Sunday, August 13, 2017

Proper Understanding Of Bank Secrecy Act Audits

By Linda Hayes


Following the passing of the Bank Secrecy Act or BSA also referred to as the Anti-Money Laundering or AML law, financial institutions are currently expected to cooperate with government agencies in the auditing process. This is aimed at preventing and spotting money laundering. However, for many banks, this can be particularly taxing because it is hard to maintain the vital expertise in the highly specialized sections of AML compliance. Thus, there are firms that aid you in conducting your bank secrecy act audits.

The institutions that do these jobs carry out numerous tasks each year. The professionals have expertise in their work and they conduct a very reliable job. When doing their job they ensure that they understand each client and their specific needs to give each client services that exceed their expectations. They respond in a timely manner when a client and they work hard to deliver. To give excellent results the firms have the best auditing programs that are meant to do a thorough and transparent task.

Secondly, other firms possess methodologies that are in line with the requirements of the regulators- the government agencies. Additionally, they possess the essential auditing requirements connected with the AML or BSA, various state-level expectations as well as the USA PATRIOT Act. Consequently, this ensures that your financial organization has complete compliance which has been expertly arrived at.

Customers seeking services from auditors working in the firms want consistency and the companies work around the clock to give clients consistent services. If a client is not contented with the services the firms respond to all the questions in good time. All along the auditing, they ensure there is a lot of transparency.

Therefore, the AML or BSA compliance professionals ensure that the application of detailed audits is done and prepare the recommendations as well as findings of the test. Moreover, there is a department tasked with overseeing the engagement procedure inclusive of working as the client liaison, delivery requirements and offers quality assurance on all products. Again, the technology department performs the system validation audits and similarly prepares the findings and suggestions.

Other firms similarly offer an intensive evaluation that centers its attention on risk-based testing and they likewise review policies, processes and documents. Following the completion of this testing, they issue out an objective report that notes any violations areas of weakness. Moreover, they offer corrective action plans to aid strengthen and improve your general BSA or AML programs. Additionally, they offer advice on the means to ensure your AML compliance programs are more effective, efficient and valuable for the long-term functioning of your company.

It is imperative to note that the individual performing the independent audit ought not to be involved in any section of the BSA or AML compliance program. This is inclusive both internal or external auditors. This encompasses the development of policies and processes as well as carry out the training.

Essentially, instead of financial organizations conducting their personal independent auditing for the BSA or AML compliance, they can entrust this work to the departments who are responsible since these parties are not only independent but also knowledgeable. Consequently, you as the bank or any other financial institution are assured of gaining tremendous credibility with the respective regulators.




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