In today’s interconnected digital landscape, there are many easy to access software platforms that
offer support tools for individuals or entities to help with all sorts of business activities from project management to design labs. Maybe you work for an organisation that is one of these companies. Amid the useful tools these platforms offer to users, there lies a responsibility for the provider to uphold ethical standards and comply with legal regulations. The digital services realm is not immune to exploitation by malicious actors seeking to use applications that could further illicit activities such as money laundering or terrorist support or financing. Software platforms, with their large user bases either free or paid for and global reach, can be susceptible to being utilised for such purposes.
So, what can you do? Or should be doing if you are an organisation that falls into this category. Like your peers in financial services implementing risk appropriate due diligence sanctions programme should be a minimum. These are some factors that should be considered:
Legal Compliance: Operating within the confines of the law is non-negotiable. Sanctions regimes, imposed by governments and international bodies, prohibit transactions and provision of services with certain individuals, entities, or countries. Failure to adhere to these sanctions can result in severe legal consequences, including hefty fines and reputational damage.
Risk Mitigation: Implementing robust sanctions due diligence mechanisms allows platforms to identify and mitigate the risk of being unwittingly exploited for illicit ends. By screening users against sanction lists and conducting enhanced due diligence where necessary, platforms can safeguard themselves against regulatory breaches and safeguard their reputation as responsible corporate citizens.
Ethical Responsibility: Software platforms have an ethical responsibility and can promote values such as integrity, transparency, and accountability. Enabling users who are sanctioned entities or individuals undermines these values.
Preserving Trust and Reputation: Trust is the cornerstone of any successful platform-based business model. Users entrust platforms with their personal data, financial information, and digital identities, expecting that their interactions will be conducted in a safe and secure environment. Any association with sanctioned individuals or entities can erode this trust and tarnish the platform’s reputation irreparably.
Competitive Advantage: In an increasingly competitive marketplace, differentiation often hinges on factors beyond just features and pricing. Ethical conduct and compliance with regulatory requirements can serve as powerful differentiators, attracting users who prioritize security, integrity, additional layers of due diligence, and responsible business practices.
Establishing the correct risk profile for your business is critical before implementing or updating your
Sanctions Due Diligence. NTT Data can help support you in this preparatory phase as well as providing the tools and services to support a programme however comprehensive or light touch. We can also conduct one-off look back exercises that can help bench mark your exposure risk and provide remediation support if required.
If you are an organisation that are just setting up, established or readying for a for sale or IPO and need to look at your sanction obligations contact us for an in-confidence discussion to make sure you are best prepared to meet your objectives.
