FinCEN Head Pleads for Funding to Advance Rulemaking, Sanctions
Acting Director of FinCEN Himamauli Das testified at a poorly attended HFSC hearing today, calling for more funding to handle not only the challenges created by the invasion of Ukraine, but also the many standards required by the 2021 AML Act (see FSM Report AML133). Under questioning, Mr. Das agreed that the agency is falling behind on the beneficial ownership rules, promising to do better as quickly as resources will allow.
Fraudulent-Authorization Payment Bill Advances
At today’s HFSC’s Task Force on Financial Technology hearing, Chair Lynch (D-MA) advanced draft legislation stipulating bank accountability for fraudulent authorizations under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. This measure builds on complaints voiced earlier this week detailed by Sens. Warren (D-MA) and Menendez (D-NJ) attacking Zelle, with Rep. Lynch saying that protecting consumers is an immediate priority.