On August 18, 2020, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a statement on its approach to enforcing the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), to provide clarity on its approach to bringing compliance or enforcement actions due to potential or actual BSA violations. Most BSA requirements apply only to financial institutions; however, in certain circumstances, the BSA applies to business and individuals engaged in transactions who are not financial institutions. FinCEN also is able to impose civil monetary penalties on those who violate the BSA – and may be able to do so on partners, directors, officers, or employees who participate in the violations. Critically, FinCEN’s statement declares it seeks to establish violations of law based on statutes and regulations, instead of simply noncompliance with standards in a guidance document.
The recent guidance means companies and individuals need to be even more alert and attentive to potential risks. Given FinCEN’s statement and clarification, everyone should take this opportunity to review and enhance their compliance policies and reiterate their importance to their employees. And, consider completing random spot checks to ensure compliance systems are working properly.
FinCEN uses a variety of factors to determine the appropriate response to an actual or possible violation of the BSA. These factors include but are not limited to:
In its statement, FinCEN made clear it has the authority to take the following actions in an enforcement action: (1) take no action, (2) issue a warning letter, (3) seek an injunction or other equitable relief, (4) seek a settlement, (5) impose civil monetary penalties, and/or (6) refer the matter criminally. The regulated parties will have an opportunity to respond and contest both facts and conclusions of law in any FinCEN enforcement action.
FinCEN’s statement is an additional reminder to ensure your company’s compliance policies are appropriately tailored to your risk profile – and being closely followed. This statement follows closely behind two other FinCEN guidances1 demonstrating FinCEN’s continued presence and commitment to enforcing legal regimes like the BSA.
1 See Foley Client Alerts: FinCEN Issues Advisory on Cybercrime and Cyber-Enabled Crime Exploiting COVID-19 and FinCEN Issues Updated Guidance for Due Diligence of Hemp Businesses.