Why compliance execution is complex in NORAM
North America combines mature regulatory frameworks with evolving digital asset supervision, privacy-first data protection, and heightened enforcement of AML/CFT obligations through federal and state-level authorities.
United States Regulatory Landscape
Federal AML/CFT Framework
- FinCEN: BSA/AML reporting (SARs, CTRs), beneficial ownership (CDD Rule), 314(a) information sharing
- OFAC: Sanctions screening and enforcement, correspondent banking due diligence
- Federal Banking Regulators: OCC, Federal Reserve, FDIC prudential supervision
- SEC & CFTC: Securities and derivatives oversight, crypto asset jurisdiction
Privacy & Data Protection
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State-level frameworks (California, CPRA, Virginia CDPA, Colorado CPA)
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Industry-specific requirements (GLBA for financial institutions)
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Biometric data regulations (Illinois BIPA, Texas, Washington)
Emerging Digital Asset Regulation
- GENIUS Act (Implementational phase): Stablecoin issuer framework requiring KYC programs, Customer Identification Programs (CIP), risk-based CDD/EDD, transaction monitoring, SAR filing, and AML/sanctions compliance under the Bank Secrecy Act (pending final congressional passage).
- State Money Transmitter Licenses: Varied state-level requirements for payment services and crypto exchanges
- Crypto Asset Supervision: Evolving frameworks for digital asset custody, trading, and DeFi protocols
Canada Regulatory Landscape
Federal AML/CFT Framework
- FINTRAC: Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) enforcement
- OSFI: Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions prudential supervision
- Client Identification & Verification: Risk-based approach with identity document requirements
- Beneficial Ownership: 25% threshold or control determination
Privacy-First Compliance
- PIPEDA: Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
- Explicit consent requirements for data processing
- Privacy Commissioner enforcement and guidance
Key Regional Compliance Challenges
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Enhanced due diligence for high-risk customers
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Correspondent banking de-risking pressures
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Cyber threat intelligence and incident reporting
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Evolving digital asset and stablecoin frameworks
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Balancing federal FinCEN/OFAC with state money transmitter regimes
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Privacy compliance across multiple state jurisdictions
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Beneficial ownership certification (FinCEN CDD Rule)
Facephi North America Solutions
Regulatory Flexibility for Complex Jurisdictions
Facephi supports North American institutions navigating multi-layered federal and state requirements, with privacy-first biometric solutions and comprehensive AML/CFT capabilities.
Solutions Portfolio
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Digital Identity Verification: Document authentication for US and Canadian IDs, passports, state-issued credentials
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Biometric Authentication: Privacy-compliant facial recognition, fingerprint, voice biometrics meeting state biometric data laws
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AML Screening: FinCEN and OFAC sanctions integration, PEPs and adverse media screening
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Transaction Monitoring: SAR/CTR automation, beneficial ownership verification
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GENIUS Act Readiness: Stablecoin issuer compliance solutions
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State Compliance: Money transmitter license requirements, state-specific AML programs
CANADA - Priority Market Deep Dive
FINTRAC & PCMLTFA Compliance Excellence
Regulatory Framework
- FINTRAC supervision and enforcement
- Client identification and verification protocols
- Beneficial ownership determination (25% or control)
- PEPs screening (domestic, foreign, HIO (Head of International Organization)
- Record retention (5 years minimum)
- STRs (no threshold) and LCTRs (>CAD 10,000) reporting
Privacy Compliance
- PIPEDA data protection requirements
- Provincial privacy laws (Quebec Law 25, BC PIPA)
- Biometric data consent and security
Market Context
- Big Five banks dominance (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC)
- Growing fintech ecosystem
- Open banking framework development
- High digital banking adoption
Facephi Canada Solutions
- Document verification (Canadian IDs, passports, provincial credentials)
- PIPEDA-compliant biometric authentication
- FINTRAC reporting automation (STRs, LCTRs)
- Sanctions screening
- Audit trail generation for FINTRAC examinations