What are AML/CTF policies & procedures?

AML/CTF policies & procedures are documented control measures and processes that an institution implements to prevent, detect and report money laundering and financing of terrorism activities. They define responsibilities, workflows, customer due diligence, transaction monitoring and escalation steps.

Why does an SPI need risk-based customer due diligence (CDD)?

A risk-based CDD is essential to ensure that higher-risk customers or transactions are treated appropriately. This helps the institution allocate resources efficiently and satisfy regulatory expectations for mitigating money laundering / terrorism financing risks.

How often should AML/CTF policies be reviewed and updated?

Policies should be reviewed periodically—at least annually—and whenever there are changes in regulation, your risk profile, or significant operational changes which affect compliance or risk exposure.

What is suspicious activity reporting (SAR)?

Suspicious Activity Reporting is the process by which an institution reports transactions or behaviors that are unusual, suspicious, or potentially illicit to the relevant regulatory or enforcement authorities under AML/CTF law.

How do documentation and record-keeping work in AML/CTF compliance?

Record-keeping involves maintaining accurate, clear and retrievable documentation of customer identification, transaction data, risk assessments, audit trails and incident reports. Proper documentary control ensures accountability, regulatory audit readiness, and transparency.

Does ABM Global Compliance assist with updating existing AML/CTF procedures?

Yes, we offer review and update services to ensure policies & procedures remain compliant with current laws and adapt to evolving risks and regulatory expectations.

What is the process to develop AML/CTF policies & procedures with your help?

We begin with a gap analysis or review of your existing controls, then work on drafting or refining policies, mapping workflows, establishing monitoring & reporting, training relevant staff, and implementing audit-ready documentation standards.

What are the consequences of weak or missing AML/CTF policies for SPIs?

Weak or deficient policies may result in regulatory penalties, increased risk of financial crime, reputational damage, loss of license or registration, and degradation of trust by customers and regulators.

AML/CFT Policy & Procedure Development | SPI / MSB Compliance Experts

AML/CFT Policies & Procedures Development

Strong Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) policies are essential for any regulated financial services firm in the UK. Regulators such as the FCA and HMRC expect businesses to have documented, risk-based, and operationally effective frameworks aligned with both UK legislation and global FATF standards.

At ABM Global, we design and implement custom-built AML/CFT policies that reflect your firm’s size, services, customer base, and jurisdictional exposure—ensuring both compliance and operational practicality.

Our comprehensive support includes:

Risk-Based Policy Development

Every business faces different AML/CFT risks depending on its products, clients, and markets. We design tailored policies covering:

Alignment with UK & International Standards

Our frameworks are fully compliant with UK regulations (FCA Handbook, MLR 2017, JMLSG Guidance) and consistent with international FATF recommendations. This ensures your policies withstand regulatory scrutiny at both local and global levels.

Customer Due Diligence (CDD) & KYC Frameworks

We embed clear procedures for customer identification, verification, beneficial ownership (UBO) checks, and politically exposed person (PEP) screening—ensuring your staff apply consistent and compliant practices.

Transaction Monitoring & Reporting Protocols

We help design procedures for identifying suspicious activity, setting risk-based transaction monitoring thresholds, and preparing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) in line with National Crime Agency (NCA) requirements.

Internal Governance & Roles

A successful AML/CTF programme requires clear accountability. We assist in defining governance structures, MLRO responsibilities, escalation channels, and staff reporting lines to ensure responsibilities are understood and enforced.

Transaction Monitoring & Reporting Protocols

Staff Training & Awareness

Regulators require firms to demonstrate that employees are trained on AML/CFT risks and red flags. ABM Global designs tailored training programmes, ensuring staff can implement policies effectively in day-to-day operations.

Ongoing Policy Review & Updates

AML/CFT regulations and risk environments evolve constantly. We provide periodic reviews and updates of your policies to reflect new typologies, regulatory amendments, and FATF guidance.