As financial institutions endeavor to comply with the Patriot Act and anti-money laundering laws, they actively attempt to thwart the flow of illicit moneys which are either the support of, or the proceeds from, terrorists, drug traffickers, criminal financiers, and international organized crime.

There are always two areas of concern for the institution:

Who is the customer?
Know your customer is the watch phrase of the financial institution. Is the customer legitimate or one to be avoided? A wrong conclusion could either cost the institution a loss of revenue and a valued customer, or it could cost the institution the loss of its reputation, not to mention the expense of legal fees. Any perception by prosecutors that the institution is being lax or uncooperative could produce additional problems.            

What is the source of the funds?
A financial institution needs to know more than the name of an individual, corporation, or bank somewhere in the world in order to determine the origin of the funds. Not knowing this information could prove costly should these funds involve illegal activity. An investigation into the source of the funds can assist in determining the validity of the customer and the funds.

Our investigators have dealt with the problems created by money laundering, both as criminal investigators in law enforcement, and as in-house investigators employed by financial institutions. Our thirty plus years of experience can assist a financial institution in sorting through the facts, reaching the correct conclusions, and handling the matter to achieve the best outcome for all involved.           

If the matter dictates that discrete inquiries be conducted outside of the United States, we can assist you with investigators who have conducted financial investigations throughout the world. Our knowledge of laws and business practices have assisted institutions in their proper handling of these matters, obtaining information quickly and discretely.

At the conclusion of the engagement, our investigators will assist in a compliance audit and controls review, to strengthen the institution's systems, designed to prevent recurrence in the future.