Banking is all about trust because customers expect their bank to safeguard their money and privacy. But can they be so sure about outsider threats? Did you know that banks are a primary target for financial criminals?

According to statistics, bank transfer or payment fraud resulted in losses worth 756 million U.S. dollars in 2021. That sounds whopping, right? And scary too, considering people deposit their hard-earned money with these institutions. Banks should realize the threat and implement measures to combat them.

Fortunately, effective Know Your Customer (KYC) strategies can help them verify the identity of customers, monitor their activities, and detect potential risks. Let's explain the most reliable KYC strategies for mitigating financial crime in banking. So, buckle up and get ready for some valuable facts if you work in the financial sector!

Know the risks

Well, the best defense strategy is about knowing your risks in the first place. So, banks must be aware of the threats relating to fraud and identity theft before framing their KYC plans. It is equally crucial to stay up-to-date on emerging risks, such as cybercrime and money laundering.

Being complacent is not an option because hackers and cybercriminals are smarter than ever. Regularly reviewing your KYC procedures can help you ensure that they are effective enough to mitigate these risks.

Also, be open to making necessary changes to address existing and evolving threats.

Collect accurate and complete customer data

That's what KYC is all about, right? Everything boils down to knowing the customers, and banks should get all the information they need. So, the first step is to collect accurate and complete customer data.

It should include personal information, financial information, and contact details. The process should be a part of customer onboarding, so institutions must have a proper information collection process in place.

Conduct ongoing due diligence

Collecting data is only half the work. You also need to verify it using reliable sources, such as credit bureaus and government-issued documents. It is the best way to ensure that the customer's identity is genuine.

The process can be long and painful, but you can use a document verification service to cut the workload. Should KYC be a one-time process? No, banks can't take a set-and-forget approach to it.

They must conduct ongoing due diligence to monitor customers' activities and detect changes in their risk profile. From reviewing customer information to updating profiles, and monitoring transactions, everything comes under ongoing due diligence.

Leverage technology

Banking is a tech-intensive sector, so you've got to leverage technology in all processes. KYC is no exception. In fact, you can enhance KYC processes with tech solutions.

For example, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms can help with analyzing customer data, identifying patterns, and detecting anomalies. Now that's great because AI eliminates errors and bias from the process.

Moreover, banks can stay a step ahead of fraudsters by detecting potential risks more quickly than manual processes.

Identify high-risk customers

That's right, bankers! You can ramp up your KYC process by identifying and prioritizing high-risk customers. Check factors such as their country of origin, transaction history, and occupation to know their risk factors. You will get a fair idea of potential risks to specific accounts once you start assessing these factors regularly.

Consider enhanced due diligence for these high-risk accounts. Why not set an additional identity verification process for them? And you can also monitor their transactions more frequently. Sounds like extra work, but it definitely makes sense, right?

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Train employees on KYC procedures

This one's a no-brainer because security depends on the competence and awareness of your employees. After all, they are the ones handling customer data. KYC is more than just a compliance function. It is also a crucial part of the overall risk management process.

So, you must provide comprehensive training to employees on KYC procedures. It enables them to identify suspicious activity in the first place and report it to the appropriate authorities.

Remember that training should be an ongoing process instead of a set-and-forget approach. With threats evolving, your staff needs to stay a step ahead.

Invest in cybersecurity skills

Besides training employees on KYC procedures, you must invest in cybersecurity skills for your team. The growth of online banking and digital transactions makes cybersecurity awareness a critical aspect of risk management for financial institutions. You can imagine the risk of leaving your systems with people hardly aware of cyber threats and mitigation strategies.

But ensuring relevant skills gives you peace of mind as educated employees are the first line of defense against cyber attacks. Having them on board can help with risk mitigation, compliance, and protection against financial loss.

Most importantly, cybersecurity skills enhance the reputation of your bank because people are more willing to work with providers going the extra mile for their safety. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Collaborate with other institutions

Mitigating fraud risks requires a broad perspective extending beyond the evident risks. Financial criminals and cyber hackers often operate through multiple institutions and across borders. You can imagine them cracking open your defenses and getting into your systems through unexpected routes.

Is implementing a robust internal process enough? No, it isn't! To effectively combat financial crime, you must collaborate with other financial institutions. In fact, you must also work with law enforcement agencies to keep threats and criminals at bay.

Start by sharing information on potential risks and suspicious activities you notice within your network. Working together to investigate and prevent financial crime is also a viable measure.

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Wrapping up

KYC is a key element of the banking industry's efforts to prevent financial crime in the era of digital fraud and hacking attacks. But it requires more than collecting customer information and verifying it during banking transactions.

Why not use data to mitigate financial crime and protect your bank and customers? Yes, you can do it- by following these proven KYC strategies! Implement them and keep your customers safe. In fact, it will help you gain and retain their trust for the long haul and boost the reputation of your bank.

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