15/01/2004
Bank of Scotland fined £1.25m for rules breaches
The Bank of Scotland plc (BoS) has been fined £1,250,000 for failing to keep proper records of customer identification, the Financial Services Authority has announced today.
BoS' was fined for weaknesses in its record-keeping systems and controls across its retail, corporate and business banking divisions, as required by the FSA's Money Laundering Rules.
In over half of the sample of accounts tested in late 2002, BoS had "failed to retain" either a copy of the customer identification evidence or a record of where this evidence could be obtained. These failings were made worse by BoS' "inability to determine" the areas in which the breakdown in its record keeping systems had occurred, the FSA said.
Andrew Procter, FSA Director of Enforcement, said: "The FSA requires firms to maintain records of customer identification because these records are vital to the investigation, detection and prevention of financial crime. The records can help law enforcement agencies by identifying individuals involved in money laundering and linking them with criminal funds passing through the UK financial system.
"The failure by Bank of Scotland to keep proper records of customer identification could have seriously undermined its ability to comply with the requirements of orders served by law enforcement agencies under the Proceeds of Crime Act."
The Bank of Scotland has since taken "prompt and effective" remedial action to resolve issues uncovered by the FSA probe. The FSA said that it was "satisfied" that the bank has dealt with the issue appropriately.
(gmcg)
BoS' was fined for weaknesses in its record-keeping systems and controls across its retail, corporate and business banking divisions, as required by the FSA's Money Laundering Rules.
In over half of the sample of accounts tested in late 2002, BoS had "failed to retain" either a copy of the customer identification evidence or a record of where this evidence could be obtained. These failings were made worse by BoS' "inability to determine" the areas in which the breakdown in its record keeping systems had occurred, the FSA said.
Andrew Procter, FSA Director of Enforcement, said: "The FSA requires firms to maintain records of customer identification because these records are vital to the investigation, detection and prevention of financial crime. The records can help law enforcement agencies by identifying individuals involved in money laundering and linking them with criminal funds passing through the UK financial system.
"The failure by Bank of Scotland to keep proper records of customer identification could have seriously undermined its ability to comply with the requirements of orders served by law enforcement agencies under the Proceeds of Crime Act."
The Bank of Scotland has since taken "prompt and effective" remedial action to resolve issues uncovered by the FSA probe. The FSA said that it was "satisfied" that the bank has dealt with the issue appropriately.
(gmcg)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 June 2002
Allfirst currency trader charged with bank fraud
John Rusnak, the currency trader at the centre of the Allfirst Financial scandal, has been charged with covering up $691 million (£475 million) trading losses to boost his own earnings. A Federal Grand Jury in the US indicted Rusnak on charges of bank fraud, falsifying records, and for aiding and abetting.
Allfirst currency trader charged with bank fraud
John Rusnak, the currency trader at the centre of the Allfirst Financial scandal, has been charged with covering up $691 million (£475 million) trading losses to boost his own earnings. A Federal Grand Jury in the US indicted Rusnak on charges of bank fraud, falsifying records, and for aiding and abetting.
02 December 2003
Banking management bear burden of customer trust: FSA
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) will place a new emphasis on the way in which banks treat their customers when providing them with regulated financial services - backed by a readiness to use enforcement powers actively, FSA chairman Callum McCarthy told a bankers conference today.
Banking management bear burden of customer trust: FSA
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) will place a new emphasis on the way in which banks treat their customers when providing them with regulated financial services - backed by a readiness to use enforcement powers actively, FSA chairman Callum McCarthy told a bankers conference today.
19 March 2004
FSA fine Allied Dunbar £725,000 over 'mishandled' complaints
Financial watchdog, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), has fined Allied Dunbar Assurance plc £725,000 for "serious flaws" in procedures for handling mortgage endowment complaints. An FSA investigation revealed that mishandled complaints between May 2001 and April 2003 had exposed a large number of Allied Dunbar customers to potential loss.
FSA fine Allied Dunbar £725,000 over 'mishandled' complaints
Financial watchdog, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), has fined Allied Dunbar Assurance plc £725,000 for "serious flaws" in procedures for handling mortgage endowment complaints. An FSA investigation revealed that mishandled complaints between May 2001 and April 2003 had exposed a large number of Allied Dunbar customers to potential loss.
30 May 2002
Belfast firm involved in money laundering allegations
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has stopped a Northern Ireland broker from conducting business due to allegations of money laundering. The FSA has prevented Northern Ireland Insurance Brokers Limited (NIIBL) in south Belfast from carrying out any business due to suspicions that approximately £8 million has been laundered through the firm.
Belfast firm involved in money laundering allegations
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has stopped a Northern Ireland broker from conducting business due to allegations of money laundering. The FSA has prevented Northern Ireland Insurance Brokers Limited (NIIBL) in south Belfast from carrying out any business due to suspicions that approximately £8 million has been laundered through the firm.
01 September 2011
Credit Unions Protected From PMS-style Crash
Northern Ireland's credit unions will be offered more protection under a new form of regulation, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has said.
Credit Unions Protected From PMS-style Crash
Northern Ireland's credit unions will be offered more protection under a new form of regulation, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.