Why Your Company Needs Anti-Money Laundering Training

Companies across all sectors have realized that ignoring the risks of money laundering is no longer a viable option, especially as legislation tightens its grip on identifying and punishing this type of crime. Laws No. 9.613/1998 and No. 12.683/12, which address money laundering in Brazil, establish harsh penalties not only for those directly involved but also for companies that fail to prevent this type of crime. And if you think your company is far removed from such risks, it’s time to reconsider.

In the corporate world, danger often comes disguised as opportunity or negligence. The truth is, any company dealing with large financial transactions is exposed – not just banks and financial institutions, but also retailers, real estate developers, fintechs, and even rapidly growing startups. Money laundering doesn’t discriminate by industry; it just needs loopholes. And these loopholes can be where you least expect them: in internal processes, weak controls, and, often, the lack of knowledge among employees.

This is where compliance training comes in. It’s not just a formality, a bureaucratic 'checklist' to satisfy market demands. It’s a survival tool. In the training, employees are prepared to identify suspicious patterns, such as atypical transactions, financial movements incompatible with the client’s profile, or even the use of front men – there’s always a pattern. And it’s precisely in that pattern that the cracks begin to show.

Let’s be frank: certain positions are more exposed than others. We’re not saying danger is always next door, but those dealing directly with finances, contracts, and international transactions are in the risk zone. That’s where the problem lies. Sometimes, a malicious employee already knows the system’s flaws, knows how to circumvent controls. Other times, an employee is simply negligent, not out of malice, but due to lack of preparation. And if there’s one thing money laundering loves, it’s uninformed people.

The Anti-Money Laundering Law requires suspicious transactions to be reported. More than that, it mandates that companies have internal mechanisms to identify and prevent these crimes. Claiming ignorance is no longer an excuse. And when authorities step in, it doesn’t matter if you were negligent or complicit. The responsibility is yours – and so is the punishment.

The problem, however, is that many companies still underestimate the importance of well-structured compliance. They think the risk is always somewhere else, with someone else. But the truth is, without proper training, any organization becomes an easy target. Worse: it could be used for money laundering without even knowing it.

At Meritum, we understand the complexity of the landscape and the urgency of adapting to the regulations of Laws No. 9.613/1998 and No. 12.683/12. That’s why we’ve developed tailor-made compliance training, which not only explains the legislation but equips employees to recognize and respond to potential money laundering schemes. Because at the end of the day, the best defense against this crime is knowledge – and swift action.

If compliance is the shield, your well-trained team is the sword. Looking for a definitive solution for your company? Meritum has what you need!