Money laundering and the risk of diminishing returns

Abstract

Purpose

Concern about money laundering and the financing of terrorism has become one of the major preoccupations of governments and financial sector regulators around the world. This paper aims to discuss this issue in the context of regulatory standards now being introduced around the world following recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, an inter‐governmental body based in Paris, set up in 1989 by the G7.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an opinion piece based on current and recent developments in financial regulations.

Findings

Businesses in the financial sector are having to comply with a substantial amount of new legal obligations which are designed to draw them into a comprehensive web of safeguards and controls that has the ultimate aim of detecting money laundering and terrorist financing activity.

Originality/value

This paper will be of value to those involved in corporate governance and regulation.

Citation

Davies, J. (2007), "Money laundering and the risk of diminishing returns", Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 22 No. 7, pp. 729-732. https://doi.org/10.1108/02686900710772618