FinCEN Director Describes Implementation Efforts For 2020 AML Act

FinCEN Director Kenneth Blanco outlined the bureau's implementation efforts since the enactment of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (the "AML Act"). Mr. Blanco asserted that the AML Act is the most expansive addition to the United States' AML regime since the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001.

In his address before the Florida International Bankers Association AML Conference, Mr. Blanco noted recent agency guidance (see previous coverage) that called upon financial institutions to file suspicious activity reports ("SARs") about illicit activities involving antiquities and works of art. Mr. Blanco emphasized that the information provided in such SARs will inform the agency's rulemaking efforts to bolster AML requirements for antiquities dealers.