CAMS Exam Dumps : Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS7 the 7th edition)

The risk-based approach (RBA) is a foundational principle of FATF standards. It requires countries, regulators, and financial institutions to identify, assess, and understand their money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

Once risks are understood, entities must apply proportionate mitigation measures. Higher risks require stronger controls, while lower risks may justify simplified measures. However, no risk is ignored or exempted from mitigation.

Regulators do not expect all residual risks to be reduced to low; rather, risks must be managed within an acceptable risk appetite. Resource allocation under an RBA prioritizes AML/CFT activities, not unrelated tasks.

Therefore, the correct definition of an RBA focuses on understanding and managing risk proportionately.

High-risk customers present elevated money laundering and terrorist financing risks, requiring careful consideration before onboarding. FATF guidance emphasizes that higher-risk relationships demand stronger controls due to their increased vulnerability to misuse.

One key risk is the greater potential for laundering illicit proceeds. High-risk customers may operate in sectors, jurisdictions, or business models that are frequently abused for financial crime, increasing the likelihood that illicit funds could pass through the institution.

Another significant risk is the increased likelihood of involvement in financial crimes, either directly or indirectly. This may include exposure to corruption, fraud, sanctions evasion, or organized crime networks.

Enhanced due diligence is not a risk but rather a risk-mitigating control imposed by regulators. Reduced regulatory scrutiny is incorrect, as high-risk customers are subject to greater—not lesser—oversight.