Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
BSA Timeline 1970 – enacted by Congress 1986 – Money Laundering Control Act 1990 – FinCEN created 1994 – FinCEN to administer BSA 1996 – Depository institutions to file SARs 1991 – USA Patriot Act enacted
BSA Compliance Program Requirements Must be in writing and include the following: Internal policies, procedures, and controls Designation of a compliance officer Ongoing employee training program Independent audit function
Compliance with BSA Protects credit union’s reputation Positive impact on the community Penalties, fines, possible imprisonment for BSA violations
Common Compliance Mistakes Failure to have a written/adequate compliance program Failure to implement the program Lack of SAR reviews No independent review of the compliance program
BSA – Typical Scenarios Currency Transaction Reports (CTR) Structuring to avoid CTR reporting Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments Designation of an Exempt Person Suspicious Activity Report Recordkeeping requirements Member Identification Program
Where to get Help!!!! www.msk.gov, www.irs.gov, or www.fincen.gov BSA forms 1-800-829-3676 MSB education materials 1-800-386-6329 FinCEN Regulatory Helpline 1-800-949-2732
Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Administers and enforces economic sanctions Primarily against countries and groups of individuals Many predecessors Formally created in 1950
OFAC Compliance Issues Written policy Annual approval Adequate training Responsible person
OFAC – Typical Scenarios Specifically Designated Nationals Blocked Entities FinCEN every two weeks send new current listing OFAC list Run lists against customer lists Blocking transactions
USA Patriot ACT Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism KNOW YOUR MEMBERS!!!!!!
Questions
Contact Information Thomas J. O’Donnell 518-694-8036 todonnell@wojeskico.com