How often must credit unions conduct risk assessments related to BSA compliance?

Credit unions are required to conduct risk assessments related to Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance annually. This annual requirement is established to ensure that institutions continuously evaluate and understand their exposure to money laundering and terrorist financing risks. By conducting these assessments every year, credit unions can identify changes in their risk profiles, assess new products or services, update their controls, and develop strategies to mitigate risks effectively.

Regularly updating the risk assessment helps institutions to adjust their compliance programs accordingly, ensuring that they remain effective in addressing the risks they face. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining compliance with regulations and protecting the credit union from potential financial crimes and associated penalties.

While there are varying frequencies for different compliance activities, the annual risk assessment is a foundational aspect of a credit union's BSA compliance program, making it critical to the overall effectiveness of their efforts against financial crimes.