The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the U.S. Federal Reserve Board (FRB) each took enforcement action against American Express for deficiencies in its Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money laundering compliance program.
United States
Posted inSanctions
Why the rise of countersanctions is increasing compliance risks on multiple fronts
Compliance teams in global companies are already grappling with constantly evolving sanctions regimes in the US, UK, and EU. Now, they must also watch countersanctions emerging in countries including Russia and China.
Posted inTechnology
FCC bans on foreign-made robotic devices, routers, and power inverters extend compliance risks
The move confirms a trend towards expanding national security controls into broader product categories that will affect many more compliance teams than previously.
Posted inRegulatory Enforcement
OTC Link pays $575,000 to SEC to settle alleged compliance failures
Broker-dealer OTC Link LLC has agreed to pay $575,000 to settle allegations that it repeatedly failed to create and enforce compliance policies and procedures for one of its trading platforms, which handles over-the-counter stocks, the SEC announced.
Posted inRegulatory Policy
DOJ revisions to Justice Manual address False Claims Act enforcement
The DOJ recently revised the Justice Manual to reinstate previous agency policy on how it will enforce FCA cases moving forward, and when it will seek to dismiss whistleblower actions.
Posted inTop Stories
Abbott to pay almost $385M in DOJ settlement over infant formula plant allegations
Abbott Laboratories will pay nearly $385 million to settle allegations, first brought by whistleblowers, that two of its infant formula plants had unsanitary conditions that did not comply with federal and state regulations, the DOJ announced.
Posted inWhistleblowers
More whistleblowers to receive 30 percent awards, CFTC says of rule changes
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) approved updates to its whistleblower rules designed to encourage participation by making it easier for more whistleblowers to receive 30 percent awards.
Posted inRegulatory Enforcement
Alcohol distributor pays $12.5M and ups compliance game in DOJ non-prosecution
A U.S. alcohol distributor has agreed to pay $12.5 million and make substantial compliance improvements to resolve allegations that the company and its executives made improper payments to retailers as bribes for business, the DOJ has announced.
Posted inAccounting & Auditing
New audit quality control standard amended to reduce compliance burden
Important revisions to the new audit quality control QC 1000 standard have been announced by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The intention is to increase flexibility for audit firms and reduce compliance costs.
Posted inFinancial Services
Statement by U.S. financial regulators clarifies confidentiality of suspicious activity filings
The federal Bank Secrecy Act does not prohibit financial institutions from speaking openly with customers who are the subjects of official SARs, according to a clarifying statement issued by U.S. financial regulators Wednesday.