The Role of Blockchain in Strengthening Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Efforts
Introduction
In a world where the positives and negatives coexist, let us address the escalating issues of illegal activities. These activities are rising not only in various industries but especially in the financial sector. According to the PWC, 64% of businesses in the UK have been subject to fraud or other financial crime between 2020 and 2022.
Technologies while offering new opportunities to criminals. It can also provide supervisors with an advantage. Several Central banks have reported using data analytics for anti-money laundering and Countering the financing of terrorism purposes by adopting advanced techniques.
You might be familiar with various unlawful financial activities, specifically money laundering, making illegally obtained funds appear legal by concealing their illicit origins; others include transferring funds to terrorist groups to act for a serious threat. To combat and prevent multiple financial crimes, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations and measures were first introduced!
Before delving into a detailed understanding of AML and CFT, let’s explore the financial crime trends.
- The global AML market is expected to be worth USD 6.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 17.0% during the forecast period.
- Financial frauds accounted for 75% of cyber crimes in India from Jan 2020 to Jun 2023, according to a study by an IIT Kanpur-incubated start-up.
AML is a set of regulations or procedures implemented to prevent money laundering associated with financial and banking institutions. On the other hand, illegal transactions with terrorist groups make it difficult for the regulatory and other institutions to detect the transactions and the activities taking place across borders. Over half of the respondents mentioned lacking resources hampers their AML efforts.
In this blog, let’s understand the importance of blockchain in AML and CFT and how it benefits financial and banking institutions to circumvent these illicit activities associated with finances.
The Challenges
Money laundering and financing terrorism are the major global challenges which impact the financial stability and security of a country. Several challenges include a lack of control over transaction data and customer information, leading to a decline in product or service prices. Moreover, reduced stability adversely affects both the social and business economy. Well, if this continues, then there will be a huge impact on the nation’s economy. To eradicate this, blockchain was implemented. Now, it’s time to explore the importance of blockchain in AML and CFT.
Importance of Blockchain in AML and CFT
Blockchain technology, renowned for its decentralized and transparent nature, plays a pivotal role in enhancing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) efforts. Its importance stems from the following key aspects:
- Ensuring the data is secure;
- Verifies the identity with the KYC process;
- Records real-time data;
- Provides all the information collected is transparent;
- Helping the financial and banking to track the real amount or funds transferred;
- The use of the alert system for illegal activity.
Blockchain’s Impact on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism
AML and CFT integrated with blockchain could help financial institutions improve the efficiency, security and measures required to track money laundering and financing terrorism.
- Immutability: The information which will be collected through a decentralized ledger account will be stored and cannot be edited. Thus, it helps to secure the information without giving any chance to hackers or unauthorized persons to alter it.
- Real-time Monitoring: Improving transaction efficiency and effectiveness through the real-time monitoring and analysis of fund flow and origin or identity.
- Transparency: It improves transparency and accountability of the financial system by enabling the sharing of information enforced by law, regulations and financial institutions.
- Reduced Counterparty Risk: Blockchain minimizes counterparty risk, as transactions are trustlessly executed. This reduces the potential for fraudulent activities in financial dealings, a crucial aspect of AML and CFT.
- Smart Contracts: Smart contracts can be programmed to enforce AML and CFT rules automatically. They can restrict transactions involving suspicious parties or those exceeding certain thresholds, strengthening compliance efforts.
- Security & Privacy: Enabling any high-end security blocking for suspicious activity if found. While providing transparency, blockchain also respects users’ privacy, as transactions are pseudonymous. This delicate balance between transparency and privacy is essential in AML and CFT measures.
- Validation: The information about the identity after the verification process is stored in the ledger account. Each party transaction is approved and validated by the network. Once the network verifies the credentials, an encrypted block is created.
- Integrity: The integrity of the data of a customer’s background information, assets, income and other financial records is placed on a blockchain only after the consensus process, which tells the whole network that the information is accurate. This ensures accuracy and prevents false information by utilizing encrypted hashes.
To wrap up
Blockchain is an effective and promising tool for combating AML and CFT as it provides several advantages and improves the efficiency of financial institutions. The decentralized technology can reduce the risk factors associated with AML and CFT, leading to a decrease in suspicious activities. AML and CFT efforts enhance transparency, traceability, and automation while addressing privacy concerns. Its ability to reduce counterparty risk and facilitate cross-border transactions makes it a valuable tool in the fight against financial crimes and the financing of terrorism.
