Why Is Beneficial Owners Important?

It’s no secret that the “bad guys” are usually a step ahead of regulatory compliance. They are always looking for new ways to evade the law and it often takes a while for regulatory compliance to catch up. Back in the day we had “Know Your Customer” and then after September 11, 2001, the Customer Information Program (CIP) requirements came into play. Both assisted financial institutions in knowing who they were doing business with. This was more difficult on the commercial side; however, because the “who” could be more easily disguised by using shell companies and complex business structures. Thus came the need to increase Customer Due Diligence requirements and rules for identifying beneficial owners.

Kevin explains more in the video.


BSA Resources!

Video Highlights:

  • Financial institutions must verify beneficial owners of legal entity customers as part of their customer due diligence program.
  • Identification of beneficial owners can help prevent money laundering schemes using shell companies.
  • Financial institutions are required to update beneficial owner information during their relationship with an entity.

Published
2023/12/14

 

Kevin Edwards

Kevin brings years of experience and a unique perspective on regulatory matters to our clients. A self-proclaimed geek and accredited CRCM, Kevin is also a recovering attorney with experience as in-house counsel for a large regional bank and one of the leading national title insurance providers. For reasons unknown, Kevin decided to leave the safety and serenity of his desk job to seek fortune and glory as a wandering adventurer. Like a bank compliance version of Kwai Chang Caine, The Man with No Name or Don Quixote, he now travels the land seeking to help those in need and righting compliance wrongs, wherever he may find them. Kevin lives in Sioux Falls with his two children, who are surprisingly normal after having endured their father’s vivid imagination for their entire lives. He won’t admit to having any hobbies, because apparently “Regulations never sleep.” (While he does say this in his Batman voice, we’re pretty sure he’s joking.) From the looks of his Facebook page, he likes the outdoors and spending time with his large extended family (who seem like relatively normal people).

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