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CAMS · Question #925

Which of the following are common indicators of possible money laundering within the securities industry? (Select Two.)

The correct answer is C. Using brokerage accounts like deposit accounts D. Engaging in transactions involving nominees or third parties. This question tests the ability to identify established red flags of money laundering within the securities industry. Using brokerage accounts like deposit accounts and using nominees or third parties are well-recognized AML indicators.

Risks and Methods of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

Question

Which of the following are common indicators of possible money laundering within the securities industry? (Select Two.)

Options

  • AReceiving securities into an existing brokerage account following the death of a spouse
  • BAllowing fixed income securities to mature
  • CUsing brokerage accounts like deposit accounts
  • DEngaging in transactions involving nominees or third parties

How the community answered

(22 responses)
  • A
    18% (4)
  • B
    5% (1)
  • C
    77% (17)

Why each option

This question tests the ability to identify established red flags of money laundering within the securities industry. Using brokerage accounts like deposit accounts and using nominees or third parties are well-recognized AML indicators.

AReceiving securities into an existing brokerage account following the death of a spouse

Receiving securities following the death of a spouse is a common, legally recognized estate or inheritance transaction with a clear lawful explanation, not an indicator of illicit activity.

BAllowing fixed income securities to mature

Allowing fixed income securities to mature is a routine, low-risk investment strategy consistent with normal portfolio management, and does not suggest any attempt to disguise or move illicit funds.

CUsing brokerage accounts like deposit accountsCorrect

Using a brokerage account like a deposit account - frequently moving funds in and out without a clear investment purpose - mirrors the placement and layering stages of money laundering, where criminals inject illicit cash into the financial system under the cover of apparent investment activity. This pattern is specifically highlighted in AML typologies for the securities sector because it obscures the origin of funds without a legitimate business rationale.

DEngaging in transactions involving nominees or third partiesCorrect

Transactions involving nominees or third parties are a recognized method of concealing the true beneficial owner of funds, a core technique in money laundering schemes designed to break the paper trail linking criminals to illicit proceeds. Regulatory guidance and FINRA rules explicitly identify the use of third parties or nominees as a significant red flag warranting enhanced scrutiny in securities accounts.

Concept tested: AML red flags in securities industry accounts

Source: https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/key-topics/anti-money-laundering

Topics

#securities industry ML indicators#red flags#nominee transactions#brokerage account misuse

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