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

Which of the following best describes the type of intelligence produced by an FIU?

1. Operational intelligence

2. Financial intelligence

3. Surveillance intelligence

4. Criminal intelligence

The correct answer is: Financial intelligence

The most appropriate description of the type of intelligence produced by a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is financial intelligence. FIUs are established specifically to gather, analyze, and disseminate information related to financial transactions, particularly those that may indicate money laundering, terrorist financing, or other financial crimes. Financial intelligence involves examining patterns and anomalies in financial data to detect potentially suspicious activities. This information is crucial for law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders in combating financial crimes. By focusing on the financial aspects of illicit activities, FIUs provide insights that help in understanding and preventing money laundering and other related offenses. Operational intelligence typically relates to aspects that assist in day-to-day operations of law enforcement or security services and is more tactical in nature. Surveillance intelligence generally refers to monitoring activities or individuals, which might be used for broader law enforcement purposes but does not encapsulate the specific financial focus of an FIU. Criminal intelligence is broader and encompasses information regarding criminal activities without being confined to the financial domain. Thus, financial intelligence accurately reflects the core function and output of a Financial Intelligence Unit.