What are AML/CTF policies & procedures for APIs?

They are documented control measures, responsibilities and workflows that an Authorised Payment Institution must follow to prevent, detect, and report money laundering and terrorist financing. This includes customer due diligence, monitoring of transactions, record-keeping, risk assessments and compliance oversight.

Why does an API need risk-based due diligence (CDD/KYB)?

Risk-based due diligence helps ensure that higher risk customers, transactions or geographic areas receive enhanced scrutiny. It ensures compliance with AML/CTF regulations and helps mitigate financial & regulatory risk.

How often should policies and procedures be reviewed or updated?

Policies should be reviewed at least annually or sooner if there are regulatory changes, significant incidents, changes in business model, or new risk patterns. Regular reviews help maintain effectiveness and compliance.

Do you provide documentation control and record-keeping strategies?

Yes, part of the service includes establishing standard document retention schedules, version control, secure storage, and audit trails to ensure all records are reliable and regulatory ready.

What is involved in suspicious activity monitoring & reporting procedures?

These procedures define how to detect unusual or suspicious transactions or behavior, how to escalate internally, and how/when to report to the relevant authorities, all in line with regulatory requirements.

How do policies differ for higher risk customers or entities?

For higher risk clients or transactions, APIs need enhanced due diligence measures: more detailed verification, stricter monitoring, possibly more frequent reviews, and more stringent oversight or controls.

AML Policies & Procedures Development | API Compliance Services

AML/CFT Policies & Procedures Development

At ABM Global, we provide end-to-end AML/CFT policy and procedure development, helping your firm maintain full compliance with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017 (MLR 2017) and the FCA Handbook. Our approach goes far beyond generic templates, delivering risk-based, practical, and regulator-ready compliance frameworks that are tailored to your business model, transaction volumes, client profile, and operational structure. By integrating regulatory requirements with operational realities, we help your firm mitigate financial crime risks, maintain regulatory readiness, and foster a strong compliance culture.

Customised Policy Development

We work closely with your firm to design AML/CFT policies that comprehensively cover all regulatory obligations. This includes customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD) for high-risk clients, politically exposed persons (PEPs), ongoing monitoring, and reporting obligations. Each policy is custom-built to reflect the operational realities of your business while fully satisfying FCA and HMRC requirements, ensuring that compliance is practical, actionable, and sustainable.

Procedures & Internal Controls

ABM develops detailed, step-by-step operational procedures to ensure consistent implementation of your AML/CFT policies across all business units. Our frameworks cover transaction monitoring, alert management, suspicious activity reporting (SAR), record-keeping, and escalation protocols, providing clear guidance to staff and management. We focus on creating robust, auditable internal controls that not only meet regulatory expectations but also actively mitigate the risk of financial crime.

Regulatory Alignment & Inspection Readiness

All policies and procedures are fully aligned with current regulatory requirements, including FCA expectations, MLR 2017 guidance, and FATF recommendations. ABM ensures that your documentation is regulator-ready, capable of withstanding inspections or audits, and demonstrates a proactive, structured, and accountable compliance culture. Our support includes guidance on evidence preparation, control documentation, and reporting structures to satisfy regulators’ scrutiny

Ongoing Updates & Continuous Support

Compliance is dynamic, and we help your firm periodically review and update AML/CFT policies and procedures to reflect regulatory changes, emerging risks, and evolving business operations. Our team ensures that your compliance framework remains current, effective, and adaptable, providing ongoing advice, monitoring tools, and best-practice recommendations that maintain operational integrity and regulatory confidence.