2. KYC/CDD standards & Program
(1) definition of KYC/CDD
KYC is from a wider prudential, not just anti-money laundering, perspective. Sound KYC procedure must be seen as a critical element in the effective management of banking risks. KYC safeguards go beyond simple account opening and record-keeping and require banks to formulate a customer acceptance policy and a tiered customer identification program that involves more extensive due diligence for higher risk accounts, transactions as well as bank products and services. KYC/CDD also requires that higher risk customers, products and service are clearly identified and that the bank implements more stringent and more stringent and more frequent procedures for account monitoring with respect to clients and transactions which fall into the high risk categories.
Sound KYC/CDD standards originate from the concerns for market integrity that have been heightened by the direct and indirect losses incurred by banks due to their lack of diligence in applying appropriate procedures. These losses could be avoided and damage to the banks’ reputation could be significantly diminished if the bank maintained effective KYC/CDD program.