have been entrusted with prominent public functions in Nigeria and/or foreign countries and people/entities associated with them. As specified in the CBN AML/ CFT Regulation 2009, examples of PEPs include but not limited to :
(i) Heads of State or government ;
(ii) State Governors ;
(iii) Local Government Chairmen ;
(iv) Senior Politicians ;
(v) Senior government officials ;
(vi) Judicial or military officials ;
(vii) Senior executives of state owned corporations ; (viii) Important political party officials ; (ix) Family members or close associates of PEPs ; and (x) Members of Royal Families. In addition to performing CDD measures, financial institutions are required to put in place appropriate risk management systems and procedures that include reasonable steps to determine and ascertain whether a potential customer or Overview of Politically Exposed Persons.
B 177 existing customer or the beneficial-owner is a politically exposed person. Risk will vary depending on other factors such as products and services used and size or complexity of the account relationship. Financial institutions also should consider various factors when determining if an individual is a PEP, including :
(i) Official responsibilities of the individual’s office ; (ii) Nature of the title (e.g., honorary or salaried) ; (iii) Level and nature of authority or influence over government activities or other officials ; and (iv) Access to significant government assets or funds. Financial institutions are also required to obtain senior management approval before they establish business relationships with a PEP and to render monthly returns on all their transactions with PEPs to the CBN. In determining the acceptability of higher-risk accounts, a financial institution should be able to obtain sufficient information to determine whether an individual is or is not a PEP. For example, when conducting due diligence on a higher-risk account, it would be usual for a financial institution to review a customer’s income sources, financial information and professional background. These factors would likely require some review of past and present employment as well as general references that may identify a customer’s status as a PEP. Moreover, a financial institution should always keep in mind that identification of a customer’s status as a PEP should not automatically result in a higher-risk determination. It is not only one factor that the institution should consider in assessing the risk of such a relationship. Ascertaining whether a customer has a close association with a senior local/foreign political figure could be difficult. Moreover, focusing on the relationships that are widely and publicly known may also provide a reasonable limitation on expectation to identify close associates of PEPs. However, financial institution that has actual knowledge of close associations of its customer should consider such a customer as PEP, even if such association is not otherwise widely or publicly known. Financial institutions are expected to follow reasonable steps to ascertain the status of an individual. The regulatory agencies recognize that these steps may not uncover all close associations of PEPs. In high-profile cases over the past few years, PEPs have used financial institutions as conduits for their illegal activities, including corruption, bribery and money laundering. However, not all PEPs present the same level of risk. This risk will vary depending on numerous factors, including the PEP’s geographic location, industry, sector, position and level or nature of influence or authority. Risk may also vary depending on factors such as the purpose of the account, the actual or anticipated activity, products and services used, and size or complexity of the account relationship. As a result of these factors, some PEPs may be of lower risk and some may be of higher risk for local/foreign corruption or money laundering. Financial Risk Factors.
B 178 institutions that conduct business with dishonest PEPs face substantial reputational risk, additional regulatory scrutiny and possible supervisory action. Financial institution also should be alert to a PEP’s access to, control of or influence over government or corporate accounts; the level of involvement of intermediaries, vendors, suppliers, and agents in the industry or sector in which the PEP operates; and the improper use of corporate vehicles and other legal entities to obscure ownership.
Section 1.10.5 of the CBN AML/CFT Regulation 2009 (as amended), requires
financial institutions to take reasonable measures to establish the source of wealth and the source of funds of customers and beneficial owners identified as PEPs . Financial institutions should exercise reasonable judgment in designing and implementing policies, procedures and processes regarding PEPs. Financial institution should obtain risk-based due diligence information on PEPs and establish policies, procedures and processes that provide for appropriate scrutiny and monitoring. It is critical and in order to have appropriate risk-based account opening procedures for big ticket transaction or higher-risk products and services. The opening of an account is the prime opportunity for the financial institution to gather information for all customers, including PEPs. Commensurate with the identified level of risk, due diligence procedures should include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following :
(i) Identify the account-holder and beneficial owner, including the nominal and beneficial owners of companies, trusts, partnerships, private investment companies, or other legal entities that are accountholders ; (ii) Seek information directly from the account holder and beneficial owner regarding possible PEP status ; (iii) Identify the accountholder’s and beneficial owner’s country(ies) of residence and the level of risk for corruption and money laundering associated with these jurisdictions ; (iv) Obtain information regarding employment including industry and sector, and the level of risk for corruption associated with the industries and sectors ; (v) Check references (as appropriate) to determine whether the account holder and beneficial owner is or has been a PEP ; (vi) Identify the account holder’s and beneficial owner’s source of wealth and funds ; (vii) Obtain information on immediate family members or close associates that have the account ; (viii) Determine the purpose of the account, the expected volume and nature of account activity ; and (ix) Make reasonable efforts to review public sources of information. These sources will vary depending upon each situation. However, financial institutions should check the account-holder and any beneficial owners of legal entities against reasonably accessible public sources of information (e.g., government databases, major news publications, commercial databases and other databases available on the internet, as appropriate). Risk Mitigation.
B 179
PEP accounts are not limited to large or internationally focused financial institutions. A PEP can open an account at any financial institution, regardless of its size or location. Financial institutions should have risk-based procedures for identifying PEP accounts and assessing the degree of risks involved and the latter will vary. Senior management should be involved in the decision to accept a PEP account. If management determines after-the-fact that an account is a PEP account, it should evaluate the risks and take appropriate steps. The financial institution should exercise additional, reasonable due diligence with regard to such accounts. For example, the financial institution may increase reference inquiries, obtain additional background information on the PEP from branches or correspondents operating in the client’s home country, and make reasonable efforts to consult publicly available information sources. On-going risk-based monitoring of PEP accounts is critical to ensuring that the accounts are being used as anticipated.
5.37. The financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated
with transactions involving embassy and foreign consulate accounts should be adequate and the management should have the ability to implement its due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Embassies contain the offices of the foreign ambassador, the diplomatic representative and their staff. The embassy, led by the ambassador, is a foreign government’s official representation in the Nigeria (or other country). Foreign consulate offices act as branches of the embassy and perform various administrative and governmental functions (e.g., issuing visas and handling immigration matters). Foreign consulate offices are typically located in major metropolitan areas. In addition, foreign ambassadors’ diplomatic representatives, their families and associates may be considered politically exposed persons (PEP) in certain circumstances. Embassies and foreign consulates in Nigeria require access to the banking system to meet many of their day-to-day financial responsibilities. Such services can range from account relationships for operational expenses (e.g., payroll, rent and utilities) to inter and intra-governmental transactions (e.g., commercial and military purchases). In addition to official embassy accounts, some financial institutions provide ancillary services or accounts to embassy staff, families and current or prior foreign government officials. Each of these relationships poses different levels of risk to the financial institution. Embassy accounts, including those accounts for a specific embassy office such as a cultural or education ministry, a defence attaché or ministry, or any other account should have a specific operating purpose, stating the official function of the foreign government office. Consistent with established practices for business relationships, these embassy accounts should have written authorization by the foreign government. To provide embassy and foreign consulate services, a Nigerian financial institution may need to maintain a foreign correspondent relationship with the embassy’s or foreign consulate’s financial institution. Financial institutions Overview of Embassy and Foreign Consulate Accounts. Risk Factors.
B 180 conducting business with foreign embassies or consulates should assess and understand the potential risks of these accounts and should develop appropriate policies, procedures and processes. Embassy or foreign consulate accounts may pose a higher risk in the following circumstances :
(i) Accounts are from countries that have been designated as higher risk ; (ii) Substantial currency transactions take place in the accounts ; (iii) Account activity is not consistent with the purpose of the account (e.g., pouch activity or payable upon proper identification transactions) ; (iv) Accounts directly fund personal expenses of foreign nationals including but not limited to expenses for college students ; and (v) Official embassy business is conducted through personal accounts. Financial institutions should obtain comprehensive due diligence information on embassy and foreign consulate account relationships. For private banking accounts for non-Nigerian persons specifically, financial institutions must obtain due diligence information. The financial institution’s due diligence related to embassy and foreign consulate account relationships should be commensurate with the risk levels presented. In addition, financial institutions are expected to establish policies, procedures and processes that provide for greater scrutiny and monitoring of all embassy and foreign consulate account relationships. Management should fully understand the purpose of the account and the expected volume and nature of account activity. On-going monitoring of embassy and foreign consulate account relationships is critical to ensuring that the account relationships are being used as anticipated.
5.38. The financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated
with accounts of designated non- financial institutions (DNFI) should be adequate and the management should have the ability to implement its monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Common examples of DNFIs include but not limited to :
(i) Casinos, hotels, supermarkets and card clubs ; (ii) Dealers in cars, luxury goods, chartered accountants, audit firms, clearing and settlement companies, legal practitioners ; and (iii) Dealers in precious metals, stones or jewellery. Some DNFIs are currently required to develop an AML/CFT Programme, comply with the reporting and recordkeeping requirements of the MLPA, 2011 and report suspicious activity to Federal Ministry of Commerce as the regulatory authority. DNFIs typically need access to banking services in order to operate. While financial institutions are expected to manage risk associated with all accounts including DNFI accounts, the institution will not be held responsible for their customers’ non-compliance with the MLPA and other relevant laws and regulations. DNFI industries are extremely diverse, ranging from large multi-national corporations to small, independent businesses that offer financial services only Risk Mitigation. Overview of Designated NonFinancial Institutions. Risk Factors.
B 181 as an ancillary component to their primary business (e.g., grocery store that offers cheque- cashing). The range of products and services offered and the customer bases served by DNFIs are equally diverse. As a result of this diversity, some DNFIs may be of lower risk and some may be of higher risk for money laundering. Financial institutions that maintain account relationships with DNFIs may be exposed to a higher risk for potential money laundering activities because many DNFIs :
(i) Lack ongoing customer relationships and require minimal or no identification by customers ; (ii) Maintain limited or inconsistent record-keeping on customers and transactions ; (iii) Engage in frequent currency transactions ; (iv) Are subject to varying levels of regulatory requirements and oversight ; (v) Can quickly change their product mix or location and quickly enter or exit an operation ; and (vi) Sometimes operate without proper registration or licensing. Financial institutions that maintain account relationships with DNFIs should develop policies, procedures and processes to :
(i) Identify DNFI relationships ;
(ii) Assess the potential risks posed by the DNFI relationships ; (iii) Conduct adequate and ongoing due diligence on the DNFI relationships when necessary ; and (iv) Ensure DNFI relationships are appropriately considered within the financial institution’s suspicious activity monitoring and reporting systems. Risk assessment factors of financial institutions assess the risks posed by their DNFI customers and direct their resources most appropriately to those accounts that pose a more significant money laundering risk. Risk factors may be used to help identify the relative risks within the DNFI portfolio. Nevertheless, management should weigh and evaluate each risk assessment factor to arrive at a risk determination for each customer and to prioritize oversight resources. Relevant risk factors include :
(i) Types of products and services offered by the DNFI ; (ii) Locations and markets served by the DNFI ; (iii) Anticipated account activity ; and (iv) Purpose of the account. A financial institution’s due diligence should be commensurate with the level of risk of the DNFI customer identified through its risk assessment. If a financial institution’s risk assessment indicates potential for a heightened risk of money laundering or terrorist financing, it will be expected to conduct further due diligence in a manner commensurate with the heightened risk. Risk Mitigation.
B 182
Money Services Businesses (MSBs) are subject to the full range of MLPA regulatory requirements, including the anti-money laundering Programme rule, suspicious activity and currency transaction reporting rules and various other identification and record-keeping rules. The following regulatory expectations apply to financial institution with MSB customers :
(i) The MLPA does not require financial institutions to serve as the de facto regulator of any type of DNFI industry or individual DNFI customer, including MSBs ; (ii) While financial institutions are expected to manage risk associated with all accounts including MSB accounts, they will not be held responsible for the MSB not having AML/CFT Programme ; and (iii) Not all MSBs pose the same level of risk and not all MSBs will require the same level of due diligence. Accordingly, if a financial institution’s assessment of the risks of a particular MSB relationship indicates a lower risk of money laundering or other illicit activity, a financial institution is not routinely expected to perform further due diligence (such as reviewing information about an MSB’s AML/CFT Programme) beyond the minimum due diligence expectations. Unless indicated by the risk assessment of the MSB, financial institutions are not expected to routinely review an MSB’s AML/CFT Programme. An effective risk assessment should be a composite of multiple factors and depending upon the circumstances, certain factors may be given more weight than others. The following factors may be used to help identify the level of risk presented by each MSB customer :
(i) Purpose of the account ;
(ii) Anticipated account activity (type and volume) ; (iii) Types of products and services offered by the MSB ; and (iv) Locations and markets served by the MSB. Financial institution management may tailor these factors based on their customer base or the geographic locations in which the financial institution operates. Management should weigh and evaluate each risk assessment factor to arrive at a risk determination for each customer. A bank’s due diligence should be commensurate with the level of risk assigned to the MSB customer, after consideration of these factors. If a bank’s risk assessment indicates potential for a heightened risk of money laundering or terrorist financing, the bank will be expected to conduct further due diligence in a manner commensurate with the heightened risk. A financial institution’s policies, procedures and processes should provide for sound due diligence and verification practices, adequate risk assessment of MSB accounts and ongoing monitoring and reporting of unusual or suspicious transactions. A financial institution that establishes and maintains accounts for MSBs should apply appropriate, specific risk-based and where necessary, EDD policies, procedures, and controls. Providing Banking Services to Money Services Businesses. MSB Risk Assessment. MSB Risk Mitigation.
B 183
The factors below, while not all inclusive may reduce or mitigate the risk in some MSB accounts :
(i) MSB is registered and licensed with the CBN ; (ii) MSB confirms it is subject to examination for AML compliance ; (iii) MSB affirms the existence of a written AML/CFT Programme and provides its CCO’s name and contact information ; (iv) MSB has an established banking relationship and/or account activity consistent with expectations ; (v) MSB is an established business with an operating history ; (vi) MSB is a principal with one or few agents, or is acting as an agent for one principal ; (vii) MSB provides services only to local residents ; (viii) Most of the MSB’s customers conduct routine transactions in not too much amounts ; (ix) The expected (lower-risk) transaction activity for the MSB’s business operations is consistent with information obtained by the financial institution at account opening. Examples include the following :
(a) Cheque-cashing activity is limited to payroll or government cheques ; and (b) Cheque-cashing service is not offered for third-party or out-of-state cheques. (x) Money-transmitting activities are limited to domestic entities (e.g., domestic bill payments). Given the importance of licensing and registration requirements, a financial institution should file a STR if it becomes aware that a customer is operating in violation of the registration or licensing requirements. The decision to maintain or close an account should be made by financial institution senior management under standards and guidelines approved by its board of directors. The extent to which the financial institution should perform further due diligence beyond the minimum due diligence obligations set forth below will be dictated by the level of risk posed by the individual MSB customer. Because not all MSBs present the same level of risk, not all MSBs will require further due diligence. For example, a local grocer that also cashes payroll cheques for customers purchasing groceries may not present the same level of risk as a money transmitter specializing in cross-border funds transfers. Therefore, the customer due diligence requirements will differ based on the risk posed by each MSB customer. Based on existing AML/CFT Regulation requirements applicable to financial institutions, the minimum due diligence expectations associated with opening and maintaining accounts for any MSB are :
(i) Apply the financial institution’s CIP.
(ii) Confirm registration renewal.
MSB Due
Diligence
Expectations.
B 184
(iii) Confirm compliance with licensing requirements, if applicable. (iv) Confirm agent status, if applicable. (v) Conduct a basic ML/FT risk assessment to determine the level of risk associated with the account and whether further due diligence is necessary. If the institution determines that the MSB customer presents a higher level of money laundering or terrorist financing risk, EDD measures should be conducted in addition to the minimum due diligence procedures. Depending on the level of perceived risk, the size and sophistication of the particular MSB, banking organizations may pursue some or all of the following actions as part of an appropriate EDD review :
(i) Review the MSB’s AML/CFT Programme.
(ii) Review results of the MSB’s independent testing of its AMLCFT Programme. (iii) Review written procedures for the operation of the MSB. (iv) Conduct on-site visits. (v) Review list of agents, including locations within or outside Nigeria which will be receiving services directly or indirectly through the MSB account. (vi) Review written agent management and termination practices for the MSB. (vii) Review written employee screening practices for the MSB.
5.39. The financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated
with professional service provider relationships should be adequate and the management should have the ability to implement its due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems effectively. A professional service provider acts as an intermediary between its client and the financial institution. Professional service providers include lawyers, accountants, investment brokers and other third parties that act as financial liaisons for their clients. These providers may conduct financial dealings for their clients. For example, an attorney may perform services for a client or arrange for services to be performed on the client’s behalf. Such services include settlement of real estate transactions, asset transfers, management of client monies, investment services and trust arrangements. In contrast to escrow accounts that are set up to serve individual clients, professional service provider accounts allow for ongoing business transactions with multiple clients. Generally, a financial institution has no direct relationship with or knowledge of the beneficial owners of these accounts who may be a constantly changing group of individuals and legal entities. As with any account that presents third-party risk, the financial institution could be more vulnerable to potential money laundering abuse. Some potential examples of abuse could include :
Overview of
Professional
Service
Providers.
Risk Factors.
B 185
(i) Laundering illicit currency ;
(ii) Structuring currency deposits and withdrawals ; and (iii) Opening any third-party account for the primary purpose of masking the underlying client’s identity. As such, the financial institution should establish an effective due diligence Programme for the professional service provider. When establishing and maintaining relationships with professional service providers, financial institutions should adequately assess account risk and monitor the relationship for suspicious or unusual activity. At account opening, the financial institution should have an understanding of the intended use of the account, including anticipated transaction volume, products and services used, and geographic locations involved in the relationship.
5.40. The financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated
with accounts of non-governmental organizations (NGO) should be adequate and charities and the management should have the ability to implement its due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems effectively. NGOs are private non-profit organizations that pursue activities intended to serve the public good. NGOs may provide basic social services work to relieve suffering, promote the interests of the poor, bring citizen concerns to governments, encourage political participation, protect the environment, or undertake community development to serve the needs of citizens, organizations or groups in one or more of the communities that the NGO operates. An NGO can be any non-profit organization that is independent from government. NGOs can range from large regional, national or international charities to community-based self-help groups. NGOs may also include research institutes, churches, professional associations and lobby groups. NGOs typically depend (in whole or in part) on charitable donations and voluntary service for support. Because NGOs can be used to obtain funds for charitable organizations, the flow of funds both into and out of the NGO can be complex, making them susceptible to abuse by money launderers and terrorists. Guidelines will be issued to assist charities in adopting practices to reduce the risk of terrorist financing or abuse. To assess the risk of NGO customers, a financial institution should conduct adequate due diligence on the organization. In addition to required CIP information, due diligence for NGOs should focus on other aspects of the organization, such as the following :
(i) Purpose and objectives of their stated activities ; (ii) Geographic locations served including headquarters and operational areas ; (iii) Organizational structure ; (i) Donor and volunteer base ; Risk Mitigation. Overview of NonGovernmental Organizations and Charities Risk Factors. Risk Mitigation.
B 186
(ii) Funding and disbursement criteria including basic beneficiary information ; (iii) Record keeping requirements ; (iv) Its affiliation with other NGOs, governments or groups ; and (v) Internal controls and audits. For accounts that financial institution management considers to be higher risk, stringent documentation, verification and transaction monitoring procedures should be established. NGO accounts that are at higher risk for ML/FT concerns include those operating or providing services internationally, conducting unusual or suspicious activities or lacking proper documentation. EDD for these accounts should include :
(i) Evaluating the principals ;
(ii) Obtaining and reviewing the financial statements and audits ; (iii) Verifying the source and use of funds ; and (iv) Evaluating large contributors or grantors to the NGO.
5.41. The financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated
with transactions involving domestic and foreign business entities should be adequate and the management should have the ability to implement its due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems effectively. The term business entities refers to limited liability companies, corporations, trusts, and other entities that may be used for many purposes such as tax and estate planning. Business entities are relatively easy to establish. Individuals, partnerships and existing corporations establish business entities for legitimate reasons but the entities may be abused for money laundering and terrorist financing. Nigeria has statutes governing the incorporation and operation of business entities, including limited liability companies, corporations, general partnerships, limited partnerships and trusts. Shell companies registered in Nigeria are a type of domestic business entity that may pose heightened risks. Shell companies can be used for money laundering and other crimes because they are easy and inexpensive to form and operate. In addition, ownership and transactional information can be concealed from regulatory agencies and law enforcement in large part because it requires minimal disclosures of such information during the formation process. The term domestic refers to entities formed or organized in Nigeria. These entities may have no other connection to Nigeria and ownership and management of the entities may reside abroad. The term shell company generally refers to an entity without a physical presence in any country. Shares of shell companies can be publicly traded or privately held. Although publicly traded shell companies can be used for illicit purposes, the vulnerability Overview of Business Entities (Domestic and Foreign). Domestic Business Entities.
B 187 of the shell company is compounded when it is privately held and beneficial ownership can more easily be obscured or hidden. Lack of transparency of beneficial ownership can be a desirable characteristic for some legitimate uses of shell companies, but it is also a serious vulnerability that can make some shell companies ideal vehicles for money laundering and other illicit financial activity. In some, only minimal information is required to register articles of incorporation or to establish and maintain good standing for business entities - increasing the potential for their abuse by criminal and terrorist organizations. Frequently used foreign entities include trusts, investment funds and insurance companies. Two foreign entities that can pose particular money laundering risk are International Business Corporations (IBC) and Private Investment Companies (PIC) opened in Offshore Financial Centres (OFCs). Many OFCs have limited organizational disclosure and record-keeping requirements for establishing foreign business entities, creating an opportune environment for money laundering. IBCs are entities formed outside of a person’s country of residence which can be used to maintain confidentially or hide assets. IBC ownership can, based on jurisdiction, be conveyed through registered or bearer shares. There are a variety of advantages to using an IBC which include, but are not limited to, the following :
(i) Asset protection ;
(ii) Estate planning ;
(iii) Privacy and confidentiality ; and
(iv) Reduction of tax liability.
Through an IBC, an individual is able to conduct the following :
(i) Open and hold bank accounts ;
(ii) Hold and transfer funds ;
(iii) Engage in international business and other related transactions ; (iv) Hold and manage offshore investments (e.g., stocks, bonds, mutual funds and certificates of deposit) many of which may not be available to individuals depending on their location of residence ; and (v) Hold corporate debit and credit cards, thereby allowing convenient access to funds. PICs are separate legal entities. They are essentially subsets of IBCs. Determining whether a foreign corporation is a PIC is based on identifying the purpose and use of the legal vehicle. PICs are typically used to hold individual funds and investments, and ownership can be vested through bearer shares or registered shares. Like IBCs, PICs can offer confidentiality of ownership, hold assets centrally and may provide intermediaries between private banking customers and the potential beneficiaries of the PICs. Shares of a PIC may be held by a trust, which further obscures beneficial ownership of the underlying assets. IBCs, including PICs, are incorporated frequently in countries that impose low or no taxes on company assets and operations or are bank secrecy havens. Foreign Business Entities. International Business Corporations. Private Investment Companies.
B 188
Money laundering and terrorist financing risks arise because business entities can hide the true owner of assets or property derived from or associated with criminal activity. The privacy and confidentiality surrounding some business entities may be exploited by criminals, money launderers and terrorists. Verifying the grantors and beneficial owner(s) of some business entities may be extremely difficult, as the characteristics of these entities shield the legal identity of the owner. Few public records will disclose true ownership. Overall, the lack of ownership transparency; minimal or no record-keeping requirements, financial disclosures and supervision; and the range of permissible activities all increase money laundering risk. While business entities can be established in most international jurisdictions, many are incorporated in OFCs that provide ownership privacy and impose few or no tax obligations. To maintain anonymity, many business entities are formed with nominee directors, office-holders and shareholders. In certain jurisdictions, business entities can also be established using bearer shares; ownership records are not maintained, rather ownership is based on physical possession of the stock certificates. Revocable trusts are another method used to insulate the grantor and beneficial owner and can be designed to own and manage the business entity, presenting significant barriers to law enforcement. The following indicators of potentially suspicious activity may be commonly associated with shell company activity :
(i) Insufficient or no information available to positively identify originators or beneficiaries of funds transfers (using internet, commercial database searches or direct inquiries to a respondent bank) ; (ii) Payments have no stated purpose, do not reference goods or services. They identify only a contract or invoice number ; (iii) Goods or services, if identified, do not match profile of company provided by respondent bank or character of the financial activity; a company references remarkably dissimilar goods and services in related funds transfers; explanation given by foreign respondent bank is inconsistent with observed funds transfer activity ; (iv) Transacting businesses share the same address, provide only a registered agent’s address or other inconsistent addresses ; (v) Many or all of the funds transfers are sent in large, round amounts ; (vi) Unusually large number and variety of beneficiaries receiving funds transfers from one company ; (vii) Frequent involvement of multiple jurisdictions or beneficiaries located in higher-risk OFCs ; (viii) A foreign correspondent bank exceeds the expected volume in its client profile for funds transfers, or an individual company exhibits a high volume and pattern of funds transfers that is inconsistent with its normal business activity ; Risk Factors.
B 189
(ix) Multiple high-value payments or transfers between shell companies with no apparent legitimate business purpose ; and (vi) Purpose of the shell company is unknown or unclear. Management should develop policies, procedures and processes that enable the financial institution to identify account relationships in particular deposit accounts, with business entities and monitor the risks associated with these accounts in all the financial institution’s departments. Business entity customers may open accounts within the private banking department, within the trust department, or at local branches. Management should establish appropriate due diligence at account opening and during the life of the relationship to manage risk in these accounts. The financial institution should gather sufficient information on the business entities and their beneficial owners to understand and assess the risks of the account relationship. Important information for determining the valid use of these entities includes the type of business, the purpose of the account, the source of funds and the source of wealth of the owner or beneficial owner. The financial institution’s CIP should detail the identification requirements for opening an account for a business entity. When opening an account for a customer that is not an individual, financial institution should obtain information about the individuals who have authority and control over such accounts in order to verify the customer’s identity (the customer being the business entity). Required account opening information may include articles of incorporation, a corporate resolution by the directors authorizing the opening of the account, or the appointment of a person to act as a signatory for the entity on the account. Particular attention should be paid to articles of association that allow for nominee shareholders, board members and bearer shares. If the financial institution, through its trust or private banking departments, is facilitating the establishment of a business entity for a new or existing customer, the money laundering risk to the financial statement is typically mitigated. Because the financial institution is aware of the parties (e.g., grantors, beneficiaries and shareholders) involved in the business entity, initial due diligence and verification is easier to obtain. Furthermore, in such cases, the financial institution frequently has ongoing relationships with the customers initiating the establishment of a business entity. Risk assessments may include a review of the domestic or international jurisdiction where the business entity was established, the type of account (or accounts) and expected versus actual transaction activities, the types of products that will be used, and whether the business entity was created in-house or externally. If ownership is held in bearer share form, financial institution should assess the risks these relationships pose and determine the appropriate controls. In most cases,
financial institutions should choose to maintain (or have an independent third party maintain) bearer shares for customers. In rare cases involving lower-risk, well-known, established customers, financial institutions may find that periodically re-certifying beneficial ownership is effective. The financial institution’s risk assessment of a business entity customer becomes Risk Mitigation.
B 190 more important in complex corporate formations. For example, a foreign IBC may establish a series of layered business entities with each entity naming its parent as its beneficiary. On-going account monitoring is critical to ensure that the accounts are reviewed for unusual and suspicious activity. The financial institution should be aware of higher-risk transactions in these accounts, such as activity that has no business or apparent lawful purpose, funds transfer activity to and from higherrisk jurisdictions, currency intensive transactions and frequent changes in the ownership or control of the non-public business entity.
5.42. The financial institution’s systems to manage the risks associated
with cash-intensive businesses and entities should be adequate and the management should have the ability to implement its due diligence, monitoring and reporting systems effectively. Cash-intensive businesses and entities cover various industry sectors. Most of these outfits conduct legitimate business. However, some aspects of these businesses may be susceptible to money laundering or terrorist financing. Common examples include but are not limited to, the following :
(i) Convenience stores ;
(ii) Restaurants ;
(iii) Retail stores ;
(iv) Liquor stores ;
(v) Cigarette distributors ;
(vi) Privately owned automated teller machines (ATM) ; (vii) Vending machine operators ; and (viii) Parking garages. Some businesses and entities may be misused by money launderers to legitimize their illicit proceeds. For example, a criminal may own a cash-intensive business such as a restaurant and use it to launder currency from illicit criminal activities. The restaurant’s currency deposits with its bank do not, on the surface, appear unusual because the business is legitimately a cash-generating entity. However, the volume of currency in a restaurant used to launder money will most likely be higher in comparison with similar restaurants in the area. The nature of cash-intensive businesses and the difficulty in identifying unusual activity may cause these businesses to be considered higher risk. When establishing and maintaining relationships with cash-intensive businesses, financial institution should establish policies, procedures and processes to identify higher-risk relationships; assess ML/FT risks; complete due diligence at account opening and periodically throughout the relationship; and include such relationships in appropriate monitoring for unusual or suspicious activity. At the time of account opening, the financial institution should have an understanding of the customer’s business operations; the intended use of the account including Overview of CashIntensive Businesses. Risk Factors. Risk Mitigation.
B 191 anticipated transaction volume, products and services used; and the geographic locations involved in the relationship. When conducting a risk assessment of cash-intensive businesses, financial institution should direct their resources to those accounts that pose the greatest risk of money laundering or terrorist financing. The following factors may be used to identify the risks :
(i) Purpose of the account ;
(ii) Volume, frequency and nature of currency transactions ; (iii) Customer history (e.g., length of relationship, CTR and STR filings) ; (iv) Primary business activity, products and services offered ; (v) Business or business structure ; (vi) Geographic locations and jurisdictions of operations ; and (vii) Availability of information and cooperation of the business in providing information. For those customers deemed to be particularly higher risk management may consider implementing sound practices such as periodic on-site visits, interviews with the business’s management or closer reviews of transactional activity.
B 192
GLOSARY OF TERMS
6.0. “Account”—A formal, continuing banking or business relationship
established to provide regular services, dealings and other financial transactions. “Alternative remittance system” means transferring of funds and sometimes gold through traditional “underground” banking networks by which trading companies accept money at one location and make it available in another. “Beneficial Owner” means the natural person(s) who ultimately owns or controls a customer and/or the person on whose behalf a transaction is being conducted and who has the authority to fund, direct or manage the account. It also incorporates those persons who exercise ultimate and effective control over a legal person or arrangement. “Channeling account” is used to receive, consolidate and retransfer laundered funds. “Core Principles” refers to the Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, the Objectives and Principles for Securities Regulation issued by the International Organization of Securities Commissions and the Insurance Supervisory Principles issued by the International Association of Insurance Supervisors. “Concentration account” is the account in which funds of one or more customers are consolidated, pooled or commingled. “Correspondent Account”—an account established to receive deposits from, make payments on behalf of a foreign financial institution or handles other financial transactions that relate to such institution. “Correspondent Banking” is the provision of banking services by one bank (the correspondent bank ) to another bank (the respondent bank ). “Cross-border Transfer” is any wire transfer where the originator and beneficiary institutions are located in different jurisdictions. It also refers to any chain of wire transfers that has at least one cross-border element. “Currency Transaction Report (CTR)” is the report filed with NFIU to report cash transactions of over N5,000,000 for individual and N10,000,000 for body corporate in compliance with section 10(1) of MLPA, 2011. “Customer Due Diligence” means identification and verification of customers’ identity. “Customer Identification Programme (CIP)” An Anti-Money Laundering provision requiring in part that companies must check their customers against lists of known money launderers, such as the OFAC-SDN list. “Designated non-financial businesses and professions” are defined by section 25 of MLPA, 2011 to include :
(i) Casinos
(ii) Real estate agents
(iii) Dealers in precious metals
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(iv) Dealers in Precious stones
(v) Lawyers, notaries, other independent legal professionals and accountants (within professional firms) (vi) Trust Company Service Providers “Designated Threshold”—Amount of transaction above which might be reported to authorities and be subject to analysis as money-laundering or terrorist finance. “Enhanced Due Diligence” refers to additional steps of examination and caution that financial institutions are required to obtain or take to identify their customers and confirm that their activities and funds are legitimate. “Egmont Group”—An unofficial forum for Financial Intelligence Units to establish standards and mechanisms for cooperation and establish protocols for exchanging of information. “Escalation”—When an employee is required to report suspicious activity to the AML Compliance Officer, a senior manager or enforcement agency. “Extradition”—Persons are surrendered by one country to another according to terms of bilateral treaties. Often, an accused or convicted person is returned to the country in which he or she is a national. “Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF)”— International anti-money laundering organization with legal, financial and law enforcement expertise. It monitors AML policies in different countries, sets AML standards, etc. “Financial Action Task Force Recommendations” refers to the Forty Recommendations and the 9 Special Recommendations on Terrorist Financing. “Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)”—A Bureau in the U.S. Department of the Treasury formed in 1990 to oversee, centralize and coordinate financial intelligence gathering, regulatory compliance, government initiatives, criminal prosecution and enforcement having to do with laundering and associated foreign financial transactions and relationships, information on currency flows and financial criminal activities. “Financial institutions”—Defined in section 25 of the MLPA, 2011 as any person or entity who conducts as a business one or more of the following activities or operations for or on behalf of a customer :
(i) Acceptance of deposits and other repayable funds from the public. (ii) Lending. (iii) Financial leasing. (iv) The transfer of money or value. (v) Issuing and managing means of payment (e.g. credit cards, checks) (vi) Financial guarantees and commitments. (vii) Trading in :
B 194 money market instruments ; foreign exchange ; exchange, interest rate and index instruments ; transferable securities ; commodity futures trading. (viii) Participation in securities issues and the provision of financial services related to such issues. (ix) Individual and collective portfolio management. (x) Safekeeping and administration of cash or liquid securities on behalf of other persons. (xi) Investing, administering or managing funds or money on behalf of other persons. (xii) Underwriting and placement of life insurance and other investment related insurance. (xiii) Money and currency changing. “Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)”—A centralized Government agency that collects, records, analyzes, disseminates and sometimes investigates suspicious financial activity and STRs. “Foreign Counterparts” refers to the authorities in another country that exercise similar responsibilities and functions. “Freeze”—This means to prohibit the transfer, conversion, disposition or movement of funds or other assets on the basis of, and for the duration of the validity of, an action initiated by a competent authority or a court under a freezing mechanism. “Funds Transfers”—The terms funds transfer refers to any transaction carried out on behalf of an originator person (both natural and legal) through a financial institution by electronic means with a view to making an amount of money available to a beneficiary person at another financial institution. The originator and the beneficiary may be the same person. “Integration”—Mentioned in the USA PATRIOT Act as the third and final stage of money laundering in which funds introduced into the financial system are invested or applied. The stages are Placement, Layering and Integration. “Interbank account”—An account held by one financial institution at another, primarily for facilitating customer transactions. “Know Your Customer (KYC)” is used to describe a set of money laundering control policies and procedures that are employed to determine the true identity of a customer/client and the type of activity that will be ’normal and expected’ for the customer, as well as to detect activity that should be considered ’unusual’ for the particular customer. “Know Your Customer’s Customer (KYCC)” is a term used to describe a set of money laundering control policies and procedures used to determine the
B 195 identities of the account holders of a respondent bank in a correspondent banking relationship or of the sub-account holders of a payable-through account. “KYE”—Know your employee means understanding an employee’s background, conflicts of interest and their susceptibility to money laundering complicity. “Law or Regulation”—Law or regulation refers to primary and secondary legislation, such as laws, decrees, implementing regulations or other similar requirements, issued or authorized by a legislative body, and which impose mandatory requirements with sanctions for non-compliance. “Legal persons” are bodies corporate, foundations, partnerships, associations, or any similar bodies that can establish a permanent customer relationship with a financial institution or otherwise own property. “Money Launders” are those who participate in money laundering activities and attempt to hide illegally obtained funds from the authorities. “Money Laundering” has no single definition. In general, hiding the existence, origin, use, movement or disposition of illegally derived funds to make them appear legitimate. “Money or Value Transfer Service (MVTS)”—Money or value transfer service refers to a financial service that accepts cash, cheques, other monetary instruments or other stores of value in one location and pays a corresponding sum in cash or other form to a beneficiary in another location by means of a communication, message, transfer or through a clearing network to which the money/value transfer service belongs. “Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT)” is a term used to describe the treaty, usually between two countries, that allows for mutual assistance in legal proceedings from private and public sources for use in official investigations and prosecutions. “Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)” means an agreement between two parties establishing a set of principles within which they will govern their relationship on a particular matter. “Non-cooperative countries or territories (NCCT)” are countries designated by the FATF as consistently ignoring money laundering within their jurisdiction or unwilling to pass or enforce laws to prevent money laundering. The “black list” is revised annually. “Offshore banking license” is licence to conduct banking activities, but prohibiting the licensee from banking with citizens or currency of the country granting or that issued the licence. “Placements” is mentioned in the USA PATRIOT Act as the initial money laundering stage in which criminally derived funds are introduced into the financial system. The stages are Placement, Layering and Integration. “Politically Exposed Person (PEP)” are individuals who are or have been entrusted with prominent public functions in a foreign country, for example
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Heads of State or of government, senior politicians, senior government, judicial or military officials, senior executives of state owned corporations, important political party officials. “Predicate Offences” are crimes underlying money laundering or terrorist finance activity. Initially, these were drug-related offences, which continue to be the primary predicate offences. Most countries have broadened the definition of predicate offences to include any serious crime. “Private Banking Account” is a special account for high-net worth individuals in which an individual “private banker” coordinates the financial institution’s services with the customer’s requirements. “Transactions” tend to be marked with confidentiality, complex beneficial ownership arrangements, offshore investment vehicles, tax shelters, and credit extension services. “Red Flag” is an alert that signals possible money-laundering or terrorist financing. Red flags require investigation and possibly filing of STR. “Risk Matrix” means a document or chart that allows financial institutions to perform a money laundering risk assessment at the start of a business or customer relationship. “Seize” means to prohibit the transfer, conversion, disposition or movement of funds or other assets on the basis of an action initiated by a competent authority or a court under a freezing mechanism. “Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO)” is a body that represents a profession (e.g. lawyers, notaries, other independent legal professionals or accountants), and which is made up of member professionals, has a role in regulating the persons that are qualified to enter and who practise in the profession, and also performs certain supervisory or monitoring type functions. “Shell Bank” is a bank incorporated in a jurisdiction in which it has no physical presence and which is unaffiliated with a regulated group. “Smurfing” means using structured transactions or multiple small bank accounts to evade reporting requirements. “Structured transaction” attempts to evade cash or other reporting requirements by a composite of small transactions or by other devices. “Supervisors” are the designated competent authorities responsible for ensuring compliance by financial institutions with requirements to combat money laundering and terrorist financing “Suspicion” is doubt based on some foundation extending beyond speculation but not necessarily sufficient to constitute a belief. “Suspicious Transaction” relates to funds from illegal activity, hiding the source of funds, or circumventing reporting requirements or activity inconsistent with a customer’s business or industry practice. “Suspicious Transaction Report (STR)” is filed with NFIU to report suspected money laundering activity. “Terrorist financing” is funding source(s) and infrastructure used by terrorist
B 197 groups. Characterized by hiding sources and divorcing them from the terrorist activity they support. “Willful blindness” means deliberate avoidance of knowledge or facts. Permitting illegal activity after knowing it was taking place.
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7.0. APPENDIX A
AML/CFT Laws and Regulations
Statutes on Money Laundering
(i) Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (MLP Act) ; (ii) The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004 (EFCC Act) ; (iii) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act (NDLEA) 1989 as amended ; (iv) The Independent Corrupt Practices (and Other Related Offences) Commission, (ICPC) Act, 2000 ; and (v) Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 (TP Act). REGULATIONS
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APPENDIX B
Supervisory and Regulatory Circulars are issued by the CBN to address significant policy and procedural matters related to its AML/CFT supervisory responsibilities. The circulars are issued by the various departments in CBN as important means of disseminating AML/CFT information to financial institutions. The applicable CBN AML/CFT Circulars are available at www.cenbank.gov.ng web site. AML/CFT Directives by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
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APPENDIX C
Central Bank of Nigeria: www.cenbank.gov.ng Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit ; Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation ; Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ; National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ; Independent Corrupt Practices Commission ; Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System : www.federalreserve.gov Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation : www.fdic.gov National Credit Union Administration : www.ncua.gov Office of the Comptroller of the Currency : www.occ.treas.gov Office of Thrift Supervision : www.ots.treas.gov Financial Crimes Enforcement Network : www.fincen.gov Office of Foreign Assets Control : www.treasury.gov/offices/enforcement/ ofac Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council : www.ffiec.gov Central Bank of Nigeria AML/CFT RBS On-Site Bank Examination Manual for Bank Examination Central Bank of Nigeria Bank Examiners Code of Conduct for Bank Examiners Federal Government of Nigeria Interagency Committee on Anti Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism Annual Report National Focal Point Periodic and Annual Reports Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) NFIU’s web site contains the following materials :
(i) AML/CFT Statutory Material, Regulations and Notices—Links to legislation and regulations, as well as to proposed regulations. (ii) AML/CFT Reporting Formats—Links to AML/CFT reporting forms and corresponding preparation and filing instructions. (iii) AML/CFT Guidance—NFIU issues interpretations of AML/CFT regulations as well as guidance to financial institutions on complying with the same. (iv) Reports—NFIU periodically initiates and develops reports and publications covering AML issues, including the STR Activity Review. (v) Advisories—NFIU issues advisories to financial institutions concerning money laundering or terrorist financing threats and vulnerabilities, for the purpose of enabling financial institutions to guard against such threats. AML/CFT references web sites. Other Materials. Manuals or Handbooks.
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(vi) Enforcement actions—NFIU issues releases involving the assessment of civil money penalties against financial institutions for systemic noncompliance with the AML/CFT. The BCBS Web site (on the Bank for International Settlements website, (www.bis.org) contains the following publications :
(i) Due Diligence and Transparency Regarding Cover Payment Messages Related to Cross-Border Wire Transfers. (ii) Consolidated Know Your Customer Risk Management. (iii) Sharing of Financial Records between Jurisdictions in Connection with the Fight Against Terrorist Financing. (iv) General Guide to Account Opening and Customer Identification. (v) Customer Due Diligence for Banks. (vi) Prevention of Criminal Use of the Banking System for the Purpose of Money-Laundering. (vii) Banking Secrecy and International Cooperation in Banking Supervision. FATF’s Web site (www.fatf-gafi.org) contains the following publications :
(i) Forty Recommendations to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorism. (ii) Special Recommendations Against Terrorist Financing. (iii) Interpretive Notes to FATF Recommendations. (iv) Non-cooperative Countries or Territories. (v) Typologies on Money Laundering Risk. (vi) Trade Based Money Laundering. (vii) New Payment Methods. (viii) The Misuse of Corporate Vehicles, Including Trust and Company Service Providers (ix) Complex Money Laundering Techniques—Regional Perspectives Report The NACHA’s Web site (www.nacha.org) contains the following :
(i) The Next Generation ACH Task Force: Future Vision of the ACH Network. (ii) NACHA Operating Rules. The Wolfsberg Group’s Web site (www.wolfsberg-principles.com) contains the following :
(i) Wolfsberg AML Principles on Private Banking.
(ii) Wolfsberg Statement on the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. (iii) Wolfsberg Statement on Payment Message Standards. (iv) Wolfsberg AML Principles for Correspondent Banking. Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) The Nigerian Electronic Payments Association. The Wolfsberg Group.
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(v) Wolfsberg Statement on Monitoring Screening and Searching. (vi) Wolfsberg Guidance on Risk Based Approach for Managing Money Laundering Risks (vii) Wolfsberg FAQs on Correspondent Banking. (viii) Wolfsberg Trade Finance Principles. (ix) Wolfsberg Statement on AML Screening, Monitoring and Searching 2009
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APPENDIX D
The term financial institution includes the following :
(i) Discount house.
(ii) Insurance institutions.
(iii) Debt factorization and conversion firms.
(iv) Bureau de change.
(v) Finance company.
(vi) Money brokerage firms.
(vii) Deposit Money Banks.
(viii) Micro-finance Banks.
(ix) Finance Companies.
(x) Primary Mortgage Institutions.
(xi) A licensed sender of money or any other person who engages as a business in the transmission of funds, including any person who engages as a business in an informal money transfer system or any network of people who engage as a business in facilitating the transfer of money domestically or internationally outside of the conventional financial institutions system. Statutory Definition of Financial Institution.
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APPENDIX E
Money laundering and terrorist financing have a widespread international impact. Money launderers have been found to transfer funds and maintain assets on a global level, which makes tracing funds through various countries a complex and challenging process. Most countries support the fight against money laundering and terrorist funding. However, because of the challenges in creating consistent laws or regulations between countries, international groups have developed model recommendations for governments and financial institutions. The two key international bodies in this area are as follows :
(i) The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) is an inter-governmental body established for the development and promotion of policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The FATF has developed recommendations on various money laundering and terrorist financing issues published in the FATF 40 (forty) Recommendations and the Nine (9) Special Recommendations on Terrorist Financing. (ii) The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision is a committee of central banks and bank supervisors and regulators from numerous jurisdictions that meets at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel, Switzerland to discuss issues related to prudential banking supervision. The Basel Committee formulates broad standards and guidelines and makes recommendations regarding sound practices, including those on customer due diligence. In addition, other global organizations are becoming increasingly involved in combating money laundering. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have integrated AML and counter-terrorist financing issues into their financial sector assessments, surveillance and diagnostic activities. Furthermore, various FATF-style regional bodies exist. These groups participate as observers in FATF meetings; assess their members against the FATF standards; and, like FATF members, frequently provide input to the IMF and World Bank assessment Programme. International Organizations.
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APPENDIX F
The following are examples of potentially suspicious activities or red flags for both money laundering and terrorist financing. Although these lists are not allinclusive, they may help banks and Examiners to recognize possible money laundering and terrorist financing schemes. Management’s primary focus should be on reporting suspicious activities, rather than on determining whether the transactions are in fact linked to money laundering, terrorist financing or a particular crime. The following examples are red flags that, when encountered, may warrant additional scrutiny. The mere presence of a red flag is not by itself evidence of criminal activity. Closer scrutiny should help to determine whether the activity is suspicious or one for which there does not appear to be a reasonable business or legal purpose.
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(iii) A customer is reluctant to furnish identification when purchasing negotiable instruments in recordable amounts. (iv) A business or customer asks to be exempted from reporting or recordkeeping requirements. (v) A person customarily uses the automated teller machine to make several bank deposits below a specified threshold. (vi) A customer deposits funds into several accounts, usually in amounts of less than USA $10,000, which are subsequently consolidated into a master account and transferred outside of the country, particularly to or through a location of specific concern (e.g., countries designated by national authorities and Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) as noncooperative countries and territories). (vii) A customer accesses a safe deposit box after completing a transaction involving a large withdrawal of currency or accesses a safe deposit box before making currency deposits structured at or just under USA $10,000, to evade CTR filing requirements.
3. Funds Transfers—
(i) Many funds transfers are sent in large and rounded amounts. (ii) Funds transfer activity occurs to or from a financial secrecy haven, or to or from a higher-risk geographic location without an apparent business reason or when the activity is inconsistent with the customer’s business or history. (iii) Many small, incoming transfers of funds are received, or deposits are made using cheques and money orders. Almost immediately, all or most of the transfers or deposits are wired to another city or country in a manner inconsistent with the customer’s business or history. (iv) Large, incoming funds transfers are received on behalf of a foreign client with little or no explicit reason. (v) Funds transfer activity is unexplained, repetitive or shows unusual patterns. (vi) Payments or receipts with no apparent links to legitimate contracts, goods or services are received. (vii) Funds transfers are sent or received from the same person to or from different accounts. (viii) Funds transfers contain limited content and lack related party information.
4. Activity Inconsistent with the Customer’s Business—
(i) The currency transaction patterns of a business show a sudden change inconsistent with normal activities.
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(ii) A large volume of cashier’s cheques, money orders, or funds transfers is deposited into or purchased through an account when the nature of the accountholder’s business would not appear to justify such activity. (iii) A retail business has dramatically different patterns of currency deposits from similar businesses in the same general location. (iv) Unusual transfers of funds occur among related accounts or among accounts that involve the same or related principals. (v) The owner of both retail business and a cheque-cashing service does not ask for currency when depositing cheues, possibly indicating the availability of another source of currency. (vi) Goods or services purchased by the business do not match the customer’s stated line of business. (vii) Payments for goods or services are made by cheques, money orders, or bank drafts not drawn from the account of the entity that made the purchase.
5. Lending Activity—
(i) Loans secured by pledged assets are held by third parties unrelated to the borrower. (ii) Loan secured by deposits or other readily marketable assets, such as securities, particularly when owned by apparently unrelated third parties. (iii) Borrower defaults on a cash-secured loan or any loan that is secured by assets which are readily convertible into currency. (iv) Loans are made for or are paid on behalf of a third party with no reasonable explanation. (v) To secure a loan, the customer purchases a certificate of deposit using an unknown source of funds, particularly when funds are provided via currency or multiple monetary instruments. (vi) Loans that lack a legitimate business purpose, provide the bank with significant fees for assuming little or no risk, or tend to obscure the movement of funds (e.g., loans made to a borrower and immediately sold to an entity related to the borrower).
6. Changes in Bank-to-Bank Transactions—
(i) The size and frequency of currency deposits increase rapidly with no corresponding increase in non-currency deposits. (ii) A bank is unable to track the true account-holder of correspondent or concentration account transactions. (iii) The turnover in large-denomination bills is significant and appears uncharacteristic, given the bank’s location. (iv) Changes in currency-shipment patterns between correspondent banks are significant.
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7. Trade Finance—
(i) Items shipped that are inconsistent with the nature of the customer’s business (e.g., a steel company that starts dealing in paper products, or an information technology company that starts dealing in bulk pharmaceuticals). (ii) Customers conducting business in higher-risk jurisdictions. (iii) Customers shipping items through higher-risk jurisdictions, including transit through non-cooperative countries. (iv) Customers involved in potentially higher-risk activities, including activities that may be subject to export/import restrictions (e.g., equipment for military or police organizations of foreign governments, weapons, ammunition, chemical mixtures, classified defense articles, sensitive technical data, nuclear materials, precious gems, or certain natural resources such as metals, ore and crude oil). (v) Obvious over or under-pricing of goods and services. (vi) Obvious misrepresentation of quantity or type of goods imported or exported. (vii) Transaction structure appears unnecessarily complex and designed to obscure the true nature of the transaction. (viii) Customer requests payment of proceeds to an unrelated third party. (ix) Shipment locations or description of goods not consistent with letter of credit. (x) Significantly amended letters of credit without reasonable justification or changes to the beneficiary or location of payment. Any changes in the names of parties should prompt additional review.
8. Privately Owned Automated Teller Machines—
(i) Automated teller machine (ATM) activity levels are high in comparison with other privately owned or bank-owned ATMs in comparable geographic and demographic locations. (ii) Sources of currency for the ATM cannot be identified or confirmed through withdrawals from account, armoured car contracts, lending arrangements, or other appropriate documentation.
9. Insurance—
(i) A customer purchases products with termination features without concern for the product’s investment performance. (ii) A customer purchases insurance products using a single, large premium payment, particularly when payment is made through unusual methods such as currency or currency equivalents. (iii) A customer purchases a product that appears outside the customer’s normal range of financial wealth or estate planning needs.
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(iv) A customer borrows against the cash surrender value of permanent life insurance policies, particularly when payments are made to apparently unrelated third parties. (v) Policies are purchased that allow for the transfer of beneficial ownership interests without the knowledge and consent of the insurance issuer. This would include second-hand endowment and bearer insurance policies. (vi) A customer is known to purchase several insurance products and uses the proceeds from an early policy surrender to purchase other financial assets. (vii) A customer uses multiple currency equivalents (e.g., cashier’s cheques and money orders) from different banks and money services businesses to make insurance policy or annuity payments.
10. Shell Company Activity—
(i) A bank is unable to obtain sufficient information or information is unavailable to positively identify originators or beneficiaries of accounts or other banking activity (using internet, commercial database searches or direct inquiries to a respondent bank). (ii) Payments to or from the company have no stated purpose, do not reference goods or services or identify only a contract or invoice number. (iii) Goods or services, if identified, do not match profile of company provided by respondent bank or character of the financial activity; a company references remarkably dissimilar goods and services in related funds transfers; explanation given by foreign respondent bank is inconsistent with observed funds transfer activity. (iv) Transacting businesses share the same address, provide only a registered agent’s address or have other address inconsistencies. (v) Unusually large number and variety of beneficiaries are receiving funds transfers from one company. (vi) Frequent involvement of multiple jurisdictions or beneficiaries located in higher-risk offshore financial centres. (vii) A foreign correspondent bank exceeds the expected volume in its client profile for funds transfers, or an individual company exhibits a high volume and pattern of funds transfers that is inconsistent with its normal business activity. (viii) Multiple high-value payments or transfers between shell companies with no apparent legitimate business purpose. (ix) Purpose of the shell company is unknown or unclear.
11. Embassy and Foreign Consulate Accounts—
(i) Official embassy business is conducted through personal accounts. (ii) Account activity is not consistent with the purpose of the account, such as pouch activity or payable upon proper identification transactions.
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(iii) Accounts are funded through substantial currency transactions. (iv) Accounts directly fund personal expenses of foreign nationals without appropriate controls, including, but not limited to, expenses for college students.
12. Employees—
(i) Employee exhibits a lavish lifestyle that cannot be supported by his or her salary. (ii) Employee fails to conform to recognized policies, procedures and processes, particularly in private banking. (iii) Employee is reluctant to take a vacation.
13. Other Unusual or Suspicious Customer Activity—
(i) Customer frequently exchanges small-dollar denominations for largedollar denominations. (ii) Customer frequently deposits currency wrapped in currency straps or currency wrapped in rubber bands that is disorganized and does not balance when counted. (iii) Customer purchases a number of cashier’s cheques, money orders, or traveller’s cheques for large amounts under a specified threshold. (iv) Customer purchases a number of open-end prepaid cards for large amounts. Purchases of prepaid cards are not commensurate with normal business activities. (v) Customer receives large and frequent deposits from online payments systems yet has no apparent online or auction business. (vi) Monetary instruments deposited by mail are numbered sequentially or have unusual symbols or stamps on them. (vii) Suspicious movements of funds occur from one bank to another, and then funds are moved back to the first bank. (viii) Deposits are structured through multiple branches of the same bank or by groups of people who enter a single branch at the same time. (ix) Currency is deposited or withdrawn in amounts just below identification or reporting thresholds. (x) Customer visits a safe deposit box or uses a safe custody account on an unusually frequent basis. (xi) Safe deposit boxes or safe custody accounts opened by individuals who do not reside or work in the institution’s service area, despite the availability of such services at an institution closer to them. (xii) Customer repeatedly uses a bank or branch location that is geographically distant from the customer’s home or office without sufficient business purpose. (xiii) Customer exhibits unusual traffic patterns in the safe deposit box area or unusual use of safe custody accounts. For example, several individuals arrive
B 211 together, enter frequently, or carry bags or other containers that could conceal large amounts of currency, monetary instruments, or small valuable items. (xiv) Customer rents multiple safe deposit boxes to store large amounts of currency, monetary instruments, or high-value assets awaiting conversion to currency, for placement into the banking system. Similarly, a customer establishes multiple safe custody accounts to park large amounts of securities awaiting sale and conversion into currency, monetary instruments, outgoing funds transfers, or a combination thereof, for placement into the banking system. (xv) Unusual use of trust funds in business transactions or other financial activity. (xvi) Customer uses a personal account for business purposes. (xvii) Customer has established multiple accounts in various corporate or individual names that lack sufficient business purpose for the account complexities or appear to be an effort to hide the beneficial ownership from the bank. (xviii) Customer makes multiple and frequent currency deposits to various accounts that are purportedly unrelated. (xix) Customer conducts large deposits and withdrawals during a short time period after opening and then subsequently closes the account or the account becomes dormant. Conversely, an account with little activity may suddenly experience large deposit and withdrawal activity. (xx) Customer makes high-value transactions not commensurate with the customer’s known incomes.
14. Potentially Suspicious Activity That May Indicate Terrorist Financing—
The following examples of potentially suspicious activity that may indicate terrorist financing are primarily based on guidance provided by the FATF. FATF is an inter-governmental body whose purpose is the development and promotion of policies, both at national and international levels to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
15. Activity Inconsistent With the Customer’s Business—
(i) Funds are generated by a business owned by persons of the same origin or by a business that involves persons of the same origin from higher-risk countries (e.g., countries designated by national authorities and FATF as noncooperative countries and territories). (ii) The stated occupation of the customer is not commensurate with the type or level of activity. (iii) Persons involved in currency transactions share an address or phone number, particularly when the address is also a business location or does not seem to correspond to the stated occupation (e.g., student, unemployed or self-employed). (iv) Regarding non-profit or charitable organizations, financial transactions occur for which there appears to be no logical economic purpose or in which
B 212 there appears to be no link between the stated activity of the organization and the other parties in the transaction. (v) A safe deposit box opened on behalf of a commercial entity when the business activity of the customer is unknown or such activity does not appear to justify the use of a safe deposit box.
16. Funds Transfers—
(i) A large number of incoming or outgoing funds transfers take place through a business account and there appears to be no logical business or other economic purpose for the transfers, particularly when this activity involves higher-risk locations. (ii) Funds transfers are ordered in small amounts in an apparent effort to avoid triggering identification or reporting requirements. (iii) Funds transfers do not include information on the originator, or the person on whose behalf the transaction is conducted, when the inclusion of such information would be expected. (iv) Multiple personal and business accounts or the accounts of non-profit organizations or charities are used to collect and funnel funds to a small number of foreign beneficiaries. (v) Foreign exchange transactions are performed on behalf of a customer by a third party, followed by funds transfers to locations having no apparent business connection with the customer or to higher-risk countries.
17. Other Transactions That Appear Unusual or Suspicious—
(i) Transactions involving foreign currency exchanges are followed within a short time by funds transfers to higher-risk locations. (ii) Multiple accounts are used to collect and funnel funds to a small number of foreign beneficiaries, both persons and businesses, particularly in higherrisk locations. (iii) A customer obtains a credit instrument or engages in commercial financial transactions involving the movement of funds to or from higher-risk locations when there appear to be no logical business reasons for dealing with those locations. (iv) Banks from higher-risk locations open accounts. (v) Funds are sent or received via international transfers from or to higherrisk locations. (vi) Insurance policy loans or policy surrender values that are subject to a substantial surrender charge.
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APPENDIX G
Structuring transactions to evade AML/CFT reporting and certain record keeping requirements can result in civil and criminal penalties under the MLPA, 2011. Structuring is when a person structures a transaction if that person, acting alone, or in conjunction with, or on behalf of other persons, conducts or attempts to conduct one or more transactions in currency in any amount at one or more financial institutions on one or more days, in any manner for the purpose of evading the CTR filing requirements. Bank employees should be aware of and alert to structuring schemes. For example, a customer may structure currency deposit or withdrawal transactions, so that each is less than the USA $10,000 CTR filing threshold; use currency to purchase official bank cheques, money orders, or traveller’s cheques with currency in amounts less than USA $10,000 (and possibly in amounts less than the $5,000 recordkeeping threshold for the currency purchase of monetary instruments to avoid having to produce identification in the process); or exchange small bank notes for large ones in amounts less than USA $10,000. However, two transactions slightly under the USA $10,000 threshold conducted days or weeks apart may not necessarily be structuring. For example, if a customer deposits USA $9,900 in currency on Monday and deposits USA $9,900 in currency on Wednesday, it should not be assumed that structuring has occurred. Instead, further review and research may be necessary to determine the nature of the transactions, prior account history and other relevant customer information to assess whether the activity is suspicious. Even if structuring has not occurred, the bank should review the transactions for suspicious activity. In addition, structuring may occur before a customer brings the funds to a bank. In these instances, a bank may be able to identify the aftermath of structuring. Deposits of monetary instruments that may have been purchased elsewhere might be structured to evade the CTR filing requirements or the record-keeping requirements for the currency purchase of monetary instruments. These instruments are often numbered sequentially in groups totaling less than USA $10,000 or USA $5,000; bear the same handwriting (for the most part) and often the same small mark, stamp, or initials; or appear to have been purchased at numerous places on the same or different days. Structuring.
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APPENDIX H
As part of the examination planning process, the Examiner should prepare a request letter. The list below includes materials that Examiners may request or request access to in a financial institution during AML/CFT examination. This list should be tailored for the specific financial institution’s risk profile and the planned examination scope. Additional materials may be requested as needed. 1.—(i) Name and title of the designated CCO and (if different) the name and title of the person responsible for monitoring AML/CFT compliance. (a) Organization charts showing direct and indirect reporting lines. (b) Copies of résumés and qualifications of new person(s) to the financial institution serving in AML/CFT Compliance Programme oversight capacities. (ii) Make available copies of the most recent written AML/CFT Compliance Programme approved by board of directors (or the statutory equivalent of such a Programme for foreign-owned financial institutions operating in Nigeria) including CIP requirements with date of approval noted in the board minutes. (iii) Make available copies of the policy and procedures relating to all the reporting and recordkeeping requirements including STR filing. (iv) Correspondence addressed between the financial institution, its personnel or agent, and its branches, FIRS, CBN, NFIU or law enforcement authorities since the previous AML/CFT examination. For example, please make available NFIU correspondence related to CTR errors or omissions. 2.—(i) Make available copies of the results of any internally or externally sourced independent audits or tests performed since the previous AML/CFT examination including the scope or engagement letter, management’s responses and access to the work-papers. (ii) Make available access to the auditor’s risk assessment, audit plan (schedule), and Programme used for the audits or tests. 3.—(i) Training documentation (e.g., materials used for training since the previous AML/CFT examination). (ii) AML/CFT training schedule with dates, attendees and topics. A list of persons in positions for which the financial institution typically requires AML/ CFT training but who did not participate in the training. 4.—(i) Make available copies of management’s AML/CFT risk assessment of products, services, customers and geographic locations. (ii) List of financial institutions identified as having higher-risk accounts. 5.—(i) List of accounts without taxpayer identification numbers (TIN). (ii) File of correspondence requesting TINs for bank customers. (iii) A copy of any account opening forms (e.g., for loans, deposits or other accounts) used to document CIP/Customer Due Diligence information. Request Letter Items for Core/ Expanded Examination Procedures. AML/CFT Compliance Program. Independent Testing. Training. Risk Assessment.
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(iv) Written description of the financial institution’s rationale for CIP exemptions for existing customers who open new accounts. (v) List of new accounts covering all product lines (including accounts opened by third parties) and segregating existing customer accounts from new customers for the period between......... and ........ The Examiner should indicate by inserting the period of time appropriate for the size and complexity of the financial institution. (vi) List of any accounts opened for a customer that provides an application for a TIN. (vii) List of any accounts opened in which verification has not been completed or any accounts opened with exceptions to the CIP. (viii) List of customers or potential customers for whom the financial institution took adverse action on the basis of its CIP. (ix) List of all documentary and non-documentary methods the bank uses to verify a customer’s identity. (x) Make available customer notices and a description of their timing and delivery by product. (xi) List of the financial institutions on which the bank/ financial institution is relying on for identification purpose, if the bank/financial institution is using the reliance provision. The list should note if the relied-upon financial institutions are subject to a rule requiring the implementation of the AML/CFT Compliance Programme of MPLA and AML/CFT Regulation issued by the CBN. (xii) Provide the following :
(a) Copies of any contracts signed between the parties.
(b) Copies of the CIP or procedures used by the other party.
(c) Any certifications made by the other party.
(xiii) Copies of contracts with financial institutions and with third parties that perform all or any part of the financial institution’s CIP. 6.—(i) Provide access to STRs rendered to NFIU during the review period and the supporting documentation. Include copies of any filed STRs that were related to requests for information or to information sharing requests. (ii) Any analysis or documentation of any activity for which a STR was considered but not filed, or for which the financial institution is actively considering filing a STR. (iii) Description of expanded monitoring procedures applied to higher-risk accounts. (iv) Determination of whether the bank uses a manual or an automated account monitoring system, or a combination of the two. If an automated system is used, determine whether the system is proprietary or vendor supplied. If the system was provided by an outside vendor, request (i) a list that includes the vendor, (ii) application names, and (iii) installation dates of any automated Suspicious Transaction Reporting.
B 216 account monitoring system provided by an outside vendor. Request a list of the algorithms or rules used by the systems and copies of the independent validation of the software against these rules. (v) Make available copies of reports used for identification of and monitoring for suspicious transactions. These reports include, but are not limited to suspected kiting reports, CTRs, monetary instrument records and funds transfer reports. These reports can be generated from specialized AML/CFT software, the financial institution’s general data processing systems or both. (vi) If not already provided, copies of other reports that can pinpoint unusual transactions warranting further review. Examples include non-sufficient funds (NSF) reports, account analysis fee income reports and large item reports. (vii) Provide name, purpose, parameters and frequency of each report. (viii) Correspondence received from law enforcement authorities concerning the disposition of accounts reported for suspicious activity. (ix) Make available copies (or a log) of criminal subpoenas received by the financial institution since the previous examination or inspection. (x) Make available copies of policies, procedures and processes used to comply with all criminal subpoenas related to MPLA and AML/CFT Regulation. 7.—(i) Provide information on and access to CTR filed for the review period. (ii) Provide information on and access to internal reports used to identify reportable currency transactions for the review period. (iii) Make the list of products or services that may involve currency transactions. 8.—(i) Access to filed Designation of Exempt Person form(s) for current exemptions. (ii) List of customers exempted from CTR filing and the documentation to support the exemption (e.g., currency transaction history or, as applicable, risk-based analysis). (iii) Access to documentation of required annual reviews for CTR exemptions. 9.—(i) Make available documentation demonstrating that required searches have been performed. (ii) Make available any vendor-confidentiality agreements, if applicable. (iii) Make available copies of policies, procedures and processes for complying with Information Sharing Between Law Enforcement Agencies and Financial Institutions. (iv) If applicable, a copy of the financial institution’s most recent notification form to voluntarily share information with other financial institutions - Voluntary Information Sharing Among Financial Institutions, or a copy of the most recent Currency Transaction Reporting. Currency Transaction Reporting Exemptions (Not Applicable). Information Sharing.
B 217 correspondence received from NFIU or CBN that acknowledges receipt of the financial institution’s notice to voluntarily share information with other financial institutions. (v) If applicable, make available copies of policies, procedures and processes for complying.
10. Access to records of sales of monetary instruments in amounts between
N2 million and N5 million (if maintained with individual transactions, provide samples of the record made in connection with the sale of each type of monetary instrument).
11. Access to records of funds transfers, including incoming, intermediary
and outgoing transfers of N10 million or more.
12.—(i) List of all foreign correspondent bank accounts, including a list of foreign financial institutions for which the financial institution provides or provided regular services and the date on which the required information was received (either by completion of a certification or by other means). (ii) If applicable, documentation to evidence compliance—Prohibition on Correspondent Accounts for Foreign Shell Banks; Records Concerning Owners of Foreign Banks and Agents for Service of Legal Process and Summons or Subpoena of Foreign Bank Records; Termination of Correspondent Relationship for foreign correspondent bank accounts and shell banks. (iii) List of all payable through relationships with foreign financial institutions. (iv) Access to contracts or agreements with foreign financial institutions that have payable through accounts. (v) List of the bank’s foreign branches and the steps the financial institution has taken to determine whether the accounts with its branches are not used to indirectly provide services to foreign shell banks. (vi) List of all foreign correspondent bank accounts and relationships with foreign financial institutions that have been closed or terminated in compliance with the conditions (service to foreign shell banks, records of owners and agents). (vii) List of foreign correspondent bank accounts that have been the subject of Information Sharing Between Law Enforcement Agencies and Financial Institutions or any other information request from law enforcement officers for information regarding foreign correspondent bank accounts and evidence of compliance. (viii) Any directive/notice to close foreign correspondent bank accounts from the CBN. (ix) List of all the bank’s embassy or consulate accounts, or other accounts maintained by foreign government, foreign embassy, or foreign political figure. (x) List of all account-holders and borrowers domiciled outside Nigeria, including those with Nigeria power of attorney. Purchase and Sale of Monetary Instruments. Funds Transfers Recordkeeping. Foreign Correspondent Account Recordkeeping and Due Diligence.
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13. Make available records reflecting currency shipped to and received
from the CBN or correspondent banks or reflecting currency shipped between branches and the bank’s central currency vaults for the previous ___________ months. Examiner is to insert a period of time appropriate for the size and complexity of the financial institution. 14.—(i) Record retention schedule and procedural guidelines. (ii) File of Reports of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments (CMIR) (iii) Records of Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.
15. As part of the examination planning process, the Examiner should
prepare a request letter. The listing below includes materials that may be requested for a financial institution AML/CFT examination. This list should be tailored for the specific institution profile and the planned examination scope. Additional materials may be requested as needed. 16.—(i) Make available copies of policies, procedures and processes specifically for correspondent bank accounts, including procedures for monitoring for suspicious activity. (ii) Make available a list of domestic correspondent bank accounts. (iii) Provide a list of STRs filed relating to domestic correspondent bank accounts. 17.—(i) Make available copies of policies, procedures and processes specifically for foreign correspondent financial institution accounts, including procedures for monitoring for suspicious activity. (ii) Make available a list of foreign correspondent financial institution accounts. (iii) Provide risk assessments covering foreign correspondent financial institution account relationships. (iv) Provide a list of STRs filed relating to foreign correspondent financial institution accounts. 18.—(i) Make available copies of policies, procedures and processes related to receiving shipments of bulk currency. Describe expanded monitoring procedures applied to currency originators and intermediaries. (ii) Make available a list of currency originators, intermediaries, including referral agents, and foreign and domestic customers that send bulk currency shipments to the financial institution. (iii) Provide a list of all foreign and domestic correspondent bank accounts, including a list of foreign financial institutions from which the financial institution receives or sends bulk currency shipments. (iv) Provide a copy of management’s risk assessment of relationships and transactions of currency originators and intermediaries. CurrencyShipment Activity. Other MPLA Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements. Expanded Examination Procedures. Correspondent Accounts (Domestic). Correspondent Accounts (Foreign). Bulk Shipments of Currency.
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(v) Make available copies of reports used for identification of and monitoring for suspicious transactions related to currency originators and intermediaries. Make available agreements or contracts with currency originators or intermediaries. Provide a list of STRs filed related to shipping relationships and transactions. 19.—(i) Make available copies of policies, procedures and processes specifically for Naira drafts including procedures for monitoring for suspicious activity. (ii) Make available a list of foreign correspondent bank accounts that offer Naira drafts. If possible, include the volume by number and Naira amount of monthly transactions for each account. (iii) Provide a list of STRs filed relating to Nigeria Naira drafts. 20.—(i) Make available copies of policies, procedures and processes specifically for payable through accounts (PTA) including procedures for monitoring for suspicious activity. (ii) Make available a list of foreign correspondent bank accounts with PTAs. Include a detailed summary (number and monthly naira volume) of sub-account-holders for each PTA. (iii) Provide a list of STRs filed relating to PTAs. 21.—(i) Make available copies of pouch activity policies, procedures and processes including procedures for monitoring for suspicious activity. (ii) Provide a list of customer accounts permitted to use pouch services. (iii) Provide a list of CTRs, CMIRs or STRs filed relating to pouch activity. (iv) As needed, provide a copy of pouch logs. 22.—(i) Make available copies of policies, procedures and processes specific to the foreign branch or office, if different from the parent’s policies, procedures and processes. (ii) Provide most recent management reports received on foreign branches and offices. (iii) Make available copies of the bank’s tiering or organizational structure report. (iv) Provide AML/CFT audit reports, compliance reports and supporting documentation for the foreign branches and offices. (v) Provide a list of the types of products and services offered at the foreign branches and offices and information on new products or services offered by the foreign branch, including those that are not already offered by the parent financial institution. (vi) Provide a description of the method for aggregating each customer relationship across business units and geographic locations throughout the organization. Foreign Branches and Offices of Nigerian Banks. Nigeria Naira Drafts. Payable Through Accounts. Pouch Activities.
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(vii) Provide the code of ethics for foreign branches or offices, if it is different from the financial institution’s standard policy. (viii) When testing will be performed, provide a list of accounts originated or serviced in the foreign branch or office. Examiners should try to limit this request and focus on accounts for specific products or services, higher-risk accounts only, or accounts for which exceptions or audit concerns have been noted. (ix) Provide a list of the locations of foreign branches and offices, including, if possible, the host country regulatory agency and contact information. (x) Provide the organizational structure of the foreign branches and offices, including reporting lines to the Nigerian financial institution level. 23.—(i) Provide a list of any parallel banking relationships. (ii) Make available copies of policies, procedures and processes specifically for parallel banking relationships, including procedures relating to higher-risk money laundering activities. Such policies and procedures should include those that are specific to the relationship with the parallel entity. (iii) Provide a list of STRs filed relating to parallel banking relationships. (iv) Make available documents that specify limits or procedures that should be followed when dealing with the parallel entity. (v) Provide a list of directors or officers of the financial institution who are also associated with the foreign parallel bank. 24.—(i) Make available copies of any policies and procedures related directly to electronic banking (e-banking) that are not already included in the AML/ CFT policies. (ii) Provide management reports that indicate the monthly volume of ebanking activity. (iii) Provide a list of business customers regularly conducting e-banking transactions, including the number and Naira volume of transactions. (iv) Make available a list of service providers related to Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) activities. (v) Make available copies of contracts related to RDC activities. 25.—(i) Provide funds transfer activity logs, including funds transfers that involved cover payments, including transfers into and out of the financial institution. Include the number and Naira volume of funds transfer activity for the month. (ii) Provide a list of funds transfers purchased with currency over a specified time period. (iii) Provide a list of non-customer transactions over a specified time period. (iv) If not already included in the AML/CFT policies, make available copies of any policies, procedures and processes related to funds transfers, including transfers that involve cover payments or payable upon proper identification (PUPID). Parallel Banking. Electronic Banking. Funds Transfers.
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(v) Provide a list of suspense accounts used for PUPID proceeds. (vi) Provide a list of PUPID transactions completed by the financial institution, either as the beneficiary financial institution or as the originating financial institution. 26.—(i) Make available copies of any policies and procedures related directly to automated clearing house (ACH) and international ACH transactions (IAT) that are not already included in the AML/CFT policies. (ii) Make available copies of management reports that indicate the monthly volume of ACH activity, including IATs. (iii) Make available a list of large or frequent ACH transactions or IATs. (iv) Make available a list of IATs (both those originated from or received by the financial institution). (v) Make available a list of customer complaints regarding ACH transactions and IATs. 27.—(i) Make available copies of any policies and procedures related directly to electronic cash (e-cash), including prepaid cards that are not already included in the AML/CFT policies. (ii) Provide management reports that indicate the monthly volume of ecash activity, including prepaid cards. (iii) Provide a list of business customers regularly conducting e-cash transactions, including prepaid cards, the number and Naira volume of transactions. 28.—(i) If not already included in the AML/CFT policies, make available copies of any policies, procedures and processes related to third-party payment processors. (ii) Provide a list of third-party payment processor relationships. Include the number and Naira volume of payments processed per relationship. (iii) Provide a list of STRs filed on third-party payment processor relationships. 29.—(i) If not already included in the AML/CFT policies, make available copies of any policies, procedures and processes related to the sale of monetary instruments for currency. In particular, include policies, procedures and processes related to the monitoring sales of monetary instruments in order to detect unusual activities. (ii) Provide monetary instrument logs or other MIS reports used for the monitoring and detection of unusual or suspicious activities relating to the sales of monetary instruments. (iii) Provide a list of non-customer transactions over a specified period of time. (iv) Provide a list of monetary instruments purchased with currency over a specified time period. Automated Clearing House Transactions. Electronic Cash. Third-Party Payment Processors. Purchase and Sale of Monetary Instruments.
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(v) Provide a list of STRs filed related to the purchase or sale of monetary instruments. 30.—(i) Make available copies of specific policies and procedures specifically for brokered. (ii) Deposits, including procedures for monitoring for suspicious activity. (iii) Provide risk assessment covering brokered deposits. (iv) Provide internal audits covering brokered deposits. (v) Provide a list of approved deposit brokers. (vi) Provide management reports covering non-relationship funding Programmes (including reports on balances, concentrations, performance or fees paid). (vii) Provide STRs and subpoenas related to brokered deposit relationships. (viii) Provide a copy of account documentation or agreements for deposit broker arrangements. 31.—(i) Provide a risk assessment covering privately owned automated teller machines (ATM) and Independent Sales Organizations (ISO) including a list of higher-risk privately owned ATM relationships. (ii) Make available copies of policies, procedures and processes for privately owned ATM and ISO account acceptance, due diligence and ongoing monitoring. (iii) Provide a list of ISO clients and balances. (iv) Provide STRs and subpoenas related to privately owned ATMs and ISOs. 32.—(i) Make available copies of policies, procedures and processes relating to non-deposit investment products (NDIP) and relationships with any independent NDIP providers. (ii) Provide internal audits covering NDIP sales and provider relationships. (iii) Provide a risk assessment covering NDIP customers and transactions. (iv) If available, provide a list of NDIP clients and balances. (v) Provide a list of suspense, concentration or omnibus accounts used for NDIP. Describe the purpose for and controls surrounding each account. (vi) Provide management reports covering 25 to 50 of the largest most active and most profitable NDIP customers. (vii) Provide STRs and subpoenas related to NDIP customers. (viii) Make available a copy of account opening documentation or agreements for NDIP. (ix) Make available a copy of contracts or agreements between the bank and third-party NDIP providers for the completion of CIP, due diligence and ongoing monitoring of NDIP customers. Brokered Deposits. Privately Owned Automated Teller Machines. Non-deposit Investment Products.
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33.—(i) Make available copies of AML/CFT policies and procedures related to the sale of insurance. (ii) Provide risk assessment covering insurance products. (iii) Make available MIS reports related to the sales of insurance products. Reports may include large transaction reports, single premium payments, early cancellation, premium overpayments and assignments of claims. (iv) Make available a copy of contracts or agreements between the financial institution and insurance providers for the completion of CIP, due diligence and ongoing monitoring of insurance customers. (v) Provide a list of insurance products approved for sale at the financial institution. (vi) Provide management reports covering insurance products (including large transactions, funds transfers, single premium payments and early cancellations). (vii) Provide STRs or subpoenas related to insurance clients. (viii) Provide a copy of account documentation requirements and applications for insurance products. 34.—(i) Make available copies of AML/CFT policies, procedures and processes that are specific to concentration accounts (also known as specialuse, omnibus, suspense, settlement, intraday, sweep or collection accounts). (ii) Provide a list of all concentration accounts and each account’s most recent reconciliation statements. (iii) Provide account activity reports for concentration accounts for ___________. Examiner to insert a period of time appropriate for the size and complexity of the financial institution. 35.—(i) Make available copies of AML/CFT policies and procedures specific to lending. (ii) Provide a risk assessment relating to the lending function, including a list of any higher-risk lending relationships identified by the financial institution. (iii) For loans secured by cash collateral, marketable securities or cash surrender value of life insurance products :
(a) Provide a list of all loans that have defaulted since the previous AML/CFT examination including those that were charged off. Provide a list of all loans that have been extended since the previous AML/CFT examination. 36.—(i) Make available copies of AML/CFT policies and procedures specific to trade finance activities. (ii) Provide a risk assessment relating to trade finance activities including a list of any higher-risk trade finance transactions, accounts or relationships identified by the financial institution. Lending Activities. Insurance. Concentration Accounts.
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(iii) Provide a list of customers involved in transactions with higher-risk geographic locations or for whom the financial institution facilitates trade finance activities with higher-risk geographic locations. 37.—(i) Make available copies of policies, procedures and controls used to manage AML/CFT risks in the private banking department. (ii) Make available business or strategic plans for the private banking department. (iii) Provide the most recent version of management reports on private banking activity such as customer aggregation reports, policy exception reports, client concentrations, customer risk classification reports and unusual account activity. (iv) Provide recent private banking reports from compliance, internal audit, risk management and external auditors or consultants that cover AML/CFT. (v) Provide a list of products and services offered to private banking clients. Information on new products and services offered to private banking clients and the financial institution’s process for approving new activities. (vi) Provide a description of the method for aggregating customer holdings and activities across business units throughout the organization. (vii) Provide a description of account officer and manager positions and the compensation, recruitment and training Programme for these positions. (viii) Make available the code of ethics policy for private banking officers. (ix) Provide a risk assessment covering private banking customers and transactions. (x) Provide a list of suspense, concentration or omnibus accounts used for private banking transactions. Describe the purpose for each account and the controls governing it. (xi) Provide management reports covering 25 to 50 of the largest most active or most profitable private banking customers. (xii) Provide a list of the financial institution’s private banking accountholders who meet the following criteria :
(a) Politically exposed persons (PEP), export or import business owners, money transmitters, Private Investment Companies (PIC), financial advisers, offshore entities or money managers (when an intermediary is acting on behalf of customers). (b) Customers who were introduced to the financial institution by individuals previously employed by other financial institutions. (c) Customers who were introduced to the financial institution by a third-party investment adviser. (d) Customers who use nominee names. (e) Customers who are from or do business with a higher-risk geographic location.
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(f ) Customers who are involved in cash-intensive businesses.
(g) Customers who were granted exceptions to policies, procedures and controls. (h) Customers who frequently appear on unusual activity monitoring reports. (xiii) Provide STRs and subpoenas related to private banking customers. (xiv) Make available a copy of account-opening documentation or agreements for private banking customers. 38.—(i) Make available copies of AML/CFT policies, procedures and processes for trust and asset management services. (ii) Make available trust and asset management procedures and guidelines used to determine when EDD is appropriate for higher-risk accounts and parties to the relationship. These should include methods for identifying accountinterested parties (i.e., individual grantors, co-trustees or outside investment managers). (iii) Provide a list of politically exposed persons (PEP), export or import business owners, money transmitters, Private Investment Companies (PIC), financial advisers, offshore entities or money managers (when an intermediary is acting on behalf of customers). (iv) Provide a list of financial institution’s trust and asset management account-householders who meet the following criteria :
(a) Customers who were introduced to the financial institution by individuals previously employed by other financial institutions. (b) Customers who were introduced to the financial institution by a third-party investment adviser. (c) Customers who use nominee names. (d) Customers who are from or do business with a higher-risk geographic location. (e) Customers who are involved in cash-intensive businesses. (f ) Customers who were granted exceptions to policies, procedures and controls. (g) Customers who frequently appear on unusual activity monitoring reports. (v) Make available reports and minutes submitted to the board of directors or its designated committee relating to AML/CFT matters pertaining to trust and asset management business lines and activities. (vi) Provide an organizational chart for the AML/CFT compliance function as it relates to the trust and asset management services. (vii) Provide a risk assessment of trust and asset management services that identifies those customers, prospective customers or products the financial institution has determined to be higher risk.
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Source: Central Bank of Nigeria — original document · Summary generated with machine assistance and reviewed before publication; the authoritative text is the regulator's original document. How RegAlert works
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