Live Chats are only available to ACAMS Members.

Click here to access the members section of live chats where you can download log-in instructions for upcoming Live Chats and listen to previously recorded live chats.

ACAMS Live Chats are real-time question and answer sessions led by a moderator and a top industry expert. These FREE events are one hour in length and qualify for 1 CAMS credit. Once a month, ACAMS members can log on and listen to a leading expert dissect a relevant AML issue. No phone is needed, just connect to the internet (min 56K, DSL or T1 for best performance) to stream the audio live over your computer speakers. Audience members can become active participants in the session by submitting their most pressing questions. After sending your query, the presenter will address your question live on the air.

*Continuing Education Credits
ACAMS reviews attendance logs for all its live chats. To ensure you obtain your credit, please make sure you join the live chat no later than 5 minutes after the start and remain on it through its completion. To obtain your credit, please fill out the online form provided at the end of the live chat. Please note that recorded live chats are not eligible for credit.

When: Once every month Time: 12:00 PM EST (9:00 AM PST)

Upcoming ACAMS Live Chats

Live Chat with ACAMS Advisory Board Chairs:
"Tackling the Global AML Beast---Hot Topics and Strategies."

March 24, 2010
12:00 PM EST

Join current ACAMS Advisory Board Chair Rick Small and former chairs Dan Soto and John Byrne, as they discuss the major issues covered at the MoneyLaundering.com 15th Annual International Anti-Money Laundering Conference as well as the Advisory Board's priorities for 2010. Key topics to include new AML trends and related challenges such as sanctions and financial crime.

The panelists will also answer your questions.

Previous ACAMS Live Chats with Recordings

2009 ACAMS Live Chats Recordings   Effectively Determining Beneficial Owners of Corporate Accounts December 16, 2009 More Information   Regional Focus: Responding to Caribbean Money Laundering Challenges November 20, 2009 More Information   Preventing Money Laundering in Political Processes October 29, 2009 More Information   Overcoming AML Challenges within Mid-Sized Financial Institutions September 15, 2009 More Information   Forming Win-Win Partnerships between Financial Entities and Law Enforcement   August 27, 2009 More Information   Understanding the Money Laundering Risks of Hedge Funds July 30, 2009 More Information   Improving the Quality of Internal Audits and Independent Reviews June 18, 2009 More Information   State of "AML” May 28, 2009 More Information   Leveraging AML Systems to Combat Tax Evasion Apr. 14, 2009 More Information   Complying with the Final Rule of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act Mar. 11, 2009 More Information   What Can AML Professionals Do to Help Control Mortgage Fraud? Feb. 19, 2009 More Information   Improving AML Controls in a Tightening Economy Jan. 22, 2009 More Information   Previous Live Chats 2008 2007

2009

Effectively Determining Beneficial Owners of Corporate Accounts
December 16, 2009 

Undertaking due diligence to uncover the true parties hiding behind trusts and shell companies is a necessary task to protect your institution from abuse. But is it truly possible to pierce the veils of secrecy that corporations and trusts provide? In this live chat, our expert answers your questions about how you can mitigate the risks of accounts whose ownership has been masked, what legislative changes on beneficial ownership can mean to your institution.

Experts:
David Chenkin
Partner
Zeichner Ellman & Krause LLP

Hank Grant
Chief Operating Officer
SightSpan

Regional Focus: Responding to Caribbean Money Laundering Challenges
November 20, 2009   

Despite significant progress by Caribbean nations to strengthen AML controls, recent high-profile tax evasion and money laundering cases in the region could lead to greater scrutiny of financial entities by their global partners. In this session, ask our expert speaker how to solve the challenges you face, including maintaining correspondent relationships and conducting business with financial institutions in the United States and abroad.

Expert:
Judith Watler, CAMS
Compliance Director
WALKERS

Preventing Money Laundering in Political Processes
October 29, 2009 

Criminal organizations don’t seek only to conceal the funds they generate from their illicit activities; they often seek to use that money to influence politicians in or running for office around the world. This creates a new type of politically exposed person: people who have not yet been elected but who have received donations from illicit sources.  This activity also creates challenges for financial entities, electoral authorities and law enforcement. In this live chat, learn what you need to know about this issue and how to address the challenges it poses to your institution.

Expert:
Alberto Avila, CAMS
Executive Director
COMLAFT

Overcoming AML Challenges within Mid-Sized Financial Institutions
September 15, 2009

Smaller institutions must achieve the same stringent level of anti-money laundering requirements as their larger counterparts – often with fewer resources.  How can smaller entities leverage limited resources to meet regulatory expectations? In this live chat, ask our expert speaker direct questions about how to tackle the compliance challenges faced by small to mid-sized financial institutions.

Expert:
Charles Taylor, CAMS
Director of BSA Compliance
CalNational Bank

Forming Win-Win Partnerships between Financial Entities and Law Enforcement   
August 27, 2009

Financial institutions are law enforcement’s key allies in financial investigations. But financial entities often misunderstand their obligations to provide information, often leading to frustration on both sides. In this live chat, our expert speaker explains how to form win-win partnerships that will aid financial investigations and eliminates your doubts when responding to law enforcement requests for information.

Expert:
James A. Cox
Sergeant
Fairfax County Police Department

Understanding the Money Laundering Risks of Hedge Funds
July 30, 2009

The new U.S. administration has introduced legislation that would impose regulatory requirements for hedge funds. If these changes are enacted, what will they mean for those AML professionals with a limited understanding of these entities, as well as for securities compliance professionals with little exposure to AML compliance? In this live chat, our expert speaker will answer your most pressing questions about hedge funds and ongoing efforts to regulate them.

Experts:

Chris Ernst, CAMS, CFE, JD, CPA
Managing Director, Kahler Forensic Solutions, LLC

Chris has been at the forefront of AML/KYI (Know Your Investor) in hedge funds, and has published several articles on the subject in publications such as ACAMS Today and Fraud Magazine. As managing director at Kahler Forensic Solutions, Chris has built strong partnerships with hedge fund professionals and leading hedge fund compliance firms to form a high quality hedge fund AML/KYI product.

Patrick F. Shea
Senior Vice President, HedgeOp Compliance, LLC

Prior to joining HedgeOp Compliance in 2003, Patrick served as Assistant Counsel for Baring Asset Management Inc., where he was responsible for general compliance oversight and legal support in the areas of product development, marketing and distribution. Prior to this, Patrick worked for Scudder Investments with responsibility for various compliance functions within its retirement plan and trust departments. Patrick is certified as an Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional (IACCPsm) by National Regulatory Service's Center for Compliance Professionals.

Improving the Quality of Internal Audits and Independent Reviews
June 18, 2009

Ongoing internal audits and outside independent reviews allow you to identify potential flaws in your program and help prevent potential non-compliance before a regulator steps in. However, many institutions struggle with conducting effective audits in areas such as employing review teams that examiners consider independent and adequately following up on audit results. In this live chat, our expert speaker answers your questions about how to select an objective external review team and identify problem areas and rectify deficiencies—all before the examiners arrive.

Speaker:
Susan J. Galli, CAMS
Managing Director, Galli AML Advisory
Susan specializes in anti-money laundering compliance advisory and risk management. Most recently she served as a Managing Director and Practice Leader for the AML Compliance Risk Advisory & Forensics Practice of a big-five consulting firm. Susan has over 15 years experience providing AML services such as developing AML risk scoring policies and procedures and conducting in-depth reviews of financial institutions’ AML programs. Previously, she served as the senior anti-money laundering coordinator and a member of Citigroup’s Global Anti-Money Laundering team, as well as AML director for Citigroup businesses in Latin America.

State of "AML”
May 28, 2009

Join us for an AML Washington update from John J. Byrne, CAMS, ACAMS Advisory Board Chair. In this complimentary fourty minute session, John will discussed 2009 legislative developments proposed in Congress that may impact your institution, as well as future plans for ACAMS.

Leveraging AML Systems to Combat Tax Evasion
April 14, 2009

Did you know that your organization can be penalized for housing an account that is used to avoid taxes? Banks, brokerage houses and insurance companies may all be vulnerable to this financial crime.  In this live chat, learn how the same tools which would alert you to potential money laundering activities can also be optimized to detect possible tax evasion within both domestic and offshore accounts. Our expert explains how KYC due diligence can help uncover U.S. citizens posing as foreign entities in order to avoid taxation.

Expert:

Emmett Denham, CAMS
Special Agent, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division
Emmett Denham investigates complex financial crimes associated with tax evasion, money laundering, narcotics, organized crime, public corruption, and much more.  He has served an instructor and authored training materials for new special agent trainees of the National Criminal Investigation Training Academy (NCITA) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Previously, Emmett was an assistant bank examiner with the FDIC.  

Complying with the Final Rule of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
March 11, 2009

As of January 19, 2009, financial transaction providers are required to establish and implement written policies and procedures to identify and block or otherwise prohibit transactions connected to illegal online gambling.  As compliance budgets shrink, how can you execute the enhanced due diligence that the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act requires? Our expert provides tools and tips to modify your account opening procedures in order to demonstrate that your institution has controls in place to screen and prevent the processing of illicit Internet gambling proceeds.

Expert:
Joseph M. Kelly, Ph.D., J.D., Professor of Business Law, State College at Buffalo
Joseph M. Kelly is co-editor of the Gaming Law Review and an associate of Catania & Associates, Law Offices, L.L.C. and Catania Consulting Group. He is considered an expert in the field of gaming and has been an invited speaker on gaming topics throughout the world. He has appeared as an expert witness for Park Place Casino, Boyd Gaming, and Harvey’s Casino as well as card clubs in San Jose California. 

What Can AML Professionals Do to Help Control Mortgage Fraud?
February 19, 2009

Reports of mortgage fraud have soared over the past two years with the sub-prime mortgage market collapse and the sharp increase in defaults and foreclosures. The “fast cash” associated with mortgage fraud makes it an appealing vehicle for money launderers. In addition, mortgage broker channels are largely unregulated, making the real estate industry highly susceptible to abuse. Don’t miss this chance to learn how you can leverage your current BSA/AML controls to detect and prevent the threat of mortgage fraud before it effects your institution. 

Expert:
Charles Falciglia, CAMS, Vice President/BSA Officer, Mariner’s Bank
Charles Falciglia oversees BSA/AML/OFAC compliance for this New Jersey-based bank. Previously he was security and compliance manager for the ADP Federal Credit Union. He has worked in the banking and credit union industry for 30 years in a variety of across-the-board positions including lending, collections, compliance and operations. He has worked for both small community institutions and large regional ones. Charles has been a member of the ACAMS Today editorial task force for two years and has written 11 articles for the magazine on a wide range of AML issues, including two cover stories.

Improving AML Controls in a Tightening Economy
January 22, 2009

The current economic climate has forced compliance departments to shift their focus to credit quality and lending. As a result, experts say some financial institutions may opt to loosen AML/CTF restrictions on new business, accepting accounts from locations and lines of business that would have previously been considered too risky. In this live chat, learn how to combat this increased vulnerability to abuse, even as levels of allocated personnel and monitoring controls shrink during times of recession.

Expert:
S. Marshall Martin, Senior Vice President, General Banking Group Director of International & High Risk Customer Governance
Marshall has over 15 years of bank regulatory compliance/risk management, finance, accounting, and legal experience. His present accountabilities at Wachovia Bank, N.A. relate to executing against USA PATRIOT Act, Bank Secrecy Act and OCC mandates with respect to high-risk customers (e.g., foreign nationals, Money Services Businesses, PEPs, charities, foreign legal entities, travel agencies, etc.). He has taken a lead role in the credit arena as a subject matter expert in the area of lending to foreign nationals. Marshall works regularly with Risk Management, Legal Division, Loss Management, and Treasury Services on large cross enterprise risk projects (e.g., policy formation, IT risk projects, establishing adequate governance/controls, developing and executing business self assessment programs, managing Internal Audit and OCC issue/audits/exams, etc.).

2008

How To Capture and Document Suspicious Activity Investigations
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm EST.

Are you taking the appropriate steps to investigate possible unusual activity after it’s identified? Now’s your chance to learn and get your questions answered on the steps you should take from the moment you detect potentially suspicious activity to the moment you decide to file or not to file a suspicious activity report. In this dynamic live chat, our expert speaker will walk you through assigning an investigator, determining if a filing is necessary, approval of filing, and field your questions on how to effectively manage this process to protect your organization and meet regulatory expectations.

Expert:
Brian L. Mannion, Lead Counsel, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
Brian practices in the areas of insurance, securities, privacy, OFAC and anti-money laundering. For the last six years he has been the primary lawyer responsible for implementing the Bank Secrecy Act and the OFAC for Nationwide, including its broker/dealers, bank, mutual funds, and life insurance companies. Prior to joining Nationwide, he was an assistant vice president of a regional bank where he served as the BSA officer. He currently serves as a director of the Central Ohio Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel.

Reducing False Positives: Using Statistics in Peer Group Analysis
Thursday, November 6, 2008
12:00PM EST

Monitoring customers purely on the basis of historical activity can be misleading. You may find that there are no spikes in activity, yetthe activity is not consistent with similar types of customers. An account can have a historical transaction activity that is substantially different from what you expect from that type of customer. An example is a check-cashing business that deposits large sums of currency, whereas other check cashing businesses mainly withdraw currency to fund the cashing of checks. Using statistics -such as standard deviation, z-score etc. - combined with a robust Customer Identification Program (CIP),you can set up reliable peer groups and analyze the behavior of an account compared to those of its peer groups. In this live chat, our expert will guide you on how to set up reliable peer groups and how its analysis can yield to enhanced transaction monitoring.

Expert:
Saskia Rietbroek, CAMS
President of AML Services International (www.nomoneylaundering.com) a consulting and training company in the money laundering and terrorist financing field. She conducts AML audits and otherservicesfor financial institutions in the U.S, Caribbean, and Latin America. She is also Financial Crime Advisor to Fiserv Fraud and Compliance,a leading firm in enterprise risk monitoring solutions. From 2001-2005, she was the founding Executive Director ofACAMS and currently serves on the ACAMS Advisory Board. She has an International MBA from Florida International University, and speaks five languages.

U.S. Securities Laws and Overseas Investors – the Perfect Storm for Money Launderers
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
12:00PM EST

In the fast paced world of securities, it is imperative compliance officers are up to speed on the latest laws and regulations, otherwise they can fall prey to the misdeeds of money launderers. To keep up with today’s headlines, our next live chat will focus on the money laundering implications of the sale of unregistered U.S. securities abroad. In this session, see how boiler-room operations can mask stock ownership and facilitate the flow of shares and funds. Our expert will identify some essential red flags for compliance officers when spotting stock scams. Also gain knowledge on some of the perils related to fungibility, such as when cash is swapped for shares and vice versa. Finally, learn about Regulation S and how can it be used to conceal identities, the source of funds and the owners of securities, and what you can do to protect your institution from these risks.

Expert:
Hartley Bernstein – Partner, Bernstein & Cherney, LLP
Hartley is currently a Partner in the New York law firm of Bernstein & Cherney, LLP. He counsels individuals and businesses in connection with diverse corporate and securities matters, including public and private offerings, mergers and acquisitions, securities brokerage transactions, and regulatory issues. He has represented clients on these, and other related matters, before federal and state courts and in arbitrations. In addition, Hartley has published StockPatrol.com, an online magazine that investigates securities schemes and provides useful information for investors, financial institutions and regulators.

Cutting Costs and Enhancing Your AML Compliance Efforts - a Paradox?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
11:00AM EST

In this turbulent economic climate, the state of the financial markets is putting pressure on every part of your organization. AML department leaders are feeling pressed to evaluate the cost drivers of their AML programs and to consider what cost-cutting techniques are available. Automating compliance functions or using offshore services can be viable options to improve efficiency while meeting your organization’s budget and regulatory needs. In this live chat, our expert, Markus Schulz, Chief Compliance Officer Global Life of Zurich Insurance Company, will share his experiences on how to achieve greater efficiencies in your AML compliance efforts and what your compliance department can achieve with a shrinking budget without compromising quality.

Expert:
Markus Schulz, Chief Compliance Officer Global Life & Banking and Global Head Financial Crime, Zurich Insurance
Markus joined Zurich in January 2008 after 13 years at ABN AMRO Bank, where he held various senior global compliance positions, including global head compliance service center and COO AML compliance, as well as corporate senior vice president and a member of the global compliance management team. Prior to his time in compliance, he served in a variety of senior in-country, regional and global management positions in the back-, mid- and front-office located in Germany, UK and the Netherlands for almost a decade. He is an active member of multiple banking industry compliance groups and is a regular presenter at compliance, AML, financial crime and anti-fraud conferences worldwide.

CAMS Recertification: What You Need to Know to Retain Your CAMS Designation
Thursday, July 31, 2008
12:00PM ET (9:00AM PT)

You worked hard to become CAMS certified so make sure all your effort does not go to waste by preparing for the recertification process. Recertification is an essential element of the CAMS designation because it demonstrates your commitment to staying informed and educated about the rapidly changing AML world. To remain CAMS certified, you must accumulate 30 continuing education credits by December 31st of the third year of your recertification cycle. Will you be ready? In this interactive ACAMS Live Chat, learn the steps you must take in order to successfully complete the recertification process and submit your questions to our ACAMS Certification Manager. Ensure that you are prepared for the recertification deadline so that your CAMS credential remains valid and your job secure.

Did you earn your CAMS credential in 2005? If so, the December 31st 2008 deadline to submit your recertification paperwork is rapidly approaching! Don’t miss this opportunity to get your most pressing questions answered! For more information regarding the recertification process and deadlines, please go here.

Expert:
Giovanna Oquendo, ACAMS Certification Manager

Top Down/Bottom Up: What That Means to AML Technology and Business Procedures
June 30, 2008
12:00PM ET (9:00AM PT)

Everyone knows that new technology can make all kinds of promises to streamline, simplify and improve compliance functions. Sometimes they make good on their promises and deliver robust solutions to automate AML compliance. Other times they are thwarted and fail to meet our expectations. For example, what do you do when a wire room transaction file is unable to identify an internal account vs. an external account? Also, how do you overcome accounting system confines which restrict the presentation and format of customer invoices? In this live chat, learn how to surmount data tracking limitations that fail to capture appropriate business level details. Discover new remediation options to help adjust policy and improve follow-up with IT remediation projects. Finally, leave this session understanding if it is practical to execute these procedures, and if so, how to customize them for your organization.

Expert:
Avery Wellman, CAMS, Senior Engagement Manager with Accuity Solutions
Avery is currently a Senior Engagement Manager with Accuity’s Strategic Services Group. He began his career in software development then moved into requirements and business analysis. Prior to joining Accuity, he was the lead for Mantas’s Requirements Group and contributed to the firm’s AML product offerings, which he developed, produced and installed for many bank and brokerage clients. Avery has expanded into the business and regulatory side of compliance by working with organizations worldwide. His experience runs the gamut from establishing policy and procedure to auditing entire programs.

The 3rd EU Directive and Its Implications on Due Diligence Standards
May 30, 2008
12:00PM ET (9:00AM PT)

Conducting proper due diligence, and understanding the laws that dictate it, raises many questions for AML professionals working around the globe. The 3rd European Union (EU) Directive is an influential regulation that has far reaching power. One of the key concerns related to the directive is to define whether simplified or enhanced customer diligence, or Know Your Customer measures are required. In this session, discuss issues attached to public record research in Europe and how the process compares to that in the U.S. Discover ways in which the limited or in some cases, unreliable public record information can be complemented by other resources. Also gain insight on the particular money laundering risks facing Central and Eastern Europe and how these transitional economies are impacted by the 3rd EU directive.

Expert:
Jennifer Hanley, CAMS, Founder of Business Risk Research Limited
Jennifer Hanley is the founder of Business Risk Research Limited a Berlin-based consultancy. Through her company she works for a number of large international risk consultancies and financial institutions undertaking enhanced due diligence investigations both in Western and Eastern Europe. Previously, she worked for The Risk Advisory Group, a risk management consultancy headquartered in London. Later she joined Control Risks, one of the largest business risk consultancies, where she built up the Eastern European practice focusing on business intelligence and anti-money laundering compliance services.

AML Quality Assurance Program: The Benefits and Where to Begin
April 30, 2008
12:00PM ET (9:00AM PT)

In this live chat we’ll discuss how an effective Quality Assurance team can enhance your AML program. Receive guidance on what a successful Quality Assurance program entails. Also discover where and how to begin and what groundwork should be laid prior to implementation. Take this opportunity to get your questions answered on the scope and execution of an AML Quality Assurance program by our expert Barry Emmert, CAMS, Vice President at ABN AMRO N.V. in New York.

Expert:
Barry Emmert, CAMS
Emmert is the Vice President of U.S. AML Compliance for ABN AMRO N.V. in New York. Previously, he was a member of the corporate anti-money laundering team at JPMorgan Chase, New York, where he managed the bank’s anti-money laundering quality assurance team and global training program, and oversaw the bank’s AML risk assessment program. He previously worked on white collar and money laundering criminal defense cases at the law firm of Kenna, Johnston & Sharkey.

High-Risk Customers and Enhanced Due Diligence: Raising the Bar
March 25, 2008
12:00PM ET (9:00AM PT)

Taking on high-risk customers sometimes makes good business sense. But risky accounts also bring greater responsibilities and tougher scrutiny from regulators. How can you standardize enhanced due diligence efforts throughout your institution and ensure that they keep pace with its growth? Can you guarantee that some customers don’t evade proper scrutiny? This real-time chat will introduce you to the primary mechanisms for identifying high-risk customers. You’ll learn how to both review initial risk evaluations and ensure ongoing enhanced due diligence. Plus, you’ll see how to create systems to re-evaluate risk over time so that your institution can focus resources on its most critical areas.

Expert:
Margaret O’Brien, Esq., CAMS - President of AMLUSA Inc.
As president of the anti-money laundering consulting firm AMLUSA Inc., O’Brien helps clients create and implement polices and procedures that keep them in full compliance with anti-money laundering laws and regulations. She specializes in developing institution-wide frameworks for customer identification and due diligence across business lines and jurisdictions, designing and calibrating automated detection systems that use both profile and ad hoc report-based monitoring, and compliance auditing and training. Before founding AMLUSA, O’Brien was Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance officer for Puerto Rico's second-largest bank, and BSA compliance manager for the Puerto Rican subsidiary of one of the Top 10 financial groups in the world.

Tackling the Issues Facing Foreign Branches of U.S. Financial Institutions
February 26, 2008
12:00PM ET (9:00AM PT)

Your job as compliance officer is never easy, especially when you work abroad for a U.S. financial institution. Regulations may be subject to change depending on jurisdiction. Regional laws may clash with local requirements. Key definitions of such things as politically exposed persons (PEPs) can differ by area, creating operational issues. In this live chat, you’ll learn how torecognize differences between U.S. policiesand localrequirements, and identify ways to satisfyboth. Plus, you’ll find out how topinpoint Know Your Customer (KYC) problems, tailor your Customer Identification Program (CIP), and handle correspondent banking issuesin ordertohelp protect your institution from regulatory scrutiny.

Expert:
Sandra Brown, CAMS, Chief Anti-Money laundering (AML) Officer, Bank of America Canada Branch
Sandra Brown is responsible for centralizing and managing all AML efforts for Bank of America in Canada, as well as for managing relationships with local regulators on AML-related topics. Her extensive background includes AML and regulatory work for the provincial government and the Canadian federal government’s financial intelligence unit, FINTRAC, and 12 years of national security experience.

Acquisition Due Diligence: Anti-Money Laundering Comes to the Table
January 24, 2008
12:00PM ET (9:00AM PT)

Advising on mergers and acquisitions has become a valuable and lucrative business for many financial institutions. Traditionally, the due diligence examinations that institutions conduct has focused on such concerns as credit quality, financial statement analysis and legal risks. But the 2001 USA Patriot Act introduced a new element: Weighing the effectiveness of the target company’s anti-money laundering (AML) compliance program. Assessing a prospective acquisition’s AML program is essential before closing the deal - but where do you begin? In this penetrating live chat session, you will learn the key steps to take in performing AML due diligence. And you will find out how creating a comprehensive compliance regime, and reviewing the target’s transaction monitoring and Know Your Customer (KYC) data can keep regulators satisfied and avert disasters.

Expert:
Vasilios Chrisos, CAMS - Senior Manager of Anti-Money Laundering Advisory Services, Ernst & Young
Vasilios Chrisos provides targeted Bank Secrecy Act/AML assessments of financial services organizations and subject matter guidance on enterprise-wide AML controls. He has served financial institutions for more than 16 years in the areas of risk management, compliance, internal audit and process improvement. Vasilios has worked with financial institutions that were either undergoing or facing regulatory enforcement actions and advised them on communication strategies with regulators, including regular updates on the progress of remediation efforts.

2007

Recertification 101: What You Need to Know to Retain Your CAMS Designation
December 20th, 2007
12:00PM ET (9:00AM PT)

You worked hard to become CAMS certified so make sure all your effort does not go to waste by preparing for the recertification process. Recertification is an essential element of the CAMS designation because it demonstrates your commitment to staying informed and educated about the rapidly changing AML world. To remain CAMS certified, you must accumulate 30 continuing education credits by December 31st of the third year of your recertification cycle. Will you be ready? In this interactive ACAMS Live Chat, learn the steps you must take in order to successfully complete the recertification process and submit your questions to our ACAMS Certification Manager. Ensure that you are prepared for the recertification deadline so that your CAMS credential remains valid and your job secure.

Did you earn your CAMS credential in 2004? If so, the December 31st 2007 deadline to submit your recertification paperwork is rapidly approaching! Don’t miss this opportunity to get your most pressing questions answered! For more information regarding the recertification process and deadlines, please visit our website: http://www.acams.org/Certification/RecertificationActivities.aspx

Expert:
Xaila Navarro, Certification Manager for ACAMS
Xaila Navarro has been working for ACAMS since June 2007 and is currently the Manager for the Certification Department. During her time at ACAMS, she has assisted those individuals interested in attaining the CAMS credential while also implementing new procedures and guidelines for the CAMS certification and recertification process. Xaila graduated from Florida International University with a BS in International Business and a concentration in French.

Ensure Success with Independent and Accurate AML/BSA Audits
October 31, 2007
12:00 PM EST (9:00 AM PST)

Financial institutions are required to have ongoing testing of their compliance programs to ensure their effectiveness. However, performing an independent audit of your AML/BSA program can feel like an overwhelming and arduous task. The burden is increased when you must demonstrate to examiners that not only are your audits truly independent but also adequate. Does your independent audit accurately cover the many areas of your compliance program from top to bottom? In this Live Chat, learn how to manage and execute a successful audit of your compliance program. Find out what specific techniques can be utilized to make sure you have properly assessed all the major areas. These fundamental tips can help safeguard your institution from money laundering risks while also satisfying examiners.

Expert:
Lyndon Ford, CAMS, Senior Consultant – AML/BSA Compliance PCi Corporation, a part of Wolters Kluwer Financial Services
As a Senior Consultant for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance, Lyndon assists PCi clients in the successful application of various technology tools that are designed to promote regulatory compliance and business efficiencies. This work involves consulting, training, and product development. Prior to joining PCi, Lyndon worked as a Federal regulator of AML and BSA compliance for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) where he served as a BSA/AML subject matter expert. In those positions he researched, analyzed, and applied AML, BSA, and Consumer Protection banking regulations to resolve various compliance reporting problems. In addition, while with the IRS, Lyndon assisted U.S. Attorneys by providing testimony as an expert court witness for Federal Government AML cases. After a twenty-four year career with the government, Lyndon worked as Vice President of AML Quality Assurance for Comerica Bank in Detroit, MI.

Leveraging Your AML Program to Protect Against Other Risks
September 18, 2007
12:30 PM EST (9:30 AM PST)

The relentless increase in anti-money laundering (AML) requirements may actually be a blessing to beleaguered compliance officers. That’s because the same policies and procedures mandated for AML reasons may work just as effectively across multiple lines of business to cut the risk of serious financial harm unrelated to money laundering. In this live chat, you will learn how to leverage your existing compliance strategies more fully to ensure the protections you need throughout your operations. You will be able to ask Dan Soto, a recognized anti-money laundering expert, whether your institution is using its compliance program to its full potential to perform due diligence and enhanced due diligence to prevent fraud of all kinds. You will come away from this interactive Q and A session with fresh and insightful recommendations on how to use your current transaction monitoring system efficiently and cost-effectively.

Expert:
Dan Soto, CAMS – Chief Compliance Officer, RBC Centura
Dan Soto was recently elected as the new chief compliance officer of RBC Centura. Before joining RBC, he was responsible for overseeing anti-money laundering (AML) and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) compliance activities in Bank of America's worldwide operations. He also worked as bank examiner with the FDIC and the Federal Reserve and helped develop the Fed's AML examination policies. He is recognized as an expert in the international laundering compliance field

Suspicious Activity Reports: An Investigator's Perspective
August 31, 2007

When compiled properly, Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) are a bulwark in the defense against money laundering and terrorist financing. But if they are written poorly, SARs do little but burden investigators needlessly and draw regulatory criticism. In this live chat, moderated by Luis O. Rivera, veteran special agent in charge of the Miami office of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) criminal investigations division, you'll learn how to compile a sharp, incisive SAR and find out just what vital information needs to be included. You'll also hear how SAR review teams can help you spot weaknesses and correct them, and will evaluate specific cases to determine what types of activities are indeed suspicious so that you can protect your institution from genuine threats.

Expert:
Luis O. Rivera - Special Agent, Miami Office of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Criminal Investigations Division
Luis O. Rivera is in charge of planning, coordinating and leading the investigation operations in South Florida since May 2003. Previously, he was Deputy Director for the “Green Quest” operation in Washington, D.C., a Department of the Treasury initiative to detect money that was destined to facilitate, promote or finance terrorist activities. In his capacity as a Deputy Director, he directed and coordinated the investigative activities in more than 35 offices around the United States. In Colombia, he represented the IRS as an expert in money laundering, assisted the FATF in matters related to the black market peso exchange and money laundering through smuggling.

Real Estate: The Growing Money Laundering Threat
July 31, 2007

According to recent reports, there has been a significant rise in the use of real estate investments for money laundering. This is evident by the increase in SAR filings and the number of cases successfully adjudicated by the US Justice Department. The most common money laundering technique is through the use of nominees, however there are other popular methods such as false mortgages, overpricing, and through the funding of new constructions. So how do you make sure your institution doesn’t become a conduit for financial crime? In this live chat, learn the red flags to detect money laundering in real estate and also discover industry best practices, such as setting up robust KYC and AML compliance programs, that can help prevent money laundering altogether.

Expert:
James Wright - Senior Advisor Banking, US Treasury Department Office of Technical Assistance
James Wright has over twenty-four years of bank regulatory experience with specialized knowledge of the bank examination process, anti-money laundering compliance, bank economic development programs and other banking reform programs in Eastern Europe and developing countries. He has special expertise in advising countries on developing regulatory programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. In addition, Wright assists countries in promoting a more competitive and market responsive private sector by training bank regulators and commercial banks in small business lending, mortgage lending, marketing, derivatives and risk management. In addition, Wright has provided contracting services to The Asian Development Bank, USAID, US Treasury Department Office of Technical Assistance (OTA), KPMG BearingPoint, Development Associates, Pragma Corporation, IBTCI and World Bank.

Credit Unions and AML: Fighting the Good Fight
June 21, 2007

As credit unions continue to cultivate and expand the variety of services they offer to members, so grows their risk of falling prey to the exploits of money launderers. Credit unions are subject to the same AML/BSA regulations as regular banks, but can face specific challenges such as budgetary constraints and small staffs. In addition, their customers are members so closing an account isn’t so simple. So how do you expel a credit union member for BSA violations? In this live chat, discover how AML officers are dealing with Know Your Customer vs. Know Your Transaction dilemmas. Also, learn about senior management’s role and how proposed rule 748 could cause unpleasant side effects on credit unions.

Expert:
Charles Falciglia, CAMS, Compliance Security Manager, ADP Federal Credit Union
Charles Falciglia is the Compliance Security Manager for ADP Federal Credit Union, a member owned cooperative with over 12,000 members nationwide. He has worked in the banking and credit union industry for over 25 years in a variety of positions including lending, collections, compliance and operations. He has worked for both small community institutions and large regional ones. He is CAMS certified and a member of the ACAMS Editorial Task Force as a contributing writer. In 2005, he authored, Red State Blue State White House, a historical analysis of the Electoral College vote since the Civil War.

International PEPs: Assessment, Evaluation and Interpretations
May 22, 2007

Sometimes identifying a PEP can be tricky and turn into a difficult undertaking. Enhanced due diligence and your research play key factors in your daily assessments of PEPs. Learn proper identification of PEPs on an international scale. Discover the different ways to interpret or determine a PEP from your institutions PEP list. Also learn if you are asking the appropriate questions when researching and assessing the risks of your PEPs. In this Live interactive Q and A session with our expert, you will get your questions answered

Expert:
Alina Amanci, CAMS, Associate Director of Risk Internal Control Group, UBS International Inc.
Alina Amanci. Ms. Amanci has over 14 years of experience in the Financial Services/Investment Banking Industry on both International and Domestic fronts with a specialty in Anti-Money Laundering/ Compliance sectors. At UBS, Amanci is responsible for overseeing all AML procedures for UBS International offices including NRA clients in South America, Asia, Middle East, and Africa. She oversees all new account processes such as Know Your Customer and Customer Identification Programs, Enhanced Due Diligence as well as Politically Exposed/Sensitive Persons, complex legal structures and entities, and Cross Border issues. She has previously worked with top tier Global Investment Banks/Broker Dealers. She is also fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian and is CAMS certified.

How to Solve the Most Common BSA Compliance Problems in Community Banks
April 18, 2007

Among the many challenges that community banks encounter, passing a Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) examination is one of the heaviest burdens a compliance officer will face. In this interactive ACAMS Live Chat with Andrew Thompson, CAMS, BSA /AML examination coordinator with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas, obtain solutions to the most common BSA compliance problems found in examinations. Acquire the community bank “basics” for suspicious activity monitoring, identification and reporting. Ask our expert about the common pitfalls encountered when complying with 314a search requests. Discover how an effective BSA risk assessment is the driver for a well-rounded compliance program. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional. 

Expert:
Andrew Thompson, CAMS, BSA AML Examination Coordinator, Federal Reserve Bank Kansas City
Andrew Thompson is a Senior Examiner at the Denver Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and serves as the 10th Federal Reserve District’s BSA Compliance Coordinator. He joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City in 1977 after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BBA) from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and an MBA from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. During the course of his 29-year career in the Bank’s Supervision and Risk Management Division, Andrew has held positions in a number of different departments and has served since February 2003 as the Bank’s BSA subject matter expert and coordinator of related exam activities for more than 170 state member banks located in Colorado, Kansas, western Missouri, Nebraska, northern New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. He is a graduate of the Colorado Graduate School of Banking in Boulder and became a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) in 2005.

Hawala Requirements and the AML Challenges They Pose
March 13, 2007

Hawala is an alternative or parallel remittance system, it existsand operates outside of, or parallel to "traditional" banking or financial channels which is a popular means to move funds in regions such as the Middle East and Asia. This method of transferring funds is vulnerable to terrorist financing and money laundering because users are able to circumvent the formal system, have minimum to no record keeping requirements and lax identification requirements. These characteristics of Hawalas make it a prime target for criminals. Internationally, the Middle East and North Africa Task Force (MENA-FATF) has issued best practices concerning Hawala regulation to better identify the risks and recommended measures to regulate them. In the United States, FinCEN has geared more focus to regularly review SARs on potential Hawalas (unregistered MSBs) and is working with the IRS and law enforcement on effective education initiatives. This upcoming Live Chat session will be an excellent opportunity for you to get your most pertinent questions answered regarding recommended measures you can take to fulfill your Hawala requirements.

Expert:
Bashir Ahmad Al-Nakib, CAMS, QMS Certified Lead Auditor, Head of Lebanese Canadian Bank's Compliance Division
Al-Nakib is Head of Lebanese Canadian Bank's Compliance Division. His responsibilities include:representing compliance at various committees, identifying laws and regulations applicable to the business lines, review compliance policies, procedures and monitoring systems, develop compliance training plan for key regulations, perform periodic testing of targeted regulations, identify changes to laws and regulations and support enhancement of related policy, procedures and systems, interface with bank regulators and auditors including follow-up on findings, and review new products, projects and business initiatives for regulatory compliance, member of the AML Committee at Lebanon Bankers Association, previously he was a quality compliance auditor for Lebanese Canadian Bank, and before that, the branch manager of ABN AMRO Bank Beirut - Lebanon.