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

Which of the following is NOT one of the five elements of a BSA/AML compliance program?

1. Independent audit function

2. Written internal policies

3. Public disclosure of financial records

4. Ongoing employee training

The correct answer is: Public disclosure of financial records

The identification of public disclosure of financial records as not being one of the five elements of a Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance program is accurate. The primary components of a robust BSA/AML compliance program typically include an independent audit function, written internal policies, ongoing employee training, and a designated compliance officer. These elements are integral because they ensure that a financial institution has adequate measures to detect and report suspicious activities, maintain effective internal controls, and uphold the integrity of the institution's operations in compliance with federal regulations. Public disclosure of financial records, while important in promoting transparency and accountability, does not form part of the core requirements laid out for a BSA/AML compliance program. Instead, the focus is on creating a framework that allows organizations to effectively manage and mitigate the risks associated with money laundering and financial crimes. Thus, the absence of the public disclosure requirement solidifies the correctness of the choice.