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Article
Publication date: 9 July 2020

Fabian Maximilian Teichmann and Marie-Christin Falker

This paper aims to demonstrate how illicit funds are being laundered through underground currency exchange networks.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate how illicit funds are being laundered through underground currency exchange networks.

Design/methodology/approach

Sixty interviews with money launderers and compliance officers were conducted to identify methods relevant to current money laundering issues. Further, a quantitative survey of 200 compliance officers was administered.

Findings

The currency exchange method is highly suitable for money launderers with access to a criminal network. It may be used for placement or pre-placement. Evidently, the vast majority of compliance officers fail to recognize the utilization of this method in their daily business.

Research limitations/implications

Implications are based on the statements of 60 interviewees, comprising both alleged money launderers and compliance officers.

Practical implications

The study identified gaps in anti-money laundering mechanisms. The documentation of said inconsistencies aims to provide compliance officers, law enforcement agencies and legislators with useful insights into the minds of money launderers.

Originality/value

Whereas most prior literature focuses on money laundering prevention methods, how money launderers operate is not illustrated. This study comprehensively overviews the issue by interviewing not only compliance officers but also money launderers. Understanding how money launderers operate is essential to effectively prevent money laundering. In particular, compliance officers must be able to view money laundering from the criminal’s perspective to sufficiently combat the issue.

Details

Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1358-1988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 April 2024

Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann, Chiara Wittmann, Sonia Ruxandra Boticiu and Bruno Sergio S Sergi

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence that the occurrence of greenwashing has on the consumer perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence that the occurrence of greenwashing has on the consumer perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper observed the market indication that a consistent undermining of authentic commitment to CSR taints consumer perception. Investigating how the motivations behind greenwashing contribute to the presentation of CSR was the first means of examining the market forces. Consumer orientation was used as a guiding principle to consider the short- and long-term perspective of a greenwasher.

Findings

Individual instances of greenwashing contribute to a collective deterioration of marketplace trust in the promises of CSR. The negative influence on CSR is not isolated to the greenwashing perpetrator but casts a wider effect. The consequences of greenwashing are not isolated but widely dispersed.

Originality/value

Whilst much of the literature focuses on the stigmatisation of individual firms, it is crucial to note how marketplace trust is eroded. In addition, the perception of CSR-related regulations is for example influenced but rarely recognised as a consequence of greenwashing behaviour.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2023

Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann, Sonia Ruxandra Boticiu and Bruno S. Sergi

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how the Wirecard scandal has highlighted the need for further reforms in Germany and Europe, exposing institutional and market oversight…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how the Wirecard scandal has highlighted the need for further reforms in Germany and Europe, exposing institutional and market oversight weaknesses, particularly in terms of market integrity and investor protection.

Design/methodology/approach

To provide a comprehensive picture of the situation, this paper is based only on relevant studies, which focus on the topic of interest, namely, the context of the Wirecard collapse in June 2020. It also examines how internal and external governance and monitoring mechanisms failed to uncover major fraud within the German payments group earlier.

Findings

This study shows that this is by no means an isolated or unpredictable incident, and the allegations of accounting fraud had been known for several years, thanks to warnings from the Financial Times. In addition, the paper reviews the serious shortcomings revealed in the Wambach report. The report provided private details of the Wirecard audit and documents on the relationship between Wirecard management and the auditor. All of this can serve as a reference point for institutional and market oversight architecture in Germany and Europe and pave the way for future research.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature by highlighting the implications of the Wirecard scandal and the lessons that can be learned from what was one of Germany’s biggest corporate scandals especially at a time when many are already affected by the impact of COVID-19 on the entire financial services industry.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2023

Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann, Chiara Wittmann and Bruno S. Sergi

The operational resilience of financial service providers is strained to an unprecedented extent following the Russian aggression in the Ukraine and the subsequent implementation…

Abstract

Purpose

The operational resilience of financial service providers is strained to an unprecedented extent following the Russian aggression in the Ukraine and the subsequent implementation of targeted economic sanctions. This paper aims to consider how operational resilience supports financial service providers in implementing sanctions.

Design/methodology/approach

The demand made of financial service providers by economic sanction is considered through the lens of operational resilience. Practical problems for the providers are aligned with economic sanctions policies.

Findings

A well-established system of operational resilience enables financial service providers to meet compliance requirements of economic sanctions with greater ease.

Originality/value

The literature does not credit operational resilience as a systemic capacity of corporations and rather presents it as a specialised feature. In addition, the role of the regulatory bodies is often dismissed despite directly inciting the practical problems faced.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 May 2023

Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann, Sonia Ruxandra Boticiu and Bruno S. Sergi

This study aims to review the current EU approach to regulating crypto assets. It highlights the key points, opportunities and risks of the MiCA regulation, which is designed to…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to review the current EU approach to regulating crypto assets. It highlights the key points, opportunities and risks of the MiCA regulation, which is designed to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets in the EU.

Design/methodology/approach

To do so, the authors extensively reviewed the literature and reports from several advisory and watchdog bodies and international organizations.

Findings

Although MiCA is an ambitious piece of legislation, there are still many unresolved issues and questions that the new regulation raises. Controversially several items have also been excluded from the MiCA regulations, including decentralized finance, non-fungible tokens unless they qualify under the existing cryptocurrency categories, as well as central bank digital currencies.

Originality/value

This study also addresses the Liechtenstein Token Act Regulation, which is considered to have served as a model for the EU MiCA Directive and the regulation of cryptocurrencies at the European level.

Details

Journal of Money Laundering Control, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 May 2023

Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann, Chiara Wittmann and Bruno Sergio S. Sergi

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nuances of the consequences of greenwashing in the consumer and financial markets. Greenwashing is discussed frequently but in very…

1365

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nuances of the consequences of greenwashing in the consumer and financial markets. Greenwashing is discussed frequently but in very abstract terms. Hence, a closer examination of the palpable consequences elucidates the ripple effects of this widespread phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

Focal points are the concept of green marketing, the stigmatization of corporations in the media and the regulatory consequences of greenwashing behaviour across consumer and financial markets. The two markets are paralleled in order to trace the novelties as well as the points of commonality in greenwashing.

Findings

The current consequences are an insufficient deterrence in both markets. The regulatory trend in both markets is leaning towards more stringent and punitive measures, which will likely affect the efficacy of the deterrence factor.

Originality/value

The influence on consumer perception is identified both as a motivating factor for greenwashing and as one of the most immediate elements which is negatively influenced by its exposition. In addition to the fact that greenwashing practices are common across the two markets, this paper identifies that a systemic deterioration of investor trusts significantly compromises the potential of sustainable finance and impacts investment in the financial market, mirrored in the negative consequences on consumer reactions to greenwashed products.

Details

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-996X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 March 2023

Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann, Sonia Ruxandra Boticiu and Bruno S. Sergi

This study aims to analyze the relationship between financial sustainability and peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the relationship between financial sustainability and peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

To do so, an extensive literature review on sustainability, FinTech, P2P lending and their associated risks was conducted using a fundamentally theoretical and descriptive methodology.

Findings

In addition, this study shows that finance can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon circular economy by allocating investments in sustainable projects and businesses. Moreover, FinTech P2P lending platforms can help to vitalize green digital finance by using the internet and information technology in the lending market. Nevertheless, anonymous lending and borrowing ventures can produce potential risks such as money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud risk and information asymmetry.

Originality/value

Sustainable finance remains an emerging and relevant area; however, the literature has not sufficiently addressed compliance concerns. To address this gap, this study aims to contribute to the literature by analyzing the link between sustainable finance and P2P platforms and drawing attention to the compliance risks listed above.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2020

Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann and Marie-Christin Falker

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how cryptocurrencies are used to launder money and how solutions from Liechtenstein’s novel blockchain legislation could be used to…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how cryptocurrencies are used to launder money and how solutions from Liechtenstein’s novel blockchain legislation could be used to tackle the issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the scope of the literature review, the characteristics of cryptocurrencies and how these characteristics facilitate money laundering are discussed. To investigate concrete methods that money launderers use, a qualitative study with 10 presumed money launderers and 18 prevention experts was conducted. The results were subsequently tested quantitatively. Thereafter, the novel Liechtenstein blockchain act is discussed and it is detailed how the legislation could contribute to the establishment of an international standard in blockchain regulation.

Findings

Money launderers continue to abuse cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin as vehicles for financial crime. The Liechtenstein Blockchain Act could serve as a benchmark for regulators around the world aiming to solve the issue.

Research limitations/implications

Current anti-money laundering regulations are rather ineffective when it comes to cryptocurrencies.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper illustrate that new and innovative means for combating money laundering are needed. In particular, this paper provides insights into cryptocurrency crime and Liechtenstein’s response for legislators, law enforcement, compliance officers and regulatory authorities.

Originality/value

Liechtenstein’s blockchain act, as a potential remedy to money laundering, has thus far not received international attention.

Details

Journal of Money Laundering Control, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 January 2020

Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann and Marie-Christin Falker

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how money launderers circumvent compliance measures by using exchange offices to launder incriminated funds.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how money launderers circumvent compliance measures by using exchange offices to launder incriminated funds.

Design/methodology/approach

The three-step process entailed carrying out unofficial interviews with money launderers, which gave first insight into the issue, followed by expert interviews that were reviewed by means of a qualitative study. The findings of the qualitative study were processed during the subsequent quantitative research.

Findings

Although exchange offices are a known threat to anti-money laundering efforts, they continue to be highly applicable. As exchange offices are responsible for their own compliance measures, compliance officers employed by other institutions do not encounter money laundering through exchange offices regularly.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study are limited to the experiences of the interviewed experts, which, naturally, are highly subjective. Further, they are geographically limited, as certain areas were not represented in the study.

Practical implications

During the literature review, a research gap was identified. The present study attempts to partially fill the same. The illustrated findings aimed at facilitating an improvement of anti-money laundering measures. The insights into the minds of money launderers provide valuable information for legislators, compliance officers and authorities.

Originality/value

Presently, the majority of the literature focuses on the issue of money laundering from a compliance perspective. However, accurately understanding how money launderers circumvent the existing prevention measures requires an exploration of their approaches. To effectively inhibit money laundering, it is necessary to gain a holistic overview of the issue, which entails the observation of both perspectives.

Details

Journal of Money Laundering Control, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2020

Fabian Maximilian Teichmann and Marie-Christin Falker

The purpose of the paper is to illustrate how companies may benefit from whistleblowing and how whistleblowing may be incentivized to more effectively combat corruption.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to illustrate how companies may benefit from whistleblowing and how whistleblowing may be incentivized to more effectively combat corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

No clear hypothesis could be formulated based on the literature review. Therefore, an explorative approach was selected for the purpose of this study. Ten selected compliance experts were interviewed, and the results were subjected to summarizing content analysis.

Findings

It was found that corruption, particularly bribery, continues to be prevalent in many corporations and that current anti-bribery incentives are rather inefficient. It was also found that whistleblowing incentives have thus far not been investigated in sufficient depth in the literature, despite the fact that they can be immensely useful in combating corruption.

Research limitations/implications

Interviews with different experts, at different times, or selecting experts from different locations could have led to diverging results.

Practical implications

Incentive systems, particularly whistleblowing incentives, can be designed to prevent corruption in multinational corporations.

Originality/value

This study explores a new field and develops innovative theory to gain a deeper understanding of whistleblowing.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

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