Which of the following is NOT a way to identify beneficial owners of business accounts?

Identifying beneficial owners of business accounts is an essential requirement in compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act. When evaluating the potential choices, the method that stands out as NOT a way to identify beneficial owners is obtaining information through public records.

Public records can provide valuable information; however, they typically do not guarantee the complete or accurate identification of beneficial owners. Beneficial ownership information is often more complex and requires direct engagement with the customer rather than relying solely on publicly available data. Other methods ensure a more thorough and direct verification process, leading to reliable identification of individuals who ultimately own or control the business.

In contrast, the other options involve direct interaction with the business or the use of firm-specific documentation that is designed to capture beneficial ownership accurately. Using the credit union's own forms allows for tailored data collection specific to the institution's requirements, while the "Certification Regarding Beneficial Owners" form serves as a formal declaration from the business regarding its ownership structure. Additionally, any other means that are certified as accurate by the member ensures that the information is verified and up-to-date.

Therefore, relying on public records alone may lack the robustness needed to meet compliance standards for identifying beneficial owners, making it the correct choice as the option that is NOT an effective method for this