Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the Requirement for the MSc in Finance FINANCE AND INVESTMENT DISSERTATION ON Impact of Anti-Money Laundering Policies on the Rate of Crime TRAN HA MY ID No: 23081349 Intake 7 Supervisor: Assoc. Chu Khanh Lan September 2024 ABSTRACT This study examines the evolving dynamics of crime from 2013 to 2023, focusing on the factors that influence crime rates and the effectiveness of various interventions. Utilizing models were proposed: Fixed Effect Model (FEM) and Random Effect Model (REM) in Eviews12 to analyze a comprehensive dataset, the research identifies key variables such as legal frameworks, control of corruption, international cooperation, capacity-building actions, and technology development. The findings reveal significant relationships between these factors and crime rates, highlighting that effective anti-corruption measures and international collaboration correlate with increased crime reporting, while investments in capacity building and technology training are associated with crime reduction.
Additionally, the study underscores the limited impact of traditional economic indicators like GDP per capita on crime dynamics. The results suggest that policymakers must adopt a multifaceted approach that integrates these insights to enhance crime prevention strategies. By prioritizing evidence-based interventions, this research aims to inform future policies and contribute to the development of safer communities. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the importance of adapting strategies to the changing landscape of crime and the necessity of ongoing evaluation to meet emerging challenges effectively.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor for the continuous support of my research and study, for his patience, enthusiasm, and knowledge. His guidance helped me in all the time of research and writing of this study. This dissertation could not be finish without his continuous support. Besides my supervisor, I would like to express my grateful to all the teachers who have shared helpful information.
The work of this dissertation could not have been successful without their instructions and assistance. Finally, I would like to thank my friend who has always give me some valuable advice in data processing to complete this dissertation. TABLE OF CONTENT ABSTRACT 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 3 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 6 1. 9 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW AND HYPOTHESIS DEVELOPMENT 10 1.
The Concept Money Laundering. The Process of Money Laundering. Why is Money Laundering an Issue in Europe? 13 d.The Evolving Landscape of Anti-Money Laundering Efforts in Europe (2013-2023). 16 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 19 1.
Data on Anti-Money Laundering policy. Hausman test, REM and FEM model. Generalized Method of Moments. Discussion of the result.
Differences of the result compared to the study “The Multidisciplinary Economics of Money Laundering” Ferwerda (2012). Differences of the result compared to the study “Water always finds its way: Identifying new forms of money laundering” Unger and Hertog (2012). 39 CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION. Conclusion: A Decade of Progress: Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Decline of Crime in Europe (2013-2023).
Suggestions for the 47 European countries to enhance AML regulations. Reccomendation for future research. Comprehensive Approach to Reducing Crime Rates through Anti-Money Laundering Initiatives 50 2. Meeting log 3 56 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION.
The relationship between anti-money laundering (AML) policies and the reduction of crime is a complex and widely debated topic in the research literature. Many studies have found that effective AML measures can play a valuable role in disrupting the ability of criminals to hide and legitimize the proceeds of their illicit activities. By making it more difficult for criminals to integrate their ill- gotten gains into the formal financial system, AML policies can potentially reduce the profitability and incentive structure of certain types of crimes. This, in turn, may act as a deterrent and contribute to an overall reduction in criminal behavior.
However, the extent to which AML alone can directly lead to significant reductions in crime rates has been questioned by other researchers. Some studies have argued that while AML frameworks may be successful in targeting specific money laundering activities, they are often insufficient to address the deeper root causes of criminal behavior. Factors such as poverty, inequality, weak law enforcement capabilities, and a lack of legitimate economic opportunities are also powerful drivers of criminal activity, and may not be adequately addressed by AML measures alone. Furthermore, some research has suggested that overly burdensome or poorly implemented AML policies can sometimes have the unintended consequence of simply displacing criminal activity to less-regulated financial channels or geographic regions, rather than eliminating it outright.
In these cases, the criminals may adapt their methods to circumvent the AML controls, rendering the policies less effective in terms of overall crime reduction. The effectiveness of AML frameworks in reducing crime appears to be heavily dependent on a range of contextual factors, including the specific policies and regulations implemented, the resources and capacity of the regulatory and law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcement, the level of international coordination and information-sharing, and the adaptability and resilience of criminal organizations. Evaluating the direct crime reduction impact of AML is also methodologically challenging, as it is often difficult to isolate the effects of AML from other variables that may be influencing criminal behavior. Despite these complexities, the existing research does suggest that well-designed and effectively implemented AML policies can be a useful tool in the broader arsenal of anti-crime and anti-corruption measures.
By disrupting the financial flows that sustain certain types of criminal enterprises, AML frameworks may contribute to a reduction in the overall profitability and prevalence 1|Page of these activities. However, the research also indicates that AML is likely to be most effective when combined with a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that addresses the various social, economic, and institutional factors that drive criminal behavior in the first place. Money laundering is a pervasive global challenge that undermines the integrity of financial systems and enables a wide range of criminal activities, from drug trafficking and corruption to terrorism financing. As governments and international organizations have sought to combat this problem, the implementation of anti-money laundering (AML) policies has become an area of increasing focus and importance, particularly within the European context.
The primary purpose of this research project is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the effects of AML policies on criminal activity across 47 European countries in 11 years since 2013 - 2023. By examining the implementation and effectiveness of AML frameworks in this diverse regional setting, the study aims to provide empirical evidence on the extent to which such policies can disrupt and reduce the scale of money laundering and associated criminal enterprises within Europe. One key aspect of the research will be to investigate the mechanisms through which AML measures influence criminal behavior in the European context. This may involve analyzing factors such as the deterrent effect of AML enforcement, the displacement of criminal activity to less regulated financial channels within and across European borders, and the impact on the profitability and viability of money laundering operations.
Additionally, the research will explore the role of regional cooperation, information sharing, and the harmonization of AML standards in enhancing the overall effectiveness of these policies across the European Union and its member states. Another important objective of the study is to identify the contextual factors that shape the relationship between AML policies and criminal activity within the European continent. This may include examining the influence of economic conditions, political stability, the strength of judicial systems, and the prevalence of corruption within individual European countries and across the region as a whole. By understanding these contextual variables, the research can provide insights into the optimal design and implementation of AML frameworks that account for the unique characteristics and challenges faced by European nations.
The study will also investigate the potential unintended consequences of AML policies in the European context, such as the exclusion of legitimate individuals and businesses from the formal financial system, the increased costs and regulatory burdens on financial institutions, and the potential for the displacement of criminal activities to less regulated sectors or geographical areas within 2|Page Europe. Examining these potential trade-offs and their implications will be crucial for policymakers seeking to strike a balance between effective AML measures and the preservation of a well- functioning financial system across the European Union. To achieve these research objectives, the study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. The quantitative analysis will involve the collection and analysis of cross-country data on money laundering incidents, AML policy implementation, and various indicators of criminal activity, such as financial crimes, organized crime, and illicit financial flows, within the 47 European countries.
This will allow for the identification of statistical relationships and the assessment of the overall impact of AML policies on criminal activity in the European context. The qualitative component of the research will involve in-depth case studies of selected European countries or regions, focusing on the implementation and enforcement of AML measures, the challenges faced, and the perspectives of key stakeholders, including policymakers, law enforcement, financial institutions, and civil society organizations. These case studies will provide valuable insights into the contextual factors that shape the effectiveness of AML policies and illuminate the nuances and complexities inherent in this policy domain within the European landscape. The findings of this research project will have significant implications for both academic and policy-oriented communities, particularly within the European context.
From an academic standpoint, the study will contribute to the growing body of literature on the intersection of money laundering, organized crime, and financial regulation, with a specific focus on the European region. By providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of AML policies in this setting, the research will inform scholarly debates and guide future research directions in this field. In terms of policy relevance, the study's findings will be of great interest to national governments, the European Union institutions, and financial regulatory authorities across Europe. The research will offer valuable insights into the design and implementation of AML frameworks within the European context, highlighting best practices and identifying areas for improvement.
This knowledge can inform policymaking and guide the allocation of resources towards more effective AML strategies, ultimately contributing to the disruption of criminal networks, the protection of the financial system, and the promotion of broader societal well-being across the European continent. Furthermore, the research findings will be disseminated through academic publications, policy briefs, and stakeholder engagement activities to ensure that the knowledge generated has a tangible impact on real-world decision-making processes within Europe. The researchers will also seek to 3|Page engage with policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and financial institutions across the European Union to facilitate the exchange of ideas and the translation of research insights into practical applications. This research focuses on researching the Money laundering and the Effects of Anti-Money Laundering Policy on Criminal Activity, so the main research question of the study is "How Aniti- Money Laundering policy impact on Crime?.
In addition, the study also explores mediating variables including non-interest income, cost-to-income and non-performing loan to examine the impact of green credit policy and commercial banks' performance. 4|Page CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW AND HYPOTHESIS DEVELOPMENT 1. The Concept Money Laundering. One significant distinction exists between the revenues from criminal activity and the proceeds from lawful activities: the former cannot be spent as readily, especially not on luxuries like yachts, sports cars, or villas.
Spending the money obtained from illicit activity requires money laundering, at least in part. The term ‘money laundering’ is derived from the gangster Al Capone, who funnelled his ill-gotten gains through launderettes to make them appear legal (van Duyne, 2003, p. Governments continue to fight (the consequences of) money laundering. The statement at the October 1996 Annual Meetings in Washington, D.
of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Interim Committee—its highest decision-making authority—featured money laundering as one of the most serious issues facing the international financial community (Camdessus, 1998). The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) – an intergovernmental body established by the G-7 countries in 1989 – takes the lead in the international fight against money laundering by setting anti-money laundering policy standards and incentivizing all countries around the world to comply with them.