Policy Division

FinCEN's Policy Division designs the framework that protects the U.S. financial system from money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit finance. In developing policy solutions, the Policy Division considers the needs and equities of all FinCEN stakeholders, including law enforcement, regulators, foreign financial intelligence units, industry, and the public. The division:

  • Conceives, develops, and drafts the BSA rules, clarifying guidance, and regulatory rulings that protect our financial system;
  • Oversees AML/CFT compliance policy to ensure the BSA framework -- 'the defense' -- is implemented effectively;
  • Serves as the think tank for policy responses to AML/CFT vulnerabilities in the U.S. and international financial systems.

The Policy Division is structured into two offices, one focusing on drafting BSA rules, clarifying guidance, and regulatory rulings, the other focusing on broader strategic policy issues, including AML/CFT compliance and the drafting of advisories for financial institutions.