A Practical, Hands-On Learning Experience Pre-Conference Workshop   More Info Here's What Last Year's Attendees Had to Say ... The interaction between the speakers and attendees was as open as any conference I've been to in the last several years. The atmosphere created by the speakers was conducive to getting to know them and the people around you. The coverage of risk assessments was extremely beneficial. Great materials and speakers were very knowledgeable. The fact that your speakers from BOL are very dynamic and entertaining. The Benchmarking Session information is very helpful, management at our bank is always intrested in what other banks are doing. The handbook is awesome and it's nice in the CD format as well as access online. It's great to get together and hear what everyone else is doing. The Clicker's were a great idea and the gathered info in very valuable. It was all valuable! Nothing was a waste. DO YOU KNOW... Classifying a customer as “high risk” indicates a direct expectation that the customer will be subjected to more intense monitoring and documentation requirements. When regulatory enforcement actions criticize banks for poor BSA-AML training, they routinely mention the board of directors as one of the target audiences for future training. There is a significant correlation between the names of people suspected of being involved in terrorist financing by U.S. law enforcement agencies and the names of individuals found in the CTR data base. SAR decision making always comes down to what the bank “believes,” not necessarily an objective conclusion where even experts would agree. A customer risk rating system should provide a mechanism for removing a customer from a high risk classification just as objectively as it provides for classifying a customer as "high risk." Systemic technical violations of simple BSA requirements can lead to “pillar” violations; i.e. criticisms, of training, independent testing etc. Frontline personnel are expected to have AML training that is unique to their specific training responsibilities; the days of all personnel receiving the same training session are over. The idea that developing a CIP was a one time chore is incorrect. Banks were instructed to do a specific risk assessment prior to developing their CIP. If the risks have changed in the interim, the CIP should reflect those changes. The concept that banks are allowed to develop “risk based” programs is a positive one, as long as the bank can explain its assessment of the risks it perceives and how they are mitigated by the specifics of its program. Regulatory enforcement actions that do not make the headlines are generally a better source of guidance for other institutions because they involve less extreme situations. If you have an MSB customer, as a part of your review you may request their CTRs. Emerging payment methods and portals provide unique challenges to BSA and AML compliance efforts. Oftentimes banks must provide their own structures for risk mitigation because there are no applicable laws or regulations. A wide variety of Internet resources, including BOL, can be used in BSA/AML compliance research and enhanced due customer due diligence. WE'RE IN SAN FRANCISCO! WHY SAN FRANCISCO?... Accessibility: It's one of the easiest cities to visit in the United States. Transportation: The airfares are reasonably priced and the air schedules are convenient. Convenience: The hotel is close to the airport allowing for easy access. No need to rent a car. Many places are within easy walking distance. Accommodation: Hotels are priced reasonably. Experience: What other city is better equipped to handle business meetings? Dining: Food is fabulous and inexpensive. Weather: The climate is wonderful this time of year. Sightseeing: BSA: It's a security conscious city where Know Your Customer and AML issues have always been important! IN ADDITION TO YOUR LUGGAGE, YOU'LL TAKE HOME WITH YOU ... Hands-on experience preparing a risk assessment; Help with formulating a comprehensive BSA/AML policy; Solid suggestions for avoiding compliance violations; Best practices that you can implement immediately; Recommendations for establishing an AML culture in your institution; Fresh idea for training that sticks; Research techniques to keep you in-the-know; Strategies for successfully satisfying the regulations; And much more!