The federal banking agencies' reference to "audit" does not confer an expectation that the required independent testing must be performed by a specifically designated auditor, whether internal or external.

However, the person performing the independent testing must not be involved in any part of the bank’s BSA/AML compliance program (for example, developing policies and procedures or conducting training).

As part of the scoping and planning process, examiners should obtain and evaluate the supporting documents of the independent testing (audit) of the bank's BSA/AML compliance program.

Audit findings should be reported directly to the board of directors or a designated board committee composed primarily of or completely of outside directors. The scope and quality of the audit may provide examiners with a sense of particular risks in the bank, how these risks are being managed and controlled, and the status of compliance with the BSA.

The independent testing scope and work papers can assist examiners in understanding the audit coverage and the quality and quantity of transaction testing. This knowledge assists the examiner in determining the examination scope, identifying areas requiring greater (or lesser) scrutiny, and identifying when expanded examination procedures may be necessary.What You'll Learn:

• How to use the exam manual to complete a good audit
• Reviewing and analyzing your institution based on our audit worksheet
• What to do with audit findings
• Who should do the audit and why
• Developing a good audit process
• What you have to cover during the audit