AntiGeldwäscheMaßnahmen

AntiGeldwäsche, commonly referred to in English as anti-money laundering (AML), encompasses laws, regulations, and procedures aimed at preventing criminals from concealing the origins of illegally obtained funds. The objective is to detect, deter, and disrupt money laundering and related financial crime by requiring institutions to know their customers, monitor transactions, and maintain records that support investigations.

Key components include customer due diligence and enhanced due diligence for higher-risk relationships, ongoing transaction monitoring, and the reporting of suspicious activity. Institutions implement risk-based controls, such as sanctions screening, adverse-media checks, and the collection of beneficial ownership information. Compliance programs typically cover independent audits, training, and escalation procedures for suspected illicit activity.

Internationally, AML relies on standards established by bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which publishes Recommendations that guide national regimes. Regions implement these standards through directives and laws, for example the European Union's AML Directives, and in the United States through the Bank Secrecy Act and related regulations enforced by FinCEN and other agencies. Non-financial sectors may also be subject to AML controls.

Effectiveness and challenges vary by jurisdiction and can be affected by resource constraints, data gaps, and differences in risk assessments. Ongoing reforms emphasize greater transparency of beneficial ownership, cross-border cooperation, and balancing AML goals with privacy and civil liberties concerns.