What triggers a look-back audit imposed by regulators?

A look-back audit is mandated by regulators primarily when there are identified inadequacies in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) controls during inspections. This assessment signifies that the regulators have found weaknesses in the existing AML framework, which could potentially allow illicit activities to go undetected. Consequently, a look-back audit serves to evaluate past transactions to determine whether any suspicious activities may have occurred during the period in question.

This process is essential as it helps to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and reinforces the integrity of the financial institution's operations. It effectively addresses the findings of the regulators by tracing the implications of those inadequacies, ensuring corrective actions, and reinforcing AML compliance to prevent future failures. Thus, the identification of these control deficiencies acts as a critical trigger for initiating a comprehensive look-back audit.