The year 2022 was marked by an unprecedented surge in anti-money laundering (AML) scandals and fines. Financial institutions, both large and small, faced scrutiny for their involvement in money laundering activities, resulting in hefty penalties and significant reputational damage.

In this article, we will delve into the six biggest AML stories, including fines and scandals, that rocked the financial world in 2022, providing insights into the challenges and consequences faced by these institutions.

Danske Bank: A $2 Billion Fine for Investor Fraud

One of the most notorious cases of the year involved Danske Bank, Denmark’s largest bank. In December 2022, the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) settled a long-running investigation into the bank’s fraudulent activities. Danske Bank agreed to forfeit over $2 billion, with a significant portion going to the DoJ, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Denmark’s Special Crime Unit.

According to the Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Kenneth Allen Polite Jr, Danske Bank deliberately deceived U.S. banks about its anti-money laundering systems and transaction monitoring capabilities to gain unlawful access to the U.S. financial system.

The SEC also announced a separate settlement with Danske Bank, accusing the bank of misleading investors over anti-money laundering compliance failures in Estonia. The total penalty amounted to $413 million, highlighting the gravity of the bank’s misconduct.

Credit Suisse: A €238 Million Settlement for Tax Fraud and Money Laundering

Credit Suisse, a prominent Swiss bank, found itself entangled in a tax fraud and money laundering investigation by French authorities. In October, the bank reached an agreement with a French court to pay a staggering €238 million to settle the charges.

Prosecutors revealed that the alleged scheme took place between 2005 and 2012, causing substantial fiscal damage to the French state. The penalty included damages to compensate for lost tax revenue. This case added to the long list of fraud and AML-related investigations that Credit Suisse has faced over the years.

Santander Bank UK: A £107.7 Million Fine for Repeated AML Failures

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK imposed a hefty fine of £107.7 million on Santander Bank for repeated anti-money laundering compliance failures. The FCA highlighted the bank’s inadequate systems and processes for verifying customer information and monitoring client turnover.

Mark Steward, the FCA’s Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight, criticized Santander for its poor management of anti-money laundering systems, which created a prolonged and severe risk of money laundering and financial crime.

USAA FSB Bank: A $140 Million Penalty for AML Program Failures

USAA Federal Savings Bank (USAA FSB) faced serious consequences for its failure to implement and maintain an effective anti-money laundering program. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a civil money penalty of $140 million against the bank for willful violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and its implementing regulations.

USAA FSB admitted to intentionally neglecting the implementation and management of an appropriate anti-money laundering program, leaving the bank vulnerable to illicit activities.

The Star Casino: A Record AUS$100 Million Fine and License Suspension

Sydney’s The Star Casino made headlines when it received a record fine of AUS$100 million for its failure to prevent money laundering activities on its premises. Regulators found evidence of significant lapses in the casino’s anti-money laundering measures and subsequently suspended its license.

Philip Crawford, Chief Commissioner of the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC), criticized the institutional arrogance of The Star Casino, emphasizing the severity of its compliance deficiencies.

National Bank of Pakistan: A $55 Million Fine for Compliance Failures

US regulators imposed a $55 million fine on the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) for repeated compliance failures and violations related to its anti-money laundering program. The penalties came from both the Federal Reserve and the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).

The Federal Reserve highlighted the NBP’s ineffective risk management program and insufficient controls to comply with anti-money laundering laws. The NYDFS emphasized the bank’s persistence in allowing serious compliance deficiencies to persist despite repeated regulatory warnings.

Other Notable AML-Related Fines

In addition to the major cases mentioned above, 2022 saw regulators taking action against Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) in the crypto sector. Crypto exchanges such as Bittrex and Robinhood faced substantial fines for AML violations, demonstrating the increased focus on combating financial crime in the cryptocurrency space.

As the new year began, Coinbase, one of the largest crypto exchanges, was also hit with a $50 million fine and an additional $50 million to improve its AML program.

Minimizing Compliance-Related Risk with Automated Solutions

The surge in AML scandals and fines in 2022 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust compliance measures. To mitigate the risk of penalties and reputational damage, organizations must invest in automated systems that streamline anti-money laundering processes.

Automated solutions have proven to reduce the cost of compliance while enhancing risk mitigation efforts. By implementing cutting-edge technology, businesses can stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements and effectively combat financial crime.

Conclusion On AML Stories

The year 2022 witnessed a series of high-profile AML scandals and fines, underscoring the need for robust anti-money laundering measures across the financial industry. Danske Bank, Credit Suisse, Santander Bank UK, USAA FSB Bank, The Star Casino, and the National Bank of Pakistan all faced significant penalties for their involvement in money laundering activities.

As regulators continue to crack down on financial crime, organizations must prioritize the implementation of automated systems and robust compliance measures. By doing so, they can minimize the risk of fines, protect their reputation, and contribute to a safer financial ecosystem.

The lessons to be learnt from 2022 is that no matter how many technologies one might be using or no matter how strong on paper ones defences may seem, there is always a chance that criminals may try to bypass and do harm. Companies need to keep track about latest changes and continuously look over their defenses in order to better protect themselves.