Audits AML-CFT : how to prepare for and successfully complete a compliance audit

In April 2023, BNP Paribas subsidiary Nickel, a neo-bank, was fined one million euros for serious compliance breaches AML-CFT. This scandal revealed the impact of such failures on a company's reputation and finances. A powerful warning for all companies faced with compliance requirements!

Les audits LCB-FT, ou audits de conformité pour la Lutte Contre le Blanchiment d’Argent et le Financement du Terrorisme, sont devenus une obligation pour les entreprises de secteurs réglementés. Ces contrôles rigoureux, mis en place pour s’assurer de la prévention des risques financiers et de la lutte contre les activités illicites, vont bien au-delà des simples formalités. Avec des amendes croissantes et une surveillance accrue, réussir un audit LCB-FT est désormais indispensable pour garantir la crédibilité de sa structure et renforcer la confiance de ses partenaires. Découvrez comment bien préparer un audit de conformité efficace, en transformant chaque étape en une opportunité d’amélioration pour votre entreprise.

Understanding the challenges of an audit AML-CFT

An audit AML-CFT assesses a company's compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. Conducted by the authorities, these audits play a key role in detecting risks and protecting the entire financial system.

Why are the authorities conducting these audits?

Regulatory authorities carry out audits AML-CFT to ensure that companies comply with anti-money laundering and illicit financing laws. Each company must demonstrate its ability to assess and manage the risks associated with customers, transactions and other sensitive activities. The audit is also a means of identifying the preventive measures in place and guaranteeing transparency. By pinpointing loopholes, the authorities can prevent illicit operations and boost confidence in the financial markets.

Penalties for non-compliance: a critical issue

The consequences of failing an audit AML-CFT can be severe. Penalties include :

• Financial fines: penalties of up to several million euros.
• Public warnings: sanctions that impact the company's image, visible to customers and partners.
• Temporary activity bans: partial or total restrictions that can paralyze certain operations.
• Reinforced control: obligation to set up additional compliance systems under supervision.

Une simple infraction peut suffire à entacher durablement la réputation de l’entreprise, diminuant la confiance des partenaires et des clients. Dans ce contexte, réussir l’audit n’est pas seulement un impératif légal, mais un levier stratégique pour préserver son image et ses activités.

Prepare effectively for an audit AML-CFT

A successful AML-CFT audit requires solid, structured preparation. Here are the key steps to effective compliance.

Complete self-assessment

Prior to the audit, a self-assessment of the AML-CFT system is essential. This enables weak points to be identified, and each stage of control to be verified, from customer analysis to transaction traceability. RegTech technologies facilitate this self-assessment by automating checks and reducing the risk of error.

Maintain rigorous documentation

The procedures must be :

• Precise: detailing every action for total transparency
• Accessible: available to listeners and teams
• Up to date: reflecting the latest regulatory developments

Well-organized documentation enables you to respond quickly and efficiently to audit requirements.

Training and raising team awareness

Employees play a key role in compliance. Their training in AML-CFT practices enables them to detect and report suspicious transactions, thereby strengthening the overall compliance system.

Correct failures with an action plan

En cas de failles détectées, un plan d’action permet d’appliquer des mesures correctives. Avec des solutions comme celles d’AP Solutions IO, les entreprises peuvent automatiser ce processus, assurant un suivi régulier et une amélioration continue. Ces outils garantissent un contrôle efficace et limitent les risques de non-conformité.

Focus on AP Solutions IO: the RegTech partner for successful audits

To help companies prepare for an audit AML-CFT, AP Solutions IO offers AP Scan, AP Filter and AP Scoring, specialized compliance solutions. Thanks to their advanced management and verification tools, AP Solutions IO tools support every step of the process to ensure optimal compliance.

Tools for enhanced compliance

AP Solutions IO offers a set of real-time analysis tools to monitor and control every risky operation. An automated alert system identifies anomalies and immediately triggers corrective action. Featuring intuitive interfaces, the solutions adapt easily to regulatory changes, saving teams time and simplifying risk management.

RegTech technology for audits AML-CFT

Built on a powerful RegTech foundation, AP Solutions IO helps to identify risks quickly, and ensures documented follow-up at every stage. Centralized dashboards provide an instant overview of compliance status, enabling rapid reaction in the event of an audit. By limiting the risks of non-compliance, AP Solutions IO becomes an invaluable ally in anticipating audits and guaranteeing a high level of security.

With AP Solutions IO, companies have the essential tools they need to ensure compliance AML-CFT, while focusing on their core business!

Preparing today to anticipate tomorrow's audits

Réussir un audit LCB-FT demande une préparation structurée et proactive. Entre auto-évaluation, documentation rigoureuse, formation des équipes et mise en place d’actions correctives, chaque étape consolide la conformité de l’entreprise. Adopter des solutions RegTech, comme AP Solutions IO renforce cette démarche en automatisant le contrôle et en limitant les erreurs. Avec ces technologies, les entreprises sécurisent leur audit tout en améliorant continuellement leurs dispositifs LCB-FT.

Today, AML-CFT audits are no longer just a regulatory obligation, but a lever for optimization for companies concerned about their reputation and safety. In a context where regulations are constantly evolving, every organization needs to anticipate and adapt to new challenges. By integrating RegTech tools, companies equip themselves with an evolving compliance system, ready to meet current and future requirements!