politics | February 19, 2026

Is BSA and AML the same thing?

Is BSA and AML the same thing?

Congress passed the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), also known as the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) law, in 1970 to combat money laundering in the United States. Financial institutions must keep detailed records and report suspicious activity that could indicate money laundering or other crimes.

Is AML part of BSA?

BSA is the primary U.S. anti-money laundering (AML) law and has been amended to include certain provisions of Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act to detect, deter and disrupt terrorist financing networks.

What are BSA requirements?

Under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), financial institutions are required to assist U.S. government agencies in detecting and preventing money laundering, such as:

  • Keep records of cash purchases of negotiable instruments,
  • File reports of cash transactions exceeding $10,000 (daily aggregate amount), and.

What is the fifth pillar of BSA?

customer due diligence
The fifth pillar now requires FIs to include: risk-based procedures for conducting ongoing customer due diligence which include understanding the nature and purpose of customer relationships for the purpose of developing a customer risk profile; and conducting ongoing monitoring to identify and report suspicious …

What is BSA banking?

“Bank Secrecy Act” The Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970 (which legislative framework is commonly referred to as the “Bank Secrecy Act” or “BSA”) requires U.S. financial institutions to assist U.S. government agencies to detect and prevent money laundering.

Why is BSA so important?

The BSA provides a foundation to promote financial transparency and deter and detect those who seek to misuse the U.S. financial system to launder criminal proceeds, finance terrorist acts, or move funds for other illicit purposes.

What are the 4 pillars of BSA?

The “4 Pillars” of BSA Compliance

  • Designation of a Compliance Officer. Someone has to be assigned ongoing responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act.
  • Development of internal policies, procedures and controls.
  • Ongoing, relevant training of employees.
  • Independent Testing and Review.

What is a common BSA violation?

Commonly Identified Violations Suspicious Activity Report (“SAR,” or FinCEN Form 111) filings; Information sharing requirements (referring to information sharing between financial institutions and law enforcement, under Section 314(a) of the Patriot Act); and. Inadequate systems of internal controls.