Miami-based Pacific National was fined a $7 million penalty for violations to the Bank Secrecy and USA Patriot acts.
Lessons Learned: Fines for gaps in AML practices are becoming more severe. Financial organizations must ensure they have the appropriate policies and procedures in place and ensure their people are aware and accountable for their decisions to meet ongoing compliance requirements. Organizations also need legal-ready and audit-ready documentation to avoid expensive fines, lawsuits, and embarrassing headlines.