Which guideline should Cassandra not ignore when following a firm's KYC policy?

When following a firm's Know Your Customer (KYC) policy, it is crucial for Cassandra to not take the customer's word for identification purposes. Relying solely on a customer's assertions without proper verification undermines the entire purpose of the KYC policy, which is designed to prevent money laundering and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. KYC procedures are put in place to verify the identity of customers through reliable and documented means, such as government-issued identification or other verification methods. This requirement helps institutions assess the risk of doing business with a client and helps to enhance security and reduce the risk of financial crime.

Monitoring activities, obtaining identification from all new customers, and maintaining awareness of unusual transactions are integral components of a robust KYC framework. However, taking a customer’s word alone for identification bypasses essential verification processes and would significantly increase the risk of facilitating money laundering or other illicit activities. Therefore, adhering to thorough identification protocols is vital for effective risk management and compliance.