News & Events – Bates Research

Both the FFIEC Manual and the MSB Examination Manual provide frameworks to assess MSB AML program integrity and effectiveness through independent reviews. Learn insider strategies for preparing, executing, and excelling in your independent AML program review—ensuring regulatory excellence and operational resilience.

Navigate the complex world of BaaS with confidence. This essential guide reveals how banks and fintechs can transform regulatory challenges into competitive advantages, ensuring compliance, innovation, and consumer trust.

Discover how strategic KPIs and KRIs can transform your AML compliance from a regulatory burden to a powerful business intelligence tool. 

AML Officers face a complex landscape of potential challenges when working with vendors. Robust ongoing due diligence can help avoid potentially damaging or costly landmines.

As MSBs and Fintechs get larger and more complex, they may find examiners, auditors, and bank partners asking about their ERM.  In Part 2 of this article, we address the role data, analytics, and quality reporting procedures play in terms of providing management with decision-supporting information across the two important areas of an ERM Program – specifically, the Risk Assessment and Monitoring.  

As Money Services Businesses grow, implementing Enterprise Risk Management becomes crucial. This article guides Compliance Officers in starting development of an ERM Program, looking beyond financial crimes risks and focusing on comprehensive risk identification and risk appetite.

The CFPB has proposed an interpretive rule classifying paycheck advance loans under TILA, which could require APR disclosures for these rapidly growing products. Financial institutions are reassessing their offerings amid increasing scrutiny and potential reputation risks. While supporters argue it protects consumers, opponents claim it's unnecessary for advances on earned wages.

Understanding the true impact of U-5 commentary on employment prospects is critical for both advisors and firms. Our latest analysis of FINRA data provides insights for assessing damages and potential risks.

Under FinCEN’s proposed rule to strengthen and modernize AML/CFT programs, a risk assessment is a critical element of sound and effective AML/CFT programs. Learn about the details and benefits of performing an AML/CFT risk assessment.

BSA examiners hold institutions dealing with Fintechs to a higher standard. Bates Group explores how examiner criticisms regarding the BSA Officer role can be a sign of a broader BSA/AML program issue. Read the full article to learn the five key areas examiners scrutinize and how institutions can strengthen their AML programs to navigate the complexities of Fintech firms.

Once a regulatory exam is over, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and focus on remediation. Learn how sound risk management and governance can help remediation efforts more effective and efficient.

The Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) can be an action-oriented and powerful tool to help you maintain the security, transparency, and compliance of your software systems, especially when incorporating AI and Machine Learning (ML).

New guidance from regulators highlights the importance of strong Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) for community banks offering Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS). The article explores the benefits and risks of BaaS relationships and provides key next steps for Risk Managers in community banks.

Recent reports indicate a rise in Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) enforcement actions. However, consent orders focus on data & tech across compliance areas instead of in a dedicated section. This article unveils how regulators address these critical elements – and what it might mean for your institution.

In a financial institution dedicated to Privacy compliance, the Privacy Officer does much more than manage the Privacy Policy and oversee the sending of the initial and annual Privacy Notices. In this article we look at the multiple departments, disciplines, and skillsets needed for effective management of the Privacy function.

With the increase in the number of financial institutions that are banking Fintechs, there has been a corresponding increase in regulatory scrutiny over this space. In this article, we look at the three fundamental disconnects occurring in the AML and Fraud risk management systems of financial institutions that bank Fintechs, and what can be done to avoid falling under a regulatory consent order.