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BSA, AML, CFT, and OFAC Reviews

Meeting regulatory requirements is just the beginning. Saltmarsh delivers in-depth, risk-based reviews that help financial institutions strengthen their programs, respond to evolving threats, and stay exam-ready year-round.

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Stronger Compliance for a Shifting Regulatory Landscape

BSA, AML, CFT, and OFAC review regulations are constantly evolving, and so is examiner scrutiny. Financial institutions face growing expectations to detect and deter illicit activity, all while managing complex systems, high volumes of alerts, and ongoing staffing pressures.

At Saltmarsh, we understand these challenges. Whether you're navigating compliance requirements, preparing for an exam, or responding to regulatory findings, our team brings deep experience and a calm, solutions-oriented approach. We focus on strengthening your program; not just meeting the minimum requirements. With every review, we aim to identify practical improvements, reduce risk, and ensure your institution is positioned for long-term compliance.

A Risk-Based Approach

Saltmarsh’s methodology is rooted in the real-world expectations of examiners and the evolving risk profiles of financial institutions. We tailor every engagement to your institution’s size, structure, product mix, customer base, and geographic reach.

Our team conducts thorough, independent reviews that go beyond surface-level compliance. We take a risk-based approach that considers the five pillars of BSA: Customer Due Diligence, Internal Controls, Designation of a BSA Officer, Employee Training, and Independent Testing.  We assess program governance, system performance, internal controls, and staff competency to ensure your BSA/AML/CFT framework is aligned with regulatory expectations and operational realities.

Whether you’re proactively strengthening your program or responding to scrutiny, we help you make meaningful, defensible improvements that stand up to examiner review.

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Our BSA, AML, CFT, and OFAC Review Services

Saltmarsh provides comprehensive BSA, AML, CFT, and OFAC review services designed to meet regulatory expectations and adapt to your institution’s risk profile.

From required periodic reviews to targeted validations and training, our services help you maintain a strong, defensible compliance program.

BSA/AML/CFT Independent Reviews

Periodic risk-based testing to evaluate the effectiveness of your institution’s BSA/AML program and ensure regulatory compliance.  We evaluate compliance with recordkeeping requirements (monetary instruments, funds, CIP – including beneficial ownership, etc.), test for required reporting (CTRs, SARs, etc.) and information sharing (314(a) and 314(b) are conducted as appropriate, dig into due diligence practices, analyze the effectiveness of internal controls, and confirm required training is conducted.

Model Validations

Independent assessments of AML software to verify accuracy, performance, governance, and efficiencies.

OFAC Program Reviews

Targeted reviews of sanctions screening policies, procedures, and systems, with real-time testing to uncover gaps and ensure compliance.

BSA/AML Risk Assessment Support

Guidance to enhance or build your BSA/AML risk assessment framework, tailored to your institution’s size and complexity.

Training & Board Engagement

Customized training for staff and board members to promote awareness, strengthen oversight, and align with examiner expectations.

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People and Practices. The team is well trained, knowledgeable, experienced, accessible, and demonstraates good communication skills. Fieldwork, deliverables and presentations are first class. Our team at the bank always has good dialogue with Saltmarsh, and we learn something with each engagement.
Piedmont Federal Savings Bank NC

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Get the Most Recent Updates at a Glance

Recent & Upcoming Regulatory Compliance Changes – Quarterly Update

This document includes concise summaries of the most material developments over the past quarter. It’s ideal for those who need a quick, focused view of what’s changed since the last report.

What’s inside:

  • Key updates from CFPB, OCC, FDIC, FRB, and HUD
  • Effective dates and impact levels
  • Hyperlinked citations to original rules
  • Summaries of rescinded, vacated, or delayed provisions

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Where Regulatory Insight Meets Real-World Banking Experience

At Saltmarsh, our team combines deep regulatory knowledge with decades of real-world banking experience — giving us the insight to spot issues, ask better questions, and provide practical solutions that work in the field, not just on paper.
 
Clients choose Saltmarsh because we don’t just identify gaps. We help you close them. Our reviews are thorough but collaborative, focused on strengthening your program without overburdening your team. Whether you’re preparing for an exam or simply looking to validate your systems and controls, we deliver clarity, confidence, and ongoing support.

Compliance Experts You Can Count On

Our BSA/AML professionals bring decades of experience working inside financial institutions and alongside regulators. With deep expertise in risk management, internal controls, and regulatory expectations, the Saltmarsh team delivers practical, thoughtful support tailored to your institution’s needs.

Stogniew, Kristen-1

Kristen Stogniew, Esq., CFE

Partner

Kristen is a shareholder and leader of Saltmarsh’s Financial Institution Consulting practice, with over 25 years of experience advising banks, credit unions, and fintechs on legal, operational, and compliance matters. She also provides tailored training, mentorship, and facilitates user groups across key systems and risk areas.

Helms-Macbeth, Stephen

Stephen Helms-MacBeth

Manager

Stephen is a manager in the Financial Institution Advisory Group. Since 1992, his expertise has been on compliance, operations, and policies and procedures within the financial institutions industry. Stephen provides the firm’s financial institution clients with services related to BSA, AML, CFT, OFAC compliance, and other banking compliance reviews.

Moody, Melba

Melba Moody

Manager

Melba is a manager in Saltmarsh’s Financial Institution Advisory Group with 10 years of retail banking management experience. She provides internal audit and compliance reviews, with a focus on deposit operations, BSA, and AML compliance.

Ready for a Stronger BSA/AML/CFT Compliance Program?

Our mission is to deliver first-class service with a personal touch. Backed by deep expertise, our BSA professionals take a risk-based approach tailored to your institution’s unique needs so you can move forward with confidence in today’s evolving BSA/AML/CFT regulatory landscape.

Let us help you stay ahead of emerging threats and ongoing compliance challenges with clarity, insight, and unwavering support.

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