MONEY LAUNDERING FRAMEWORK FOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS: POST COVID-19.

Background and Purpose: The Covid-19 pandemic has sparked global challenges, economic disruption, and an increase in related crimes, such as scams, fraud, and cybercrime. It has also changed the routines of individuals, businesses, and governments in combating financial crimes, especially professional accountants. As front-liners in the anti-money laundering (AML) regime, professional accountants play a vital role in combating financial crime, including money laundering activities that have risen during the pandemic. However, limited study has investigated the money laundering reporting framework for the professional accountants. Hence, this study aims to investigate the money laundering framework for professional accountants that suits the post-pandemic period. Methodology: This study conducted a content analysis, focussing on the current red flags for money laundering activities specifically for the professional accountants mentioned in prior literature and publicly available reports such as Financial Action Task Force (FATF), ICAEW and ACCA Global. Since this study focuses on the money laundering framework for the professional accountants, this study also referred to the MIA Competency Framework that highlights the importance of professional scepticism and professional judgement. Findings: Findings showed that professional accountants must exercise high professional scepticism and judgement when dealing with money laundering risk indicators related to related party transactions, beneficial ownership and e-commerce activities. This is to provide quality reporting to the authorities and to proceed with money laundering investigations. Contributions: This study will contribute to the regulators and professional accountant by proposing a money laundering framework for the professional accountants that would assist them in fulfilling their role as money laundering reporting entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]