AUSTRAC issues infringement notice to State Street

Maria Nikolova

The infringement notice for over $1.24 million concerns State Street’s failure to report international funds transfers.

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) today announces that it has issued an infringement notice to State Street Bank and Trust Company for over $1.24 million for failing to report international funds transfers.

Under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act) financial institutions including banks and credit unions must report IFTIs to AUSTRAC within 10 business days of sending or receiving the instruction.

AUSTRAC Chief Executive Officer, Nicole Rose PSM said that law enforcement agencies rely on financial transaction information to track criminals and criminal activity, so it is crucial that these transactions are reported accurately and on time to protect Australians from serious and organised crime and terrorism.

“Because the most sophisticated criminal syndicates operate across national borders, information about international funds transfers can provide a key piece of the puzzle for our law enforcement partners,” Ms Rose explained.

Last year, regulated businesses reported 155 million international transfers to AUSTRAC.

“Businesses are the first line of defence in protecting the community and our financial system from criminal abuse so it is critical for AML/CTF compliance and risk management to be embedded into everyday business practices to protect customers and businesses from criminals,” Ms Rose said.

AUSTRAC is working with State Street to address compliance issues with their IFTI reporting systems and controls.

Read this next

Digital Assets

FINMA-regulated digital asset provider Taurus expands into Germany

This expansion follows recent moves by BaFin to accelerate the licensing of crypto custody services, aiming to boost market confidence. Following this, several new licenses were issued, notably to Commerzbank, making it the first full-service financial institution in Germany to receive a crypto custody license.

Inside View

Stocknet’s Nick Hall defends gamification as trading platform market set to hit $15.34b by 2030

“The growing popularity of gamified trading has the potential to tackle this financial literacy gap. Rather than simply giving users unfettered access to markets and letting them figure things out for themselves, platforms can offer virtual skill games and challenges to help educate traders and prime them for success.”

Inside View

Infographic: Interest rate and FX derivatives are driving rise of OTC derivatives market

These trends suggest a growing and evolving OTC derivatives market, with an increased focus on risk management and regulatory compliance. The rise in clearing rates, along with the increased initial margin requirements, reflects a more cautious approach to risk in the financial services industry.

Market News

Bank of Canada’s Final 2023 Policy Update on the Canadian Dollar and Future Monetary Landscape

The Bank of Canada’s final policy update for 2023, as reported by Bloomberg, had a relatively subdued impact on the performance of the Canadian dollar, especially when compared to the discernible market reactions following prior BoC policy decisions throughout the year.

Inside View

DTCC’s Systemic Risk Barometer Survey found 2024 US Presidential Election as a top risk

U.S. political uncertainty, particularly regarding the 2024 Presidential Election, has emerged as a key risk, with 51% of respondents highlighting it as a major concern. This reflects the potential impact of election outcomes on market conditions and the industry.

Executive Moves

Options Technology promotes Laura McCann to CFO

“Laura’s promotion to CFO is the next stage in our long-term strategy of building a world-class finance team servicing the global business from our Belfast office. Back in 2016, Jon took on the challenge of laying the groundwork for that vision. Laura has been an integral part of the strategy from day one.”

Digital Assets

Thailand’s crypto economy under the spotlight: a report by HashKey Capital

“I’m excited by the rapid expansion of Thailand’s Web3 sector. With over 3 million overall crypto users and 600% growth in the market in recent years, the dynamism in our DeFi and NFT sectors is clearly evident. Thailand is increasingly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads, drawn by our crypto-friendly policies, affordable living costs, vibrant food and beverage culture and diverse cultural landscape.”

Retail FX

Webull Australia offers 5.4% yield on uninvested cash

“US dollar money market funds are heavily regulated, meaning client funds are managed in a safe, reliable and trusted environment, which is of critical importance to us, and continues to remain top-of-mind for our clients.”

Digital Assets

Bybit welcomes Ethena’s USDe, a decentralized stablecoin utilizing delta-hedging staked Ether

“Our collaboration with Ethena Labs represents our commitment to solving some of the biggest challenges in crypto today, not least, the creation of a decentralized stablecoin. The integration of USDe on Bybit expands our stablecoin offerings, providing our users with an array of uncorrelated solutions accessible from our Unified Trading Account.”

<