An Anti Money Laundering (AML) compliance officer is an individual who has the primary responsibility of overseeing AML policies and ensuring compliance with regulations on behalf of an institution. Essentially, such individual is responsible for managing the AML compliance programs of their institutions. 
 

Anti-money laundering (AML) compliance structures are necessary for governments to combat the rising increase in financial crimes and money laundering. However, implementing such programs can be tricky and challenging, depending on the industry. 
 

When designing an AML program, institutions need to take into consideration, all the necessary government laws relevant to their jurisdiction and to satisfy global standards. For starters, they have to comply with global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and important laws like the Patriot Act and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). 
 

Failure to comply can lead to severe legal penalties. This necessitates the need for the management and implementation of an effective AML program across an institution.
 

Understanding the Role of an AML Compliance Officer

 

AML compliance officers are meant to develop and implement a company-wide policy that is unique to the operations of that company. Such structures should focus on internal systems with a major goal to detect and prevent money laundering activities and report to relevant authorities. While at it, they should ideally be able to reduce AML compliance costs for the company. 
 

When it comes to compliance, a company is as weak as its softest link (employees). Therefore, all employees should be aware of the company’s AML policy irrespective of whether they’re in the compliance department or not. 
 

The AML of a company varies from one jurisdiction to another depending on the set rules by relevant regulatory authorities in the region. However, most regions share some general requirements for AML compliance officers, which include: 

 

  • Helping with the design, implementation, and maintenance of the company’s AML program 
  • Ensuring the employees and institution as a whole comply with all relevant financial legislations and AML laws. 
  • Establish a robust framework for risk assessment of clients, products and services rendered as well as other related matters of money laundering.
  • Keep a record of high-risk customers and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. 
  • Liaise with external organisations to review the institutions’ AML program and make recommendations based on data to help the institution better comply with regulations
  • Organise and supervise AML training programs for company employees
  • Report to senior management on updates concerning AML compliance policies as well as other compliance-related matters.
     

What are the 4 responsibilities of a compliance officer?

 

The 4 major responsibilities of a compliance officer include:

 

  • Develop and implement an efficient AML system across the institution (e.g AML compliance software). 
  • Conducting compliance audits and interpreting the relevant data for reporting purposes.
  • Ensure the company complies with regulatory reporting guidelines and filing deadlines.
  • Identifying and training staff on relevant compliance measures to make corrections and prevent future violations. 

 

Recommended - What is AML Transaction Monitoring?

 

How to Select the Right AML Compliance Officer As an Institution

 

The role of an AML compliance officer is very crucial, therefore, businesses need to be careful with the individual they employ. The person needs to suit the company’s professional needs and standards, as well as possess the ability to execute their job effectively. 

 

There is no room for errors when it comes to compliance, therefore, the following factors should be taken into consideration when hiring:
 

1. Professional Expertise and Experience 

 

AML officers need to have extensive knowledge and understanding of risk management strategies. This includes being up to date with the most recent methodologies of money laundering and their relevant criminal profiling, AML systems and control, and risk analysis. 

 

Their knowledge should always be up to date as AML compliance policies are constantly evolving. 
 

2. Time and Focus

 

AML compliance officers need enough time and resources to focus on carrying out their duties. As a business, consider the administrative load regarding compliance that you need. If on the high side, you may likely need to appoint a full-time employee with to focus on AML compliance. On the other hand, institutions with a smaller focus may hire a part-time compliance officer.
 

3. Confidence and Authority

 

The legal implications of a lack of AML compliance could be dire to a business, therefore, a compliance officer should be given sufficient authority to execute his role effectively. Ideally, an AML officer should hold a director-level authority with industry experience and the confidence to engage with all stakeholders in their professional environment. This is because they need authority to function, and will be exposed to highly sensitive information while interacting with senior-level management, board of directors and relevant compliance authorities. 
 

4. Independence

 

To put it simply, AML compliance officers need to be independent of their institution’s business structures. This is to enable them to pursue their relevant authorities without being hindered by corporate bureaucracies and undue influences. For example, they need to have a direct line of communication with the board of directors and upper-level management without compromising their ability to independently scrutinize risks.


 See how 100+ leading companies use YV OS for KYC and AML screening of customers for compliance and real-time risk detection. Request a demo today.