- Block, Inc. pays $40M to settle AML violations related to Cash App’s compliance issues.
- NYDFS fines Block for failing to vet high-risk Bitcoin transactions properly.
- Block appoints an independent monitor after agreeing to a $40M settlement with NY regulators.
Block Inc., led by co-founder Jack Dorsey, reached a $40 million settlement agreement with the New York Department of Financial Services. The settlement emerged from the department’s investigations into Block Inc.’s Cash App platform’s failure to meet anti-money laundering (AML) standards.
AML Shortcomings and Compliance Gaps
An investigation by the NYDFS established substantial weaknesses in Block Inc.’s AML program, with the company improperly managing high-risk Bitcoin transactions. The regulator determined that Block Inc. had inadequate risk-based controls and customer due diligence procedures. The inadequate controls led Block to authenticate numerous Bitcoin transactions without proper user verification.
Block faced criticism from the NYDFS because its operational expansion surpassed the company’s ability to maintain proper compliance systems. The resulting weaknesses allowed potential opportunities for illegal use of the platform, which could threaten its safety. NYDFS Superintendent Adrienne Harris stressed that companies need their compliance framework to grow in parallel with their expansion.
Regulatory Action and Required Corrective Measures
In addition to the financial penalty, Block, Inc. will be required to implement corrective measures, including appointing an independent monitor to oversee the company’s compliance activities. The NYDFS stated that the company’s past handling of compliance issues posed significant risks which criminal actors could have exploited.
During the investigation, Block Inc. worked with regulators and agreed to handle the identified compliance issues. However, the company did not acknowledge any wrongdoing even though it had to pay financial penalties while facing ongoing regulatory examinations. It also emphasized that the resolution marked the conclusion of its dealings with state-level regulators concerning Cash App’s compliance program.
Ongoing Commitment to Compliance and Future Outlook
This settlement comes after Block, Inc. paid $80 million to settle similar allegations with 48 other state financial regulators earlier this year. The company released a statement confirming that Cash App implemented changes to its compliance system. The platform’s updated changes exist to maintain regulatory compliance while reducing risks that might arise from illegal activities in the future.
Despite these regulatory challenges, the firm’s business operations remain robust. The company achieved revenue and profit growth while Cash App continues to serve as a key driver of its financial performance. Cash App’s popularity reaches over 57 million monthly users and maintains its position as a major mobile payment platform to support Block Inc.’s long-term financial growth.