Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist Certification (CAMS) Practice Exam

According to Basel's 'CDD for Banks', who should make the decision to open an account for a Politically Exposed Person (PEP)?

1. Branch Manager

2. Senior Management

3. Compliance Officer

4. Customer Service Representative

The correct answer is: Senior Management

The decision to open an account for a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) should be made by senior management due to the inherently higher risks associated with PEPs. These individuals, often involved in politics or government functions, may have complex financial backgrounds that elevate the potential for money laundering or other financial crimes. In accordance with Basel's guidelines, it is crucial to ensure that this decision is anchored in a robust risk assessment process, which typically involves experienced personnel in senior management who have the authority and insights needed to evaluate the associated risks comprehensively. This ensures that organizations take appropriate due diligence measures before establishing such banking relationships. Other choices, such as a branch manager, compliance officer, or customer service representative, while they may play significant roles in the account opening process, lack the level of authority and risk oversight that senior management possesses. Hence, the high-stakes nature of PEP accounts necessitates that those with the broader perspective and decision-making power are directly involved in the account approval process.