The United States has been at the forefront of the global fight against money laundering, being one of the first countries to address this issue. Money laundering has been recognized as a criminal offense in the United States since 1986, emphasizing the seriousness with which it is treated. The USA has been proactive in effectively combating money laundering.

It is estimated that an astonishing $2 trillion of illicit funds is laundered through financial systems worldwide each year, causing significant damage to the global economy. As one of the most advanced economies, the United States is dedicated to combating money laundering in a robust manner. To achieve this goal, the USA has implemented Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations that establish effective measures to prevent financial crimes. Individuals and institutions failing to comply with AML regulations face penalties and sanctions.

In 1990, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) was established by the Secretary of the Treasury in the United States. FinCEN serves as the primary Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in the country. It operates under the U.S. Treasury Department and is responsible for collecting and analyzing financial transactions related to domestic and international money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. Financial institutions are obligated to report suspicious activity to FinCEN, allowing for enhanced detection and investigation of potential money laundering activities.

The foundation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies in the United States is established by the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and the Patriot Act. The BSA serves as the primary authority responsible for creating regulations and policies to combat financial crimes within the USA. Financial institutions and U.S. citizens are held accountable under the provisions of both the BSA and the Patriot Act of 2001. In accordance with these acts, financial institutions are mandated to develop their own AML programs, which include necessary checks and procedures aligned with the requirements set forth by the BSA and the Patriot Act. These measures are designed to detect and prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities through financial institutions. The specific scope and detailed regulatory requirements vary for each financial institution, as they must comply with the BSA requirements applicable to their particular operations within the United States.