TACKLING TRADE-BASED MONEY LAUNDERING IN THE MODERN FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE
BANKING FINANCE|July 2024
If we inquire informally among a group of bankers about familiarity with terms like a Letter of Credit (L/ C), Bill of entry (BOE), or Buyer's Credit, only a few might possess this knowledge. This introduces us to the intricate world of trade finance-a realm filled with unique terminologies and practices, characterized by its complexity and specialization.
Partha Sarathi Nayak
TACKLING TRADE-BASED MONEY LAUNDERING IN THE MODERN FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE

It involves numerous parties, including intermediaries, banks, and a vast array of goods, commodities, and services that are part of the countless trade transactions banks process every day.

The combination of escalating regulatory demands and the inherent complexity of trade has placed bankers in a challenging position. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of trade-based money laundering (TBML), delving into its mechanisms, implications, and countermeasures.

TBML involves the exploitation of international trade transactions to transfer value and obscure the origins of illicit proceeds. While international trade promotes economic growth around the world, international trade transactions face a range of risks and are vulnerable to abuse by criminal and terrorist organizations. Transnational criminal organizations and terrorist organizations use a variety of money laundering schemes to disguise the origin and destination of their illicit proceeds and integrate their assets in legitimate financial entities.

Black Market Peso Exchange, a well-known TBML scheme involves merchants who-wittingly or not-accept payment in illicitly derived funds, often from third parties to a trade transaction, for exports of goods. Various observers have noted that although TBML is a common form of international money laundering, it is also one of the least understood and most difficult to detect because of its complexity.

This story is from the July 2024 edition of BANKING FINANCE.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 2024 edition of BANKING FINANCE.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BANKING FINANCEView All
'Deep Fake' - an emerging risk for Banking & Financial Sector
BANKING FINANCE

'Deep Fake' - an emerging risk for Banking & Financial Sector

Deepfake KYC fraud is a growing concern in India, where fraudsters leverage AI-generated deepfake videos and images to bypass Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification processes. This has significant implications for financial institutions, fintech companies, and other organizations that rely on KYC to verify the identity of their customers.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
RBI CIRCULAR
BANKING FINANCE

RBI CIRCULAR

Operational framework for reclassification of Foreign Portfolio Investment to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) - November 11, 2024

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
India's Fiscal Discipline: A Path to Economic Stability and Growth
BANKING FINANCE

India's Fiscal Discipline: A Path to Economic Stability and Growth

In a significant economic development, the fiscal deficit for the financial year 2023-2024 (FY24) has been recorded at 5.6% of GDP, falling below the government's revised estimate. This unexpected positive outcome highlights effective fiscal management and a recovering economy, offering a ray of optimism amidst global economic uncertainties.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
Augmenting Productivity by Embracing Employee Engagement
BANKING FINANCE

Augmenting Productivity by Embracing Employee Engagement

As the world's largest coffeehouse chain, Starbucks is a brand that understands the value its employees add to the business. At Starbucks, every employee knows they are valued members of the team. It took Starbucks some time to do this. They have prioritized implementing employee-friendly rules from the beginning.

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 2024
Ethics in Artificial Intelligence: Navigating the Future Responsibly
BANKING FINANCE

Ethics in Artificial Intelligence: Navigating the Future Responsibly

Ethics in AI encompasses a wide range of issues, including fairness, accountability, transparency, and the potential for bias. At the core of these discussions lies the question: How do we ensure that AI serves humanity rather than undermines it? As AI systems increasingly influence critical areas such as healthcare, finance, and law enforcement, the stakes are high.

time-read
8 mins  |
December 2024
Digital Banking: The Need of the Hour
BANKING FINANCE

Digital Banking: The Need of the Hour

Development of an economy, especially economic growth primarily depends on industrial development. The industries depend on financial institutions support for funds especially from banks. Banks encourage individuals save and mobilise funds from bank deposits.

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 2024
Cyber Crimes in Banking: India's Battle Against the Digital Menace
BANKING FINANCE

Cyber Crimes in Banking: India's Battle Against the Digital Menace

The increasing adoption of digital banking services has transformed the way Indian consumers engage with banks. According to research from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the country's digital payment ecosystem expanded by approximately 55% between 2021 and 2023.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024
Legal News
BANKING FINANCE

Legal News

The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that clauses allowing public sector undertakings (PSUs) to unilaterally appoint arbitrators to resolve disputes with private contractors are invalid.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024
The Rise Of Green Marketing: Driving Sustainable Change
BANKING FINANCE

The Rise Of Green Marketing: Driving Sustainable Change

Green marketing refers to the practice of promoting products or services that are environmentally friendly or sustainable. It involves incorporating eco-friendly elements into various aspects of marketing strategies, including product development, packaging, advertising, and distribution.

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2024
ICICI Bank partners with PhonePe to offer instant credit on UPI
BANKING FINANCE

ICICI Bank partners with PhonePe to offer instant credit on UPI

ICICI Bank announced that it has partnered with PhonePe to offer instant credit on UPI to its pre-approved customers on the app of the digital payments company.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024