The potential client is attempting to commit the illegal activity of using insider information to trade securities.
Insider information is any material, non-public information that could affect the price or value of a security, such as earnings reports, mergers, acquisitions, or regulatory actions. Insider trading is the act of buying or selling securities based on insider information, which gives the trader an unfair advantage over other investors who do not have access to such information. Insider trading violates the principles of market integrity, fairness, and transparency, and can undermine investor confidence and trust. Insider trading is also a form of market abuse and financial crime, and is subject to civil and criminal penalties.
ACAMS Study Guide for the CAMS Certification Examination - 6th Edition, Chapter 1: Risks and Methods of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, Section 1.3: Financial Crime, Subsection 1.3.3: Market Abuse, pp. 25-26 ACAMS CAMS Certification Video Training Course, Module 1: Risks and Methods of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, Lesson 1.3: Financial Crime, Sublesson 1.3.3: Market Abuse, Video Time: 2:00-3:
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Exam CAMS: Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (the 6th edition), Question 12, Answer C

This action is the most appropriate because it demonstrates the local manager's responsibility and accountability for the sanctions compliance program. Sanctions screening is an important part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) processes, as it helps to identify and prevent transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, which could expose the financial institution to legal, regulatory, and reputational risks. Failing to perform sanctions screening could result in violations of sanctions laws and regulations, which could lead to fines, penalties, sanctions, or even criminal prosecution.
Therefore, the local manager should immediately inform senior management of the issue, so that they can take corrective actions, such as implementing screening procedures, conducting a risk assessment, reviewing existing customers, reporting any potential violations, and providing training and guidance to the staff.
The other actions are not appropriate because they either do not address the root cause of the problem, or they could worsen the situation. Starting screening new customers without informing senior management could create a false sense of compliance, and it could also miss the existing customers who may be sanctioned.
Immediately informing the regulators without informing senior management could undermine the trust andcommunication within the organization, and it could also trigger an investigation or enforcement action before the issue is resolved internally. Doing nothing because the department only handles a very small number of mortgages could be a sign of negligence or indifference, and it could also expose the financial institution to significant risks, as even one transaction with a sanctioned party could have serious consequences.
CAMS Certification Package - 6th Edition | ACAMS, Chapter 4: Developing and Implementing an AML Training Program, pp. 97-98 CAMS Certifications: How to Get CAMS Certified | ACAMS, CAMS Study Guide, pp. 76-77 What is Sanctions Screening and How Does It Work? | Jumio, Introduction and Benefits of Sanctions Screening Sanctions Screening: Challenges and Control Considerations, Background and Regulatory Expectations for Sanctions Screening Sanction Screening: A Complete Guide | KYC AML Guide, What is Sanction Screening and Why is it Important?

The primary international authoritative body that designates sanctions is the United Nations (UN). The UN Security Council has the power to impose sanctions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which deals with threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, and acts of aggression. The UN sanctions are legally binding on all UN member states and aim to maintain or restore international peace and security. The UN sanctions can target individuals, entities, groups, sectors, or countries, and can include measures such as arms embargoes, travel bans, asset freezes, trade restrictions, or diplomatic isolation. The UN sanctions are implemented and enforced by the member states, with the assistance of the UN Secretariat and other specialized agencies. The UN sanctions are periodically reviewed and adjusted by the Security Council, based on the reports of the sanctions committees and expert panels.
1: UN Sanctions1
2: UN Charter, Chapter VII2
3: ACAMS Study Guide for the CAMS Certification Examination3

These two options are indicative of money laundering red flags associated with money service businesses, as they may suggest attempts to avoid reporting requirements, conceal the source or destination of funds, or use false or stolen identities. Money service businesses are vulnerable to money laundering due to the high volume and anonymity of transactions, the ease of cross-border transfers, and the lack of effective regulation and supervision in some jurisdictions12. Therefore, they should implement robust anti-money laundering policies and procedures, and monitor and report any suspicious activity.
References:
ACAMS CAMS Certification Study Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 3, page 631
ACAMS CAMS Certification Video Training Course, Module 3, Lesson 42

A sound Customer Due Diligence Program (CDD) is a key component of an effective anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) framework. According to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global standard-setter for AML/CFT, CDD involves the following elements1:
Identifying the customer and verifying their identity using reliable, independent sources of information or documents.
Identifying the beneficial owner and taking reasonable measures to verify their identity, so that the financial institution understands who ultimately owns or controls the customer or the funds.
Understanding and obtaining information on the purpose and intended nature of the business relationship.
Conducting ongoing due diligence on the business relationship and scrutinizing transactions to ensure that they are consistent with the financial institution's knowledge of the customer, their business and risk profile, and the source of funds.
Therefore, the three elements of a sound CDD program that are listed in the question are:
Determination of what type of customer the financial institution will accept: This involves defining the customer acceptance policy and risk appetite of the financial institution, and applying appropriate risk-based measures to accept or reject customers based on their risk profile and the financial institution's ability to manage and mitigate those risks2.
Training as to how and to what extent to identify prospective customers: This involves providing adequate and regular training to the staff who are responsible for conducting CDD, and ensuring that they are aware of the legal and regulatory requirements, the internal policies and procedures, the risk indicators, the verification methods, and the reporting obligations3.
Obtaining date of birth and address of a prospective customer: This is part of the basic information that is required to identify and verify the customer's identity, and to establish their risk profile and the source of funds. The date of birth and address can also be used to check against various databases and watchlists to detect any potential matches with sanctioned or high-risk individuals or entities4.
The element that is not part of a sound CDD program is:
Determination of who in the institution should be assigned to the prospective customer as a liaison: This is not a mandatory or essential element of CDD, although it may be a good practice to assign a dedicated relationship manager or contact person to each customer, especially for high-risk or complex customers, to ensure effective communication, monitoring, and service delivery.
FATF Guidance on Customer Due Diligence and Financial Inclusion 1
ACAMS Study Guide for the CAMS Certification Examination (6th Edition), Chapter 2: Compliance Standards for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) 2 ACAMS Study Guide for the CAMS Certification Examination (6th Edition), Chapter 4: Developing an AML
/CFT Program 3
ACAMS Study Guide for the CAMS Certification Examination (6th Edition), Chapter 5: Conducting and Supporting the Investigation Process 4 Wolfsberg Group Guidance on Customer Due Diligence (CDD)