Tag Archives: SARs

Could do better

One of my most over-used phrases in my AML training is “new entrants to the AML family” – when I am explaining that we cannot expect all sectors (e.g. estate agents, art market participants) to be as au fait with … Continue reading

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Just do it

Sportswear and I rarely coincide, but I am a fan of the slogan “Just do it”.  Years ago a much-respected older friend gave me his top tip for efficiency: if you think of a job that needs doing and it … Continue reading

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Faint at art

It’s a tricky thing, art.  No – I don’t mean those arguments over whether an unmade bed or a black painted square is art, but the deliberations about when the art world is part of the AML community and when … Continue reading

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Save our SARs

I am a fan of the philosophy of SARs: I think it is correct that businesses handling client money should be obliged to report to the authorities if they suspect that that money is the proceeds of crime or connected … Continue reading

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Latest leak lessons

This is a tricky time to write a blog post, as everywhere is swirling with stories from the “FinCEN Files”.  I have explored the leaks on the ICIJ website, read the reputable (and disreputable) press sources and watched the “Panorama” … Continue reading

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Data doom and delight

With writing a post once a week only (I’ve fallen into writing longer posts less frequently – hope that’s OK), there’s sometimes a bit of a delay until I get round to dealing with something that’s been in the news.  … Continue reading

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A sprinkling of SAR-dust

There is regularly – and quite rightly – a fair amount of soul-searching about the SARs regime.  Does it shift the burden of investigation from law enforcement to the financial sector?  Does it cost much more than it saves?  Are … Continue reading

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This time it’s personal

We’re fairly accustomed now to seeing firms of various stripe fined for AML failings, but for all the talk of personal accountability and statements of responsibility it is still rare for individuals to be held liable for poor AML behaviour. … Continue reading

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The plain un-SAR-nished truth

Remember when Hugh Grant was PM in “Love Actually” and he found out that his tea-lady’s ex-boyfriend had been nasty to her and offered to have the scoundrel assassinated by the “absolutely charming” SAS?  “Ruthless trained killers are just a … Continue reading

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Taking task forces to task

May I be honest with you?  I have worked alone for more than twenty years and I like it, I really do.  As an only child I became used to not having to compromise, and I also have a visceral … Continue reading

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