Banks accelerate MSB account closing

NEW YORK – Bank termination of money service business (MSB) accounts has accelerated despite regulatory guidance advising banks to the contrary, according to congressional testimony by MSBs, regulators and the American Bankers Association (ABA).

MSBs, including cheque cashers and money transmitters, have been classified as "high-risk" areas as regulators adopt a zero-tolerance stance on money laundering and terrorist financing.

FinCEN and banking regulators issued guidance regarding MSBs in 2005, stressing the policy that insured banks were "not expected to act as the de facto regulators of the MSB industry". However, that guidance has had no effect as banks continue to either close existing MSB accounts or refuse to open new ones.

In

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@risk.net or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.risk.net/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.

Sorry, our subscription options are not loading right now

Please try again later. Get in touch with our customer services team if this issue persists.

New to Risk.net? View our subscription options

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Risk.net account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account here