Skip Header

Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation

Each depositor insured to at least $250,000 per insured bank



Home > News & Events > Financial Institution Letters




Financial Institution Letters

Bank Secrecy Act
Interagency Statement on Enforcement of Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering Requirements
FIL-71-2007
August 23, 2007


Summary: The federal financial regulatory agencies have issued the attached statement setting forth the policy for enforcing specific anti-money laundering (AML) requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).

Highlights:

  • On July 19, 2007, the federal financial regulatory agencies released the attached Interagency Statement on Enforcement of BSA/AML Requirements. The statement provides for greater consistency in enforcement decisions in BSA matters and offers insight into the considerations about those decisions.
  • The statement describes the circumstances and provides examples under which the agencies will issue a cease and desist order. Applicable statutes mandate that the appropriate agency shall issue a cease and desist order if a regulated institution fails to: (1) establish and maintain a BSA compliance program; or (2) correct a previously identified problem with its BSA compliance program.
  • The statement reflects the FDIC's current practices of enforcement regarding BSA compliance. It complements guidance provided in the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council's BSA/AML Examination Manual, which was similarly designed to foster interagency consistency and transparency regarding the BSA examination process.
  • The statement clarifies that the agencies, depending upon the relevant facts, have the authority take a formal or informal enforcement action to address other BSA or AML concerns as necessary.

Distribution:
FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Suggested Routing:
Chief Executive Officer
BSA Compliance Officer

Related Topics:
Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering
Programs

Attachment:
Interagency Statement on Enforcement of
Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering Requirements

Contact:
Review Examiner Heather L. Basnett at
SASFIL@FDIC.gov or (202) 898-3673

Printable Format:
FIL-71-2007 - PDF (PDF Help)

Note:
FDIC financial institution letters (FILs) may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at: http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2007/index.html.

To receive FILs electronically, please visit http://www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/fil.html.

Paper copies of FDIC financial institution letters may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center, 3501 Fairfax Drive, E-1002, Arlington, VA 22226 (1-877-275-3342 or 703-562- 2200).




Last Updated 8/23/2007 communications@fdic.gov

Skip Footer back to content