AML investigation support reconstructs transactions and relationships to evaluate unusual activity and the available evidence.
Understanding AML Investigations and Forensic Analysis
When to consider this service
Compliance officers, financial institutions and transaction teams reviewing customer risk, foreign investment or financial-crime controls can use this service to clarify a particular issue. A useful starting question is: “Does an unusual transaction prove money laundering occurred?” Begin with the facts behind that question rather than assuming that a standard package will resolve it.
Scope of work
The engagement can cover the following workstreams. The proposal specifies which apply to your matter and what evidence or specialist input is needed.
- Preserve records and define investigation questions.
- Trace funds and counterparties across records.
- Document findings uncertainty and escalation considerations.
Documents and information to prepare
Start with the records below where available. They help establish the facts before a more specific checklist is agreed.
- Transaction histories.
- Customer profiles.
- Alerts.
- Authorised communications.
Provide the relevant entity, transaction or reporting period and any existing notice or deadline. Identify missing or inconsistent records so they can be addressed explicitly.
A key issue to resolve
An investigation should distinguish suspicion from established facts and preserve the integrity of the evidence.
How the engagement works
- Define the question: preserve records and define investigation questions, using the available transaction histories and the facts you provide.
- Examine the evidence: trace funds and counterparties across records. Record unresolved information and the assumptions that affect the analysis.
- Agree the action: document findings uncertainty and escalation considerations. Set the required deliverables, responsible owners and any follow-up or external dependency.
Deliverables, fees and timing
The proposal for AML Investigations and Forensic Analysis sets out the analysis, documentation or coordination deliverables and the work you retain. The availability of transaction histories, customer profiles, alerts and authorised communications affects readiness and the amount of follow-up needed. Fees and the working schedule are agreed after that initial assessment. Any required independent report, legal representation or authority application is identified as a separate responsibility where relevant.
Official resources
Use these official resources for the relevant framework. Application to a particular entity, period or jurisdiction requires a separate assessment.
Discuss your requirement
Share a short summary of your AML Investigations and Forensic Analysis requirement and the records already available. BIATConsultant can assess the proposed scope and explain the next steps.
FAQ
Practical questions about AML Investigations and Forensic Analysis.
Does an unusual transaction prove money laundering occurred?
An investigation should distinguish suspicion from established facts and preserve the integrity of the evidence.
What records should I prepare for AML Investigations and Forensic Analysis?
What can the scope of AML Investigations and Forensic Analysis include?
How are fees and the schedule agreed?