Not all superheroes wear capes. Sometimes, they wear business suits, dresses, or jeans and are found in the back office of financial institutions. These superheroes are also known as BSA/AML professionals and they play the important role of protecting our financial system and our country.

The Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) was passed by Congress in 1970 in an effort to better protect the United States financial system from money laundering and financing of criminal activities. For the past 49 years, BSA and AML professionals have been working tirelessly to protect our financial system around the clock. They are the first line of detection for money laundering and terrorist financing and play a vital role in uncovering criminal activity that poses threats to the United States and its citizens.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Bank Secrecy Act was strengthened, with the introduction of the USA PATRIOT Act (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism). The USA PATRIOT Act was signed on October 26, 2001, cementing the important role BSA/AML (anti-money laundering) professionals play in the financial industry.

This level of national protection is deserving of recognition, which is why on October 26th, the signing anniversary, we show our gratitude and appreciation to these superheroes.