Compliance & Ethics

Nordea Faces Court Proceedings in Denmark Over Historical Anti-Money Laundering Practices

In what Danish prosecutors are calling the largest money-laundering case in the country's history, Nordea Bank has been charged by Denmark's National Special Crime Unit (NSK) with significant anti-money laundering (AML) failings. The charges, announced on July 8, 2024, relate to approximately €3.5 billion in transactions from Russian clients between 2012 and 2015.

FINRA Fines Merrill Lynch for Supervisory Failures, Orders $1.5 Million in Restitution

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has reached a settlement with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated over supervisory failures that resulted in customers paying nearly $1.5 million in avoidable fees. The firm has agreed to pay full restitution to affected customers and accept a censure.

FATF Updates High-Risk and Monitored Jurisdictions List, Reshaping Global Financial Landscape

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has announced significant changes to the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) list of jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and counter-proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF) regimes. These updates, stemming from the FATF's June 2024 plenary meeting, are poised to have far-reaching implications for the global financial system and U.S. financial institutions.

Home Health Providers to Pay $4.5M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations

Three home health agencies and their parent company have agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle allegations of violating the False Claims Act. The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Monday, July 1, 2024, that Guardian Health Care Inc., Gem City Home Care LLC, Care Connection of Cincinnati LLC, and their owner Evolution Health LLC have reached this agreement to resolve claims of providing illegal kickbacks for Medicare referrals.

Federal Reserve & California Regulators Levy $63 Million in Penalties Against Silvergate for Anti-Money Laundering Violation

The Federal Reserve Board has imposed a $43 million fine on Silvergate Capital Corporation and its subsidiary, Silvergate Bank, for inadequate transaction monitoring in violation of anti-money laundering (AML) laws.

Supreme Court Overturns Chevron Doctrine, Redefining Federal Agency Authority

The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned the Chevron doctrine, a judicial precedent that has guided the balance of power between federal agencies and the courts for nearly four decades. The ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo passed with a 6-3 vote, represents a pivotal shift in administrative law and regulatory oversight.

FinCEN Proposes New Rule to Modernize Anti-Money Laundering Programs

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, has announced a proposed rule aimed at strengthening and modernizing anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs for financial institutions.