What are "anti-money laundering" (AML) regulations designed to do?

Anti-money laundering (AML) regulations are specifically designed to prevent money laundering activities, which can occur in various sectors, including the securities industry. These regulations establish requirements and controls that financial institutions and professionals must follow to detect and report suspicious activities that may involve the illicit transfer of funds. By being proactive in identifying potential money laundering schemes, AML measures aim to protect the integrity of the financial system, ensure compliance with the law, and promote trust among investors.

In the context of the securities industry, adhering to AML regulations helps in safeguarding against the use of investment vehicles for laundering funds that have been obtained through illegal activities. The focus on prevention and monitoring is key to mitigating risks associated with these actions, which is the central goal of AML programs.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the purpose of AML regulations. Facilitating investment in foreign markets, encouraging more foreign investment in U.S. securities, or regulating the sale of international securities do not align with the primary aim of preventing money laundering. Instead, those aspects pertain more to investment strategies and regulatory practices that might exist in broader financial regulations but are not the defining purpose of AML regulations.