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Bendigo and Adelaide Bank investigation finds money laundering and terrorism financing controls lacking

The lender stated on Tuesday that it had found deficiencies in its anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism-financing controls, which affected key areas of the risk management framework. These problems extended beyond just one branch.

Deloitte conducted an investigation into suspicious activities that could indicate money laundering in one of the branch's of the bank.

Deloitte found that the bank had not adequately identified, mitigated and managed money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

The branch review assessed systemic issues and the nature and extent of the issues that were present at the branch.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank's board said it was "very disappointed with the findings" and committed to improving its systems, processes and frames to meet its obligations as per Australia's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006

After identifying the problem and notifying AUSTRAC, the financial intelligence agency of Australia and the law enforcement agencies in the country about it, the bank engaged Deloitte to assist them.

(source: Reuters)