Which stakeholders must be made aware of a financial institution's AML program?

The correct answer emphasizes that all employees within a financial institution should be aware of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program, particularly those involved in compliance and operations. This awareness is crucial because the effectiveness of the AML program relies on a culture of compliance that permeates the entire organization.

When all employees are informed about the AML program, they are better equipped to recognize suspicious activities, adhere to established policies and procedures, and ensure that the institution remains compliant with regulatory requirements. Employees on the front lines, such as tellers or customer service representatives, might be the first to encounter signs of money laundering, so their understanding of the AML protocols is vital.

Compliance officers and upper management play essential roles in setting the AML framework, but if the broader staff is not informed or trained on these issues, the program's success can be compromised. Additionally, external auditors, while they review and assess the effectiveness of the AML program, are not part of the institution's internal framework, and their awareness is not necessary for the program's implementation and operation.

In summary, the choice that highlights the need for all employees to be knowledgeable about the AML program reflects a comprehensive approach to compliance, recognizing that a strong AML culture requires engagement from every level of the organization.