National Financial Crime Fighter Day is celebrated annually on October 26th to honor the professionals who work tirelessly to combat financial crimes such as money laundering, fraud, and other illegal activities. These individuals, including Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) experts, play a crucial role in safeguarding financial systems and preventing illicit activities that threaten global security.
Quick Facts
- When is it? October 26th
- Tagged as: Awareness, Appreciation, Financial Security
- What’s the hashtag? #FinancialCrimeFighterDay
- When was it founded? 2017
- Who founded it? Abrigo
History of National Financial Crime Fighter Day
The day was established in 2017 by Abrigo, a company specializing in risk management technology. It was created to acknowledge the critical yet often overlooked contributions of BSA/AML professionals. The significance of this day also ties back to pivotal events like the passage of the Bank Secrecy Act in 1970 and the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act in 2001, which strengthened efforts to combat financial crimes following the 9/11 attacks.
Timeline
- 1970: The Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) is signed into law to address money laundering.
- 2001: The U.S.A. PATRIOT Act is signed on October 26th after the 9/11 attacks, reinforcing anti-money laundering measures.
- 2017: Abrigo establishes National Financial Crime Fighter Day.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 26 | Sunday |
| 2026 | October 26 | Monday |
| 2027 | October 26 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | October 26 | Thursday |
| 2029 | October 26 | Friday |
| 2030 | October 26 | Saturday |
Observed
National Financial Crime Fighter Day is observed by appreciating BSA/AML professionals, hosting awareness events, donating to relevant causes, and sharing information about financial crime prevention on social media.
Fun Facts About National Financial Crime Fighter Day
- The U.S. was the first country to criminalize money laundering.
- In 2019, over $2.8 billion in Bitcoin was used for money laundering.
- Banks paid more than $10 billion in fines for anti-money laundering violations in the same year.
- A third of money mules in the UK are under the age of 21.
Quiz
- What year was National Financial Crime Fighter Day founded?
(Answer: 2017) - What does AML stand for?
(Answer: Anti-Money Laundering) - Which act was signed on October 26th, 2001?
(Answer: U.S.A. PATRIOT Act)
FAQs
Q: Why is National Financial Crime Fighter Day important?
A: It recognizes the efforts of BSA/AML professionals who protect financial systems from crimes like money laundering and fraud.
Q: Who can participate in observing this day?
A: Anyone can participate by spreading awareness, thanking professionals, or learning about financial crime prevention.
Q: How can I support this cause?
A: You can support by donating to organizations combating financial crimes or volunteering with related initiatives.
Importance of National Financial Crime Fighter Day
This day highlights the indispensable role of financial crime fighters in maintaining economic stability and national security. It also raises awareness about the importance of combating financial crimes that fund illegal activities like terrorism and drug trafficking.
Related
- International Customs Day
- National Unclaimed Property Day
- International Anti-Corruption Day