Policy Issues • Terrorism and Illicit Finance

311 Actions

“311 actions” is a common shorthand for special measures that can be applied to address money laundering concerns involving a foreign jurisdiction, financial institution, type of account, or class of transactions. These measures are used to reduce risk exposure and protect the financial system.

What These Actions Aim to Achieve

Reduce access: make it harder for illicit actors to use certain channels.
Increase transparency: require more information on ownership and flows.
Change incentives: shift behavior by raising compliance costs or limiting services.

Operational Impacts

What Institutions Usually Need to Do

Update controls: screening rules, monitoring, and escalation processes.
Adjust due diligence: identify beneficial owners and high-risk counterparties.
Recordkeeping: retain evidence of decisions and checks performed.

How to Read a Notice or Guidance

Scope: which parties, products, or geographies are covered.
Required actions: what processes must be changed.
Effective dates: when requirements begin and how transitions are handled.