Is Your MSB Compliance Program Actually Ready? Take the Self-Test That Could Save Your Business

Running a money service business (MSB) means more than just handling cash and customer transactions—it also means managing risk. And not just the risk of bad checks or employee theft, but the kind that sneaks in quietly and explodes during a state audit, federal exam, or when your bank suddenly calls you in for a compliance review.

Every MSB owner or compliance officer has had that moment of hesitation: Are we really prepared? Could we pass an audit today? If you're not sure, you're not alone. That’s exactly why ComplyCheck developed a free, self-driven MSB Compliance Risk Assessment—a no-pressure, confidential way to evaluate your current risk exposure and determine whether your AML/BSA compliance program is truly up to par.

Why a Compliance Self-Assessment Matters

It’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming your compliance program is “fine.” After all, you filed your CTRs, you trained your staff a couple years ago, and you haven’t heard any complaints—so that must mean things are working, right?

Not quite.

Compliance isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about having a living, breathing system that adapts to regulatory changes, satisfies your bank’s due diligence expectations, and stands up under the scrutiny of law enforcement or examiners. And here’s the reality: most MSBs don’t discover their weaknesses until it’s too late.

Maybe your written policies haven’t been updated in years. Maybe your AML training is insufficient. Maybe your customer files are incomplete, your SAR documentation is inconsistent, or your monitoring process relies too much on instinct and not enough on data. These issues might seem manageable—until they cost you your banking relationship or draw regulatory penalties.

What Makes the ComplyCheck Risk Assessment Different?

The ComplyCheck Risk Scorecard is built specifically for MSB owners and operators—especially those in check cashing and money transmitting services—who need a clear, unbiased look at their compliance posture.

It’s quick, private, and best of all, actionable.

You’ll answer 13 straightforward questions that cover real-world compliance factors, including:

• When you last updated your AML/BSA policies and procedures
• How often you conduct employee and owner training
• Your ability to retrieve CTR and SAR records on short notice
• Whether you’ve faced bank account closures or regulator contact
• How consistently you monitor for structuring and suspicious activity

Each answer is scored based on risk exposure—from strong (1 point) to weak (3 points). Once complete, you’ll receive a risk rating (Low, Moderate, or High), along with tailored guidance based on your results.

No account setup. No sales pitch. Just clarity.

Low, Moderate, or High Risk—What It Really Means

Here’s how the risk levels break down:

• Low Risk:
  You’re in great shape. You’ve invested in your compliance program, and it shows. But don’t get complacent—regulatory expectations shift constantly, and strong today doesn’t mean strong forever. Use this as confirmation and motivation to stay sharp.
• Moderate Risk:
  You’re walking a fine line. A few gaps may be manageable now, but they could easily snowball into larger problems. Most banks and regulators will see this as cause for concern. The good news is that with the right adjustments, you can course-correct before it becomes critical.
• High Risk:
  You’re exposed—plain and simple. A surprise audit, law enforcement inquiry, or bank review could reveal deficiencies that lead to account closures, fines, or worse. But this isn’t a death sentence. Identifying the problem is step one. Acting on it is step two.

And if you're not sure how to act? That’s where we come in.

Built to Help—Not to Judge

We didn’t build this tool to scare you. We built it because too many MSBs wait until they’re in trouble to ask for help. This assessment is your early warning system. Think of it like an annual physical for your compliance program: no one loves it, but it’s the only way to catch issues early, stay healthy, and avoid surgery later.

Whether you’re an experienced compliance officer or a business owner just trying to keep your doors open, the ComplyCheck Risk Scorecard will give you:

• A measurable benchmark to evaluate how your current compliance program stacks up against regulatory expectations—no guesswork, just data.
• Clarity on your blind spots, including outdated policies, training lapses, weak recordkeeping practices, or risky customer onboarding procedures.
• A prioritized snapshot of risk, so you know exactly where to focus your attention—no more scrambling during an audit or trying to figure it out under pressure.
• Peace of mind that you’re taking proactive steps to protect your business, not reacting when it’s already too late.
• An optional path forward, where ComplyCheck can offer hands-on help tailored to your results—but only if you want it.

You won’t find any scare tactics here—just straight talk, industry expertise, and a chance to get ahead of problems before they become headlines.

Why This Matters Right Now

Regulators are tightening expectations. Banks are getting more selective. Enforcement actions are increasing. And unfortunately, most MSBs that get into trouble don’t realize they were on shaky ground until the penalties arrive.

Completing the ComplyCheck Risk Scorecard gives you a powerful edge in today’s compliance environment:

• Banking access is fragile — One surprise questionnaire or customer file request that goes unanswered, and your account could be frozen or closed with little recourse.
• Audits are becoming more rigorous — Examiners now expect not only policies and procedures, but evidence that they’re followed consistently and documented properly.
• Technology is raising the bar — Manual monitoring or “gut instinct” won’t satisfy today’s AML expectations; regulators and banks expect automated systems, real-time alerts, and a paper trail.
• Bad compliance is expensive — Whether it's legal fees, fines, lost revenue from account closures, or reputational damage, the cost of doing it wrong is always higher than doing it right.
• Time is not on your side — If you delay action until something goes wrong, the options available to fix it shrink dramatically.

By taking 3 minutes to complete a free risk assessment, you’re not just protecting your business—you’re putting yourself in the driver’s seat before someone else takes the wheel.

Ready to Know Where You Stand?

Visit ComplyCheck.co/risk-assessment to get started. No cost. No commitment. Just the truth about your compliance program—and what to do about it.

Because if you wait until the examiner walks in the door, it’s already too late.

Want Help Interpreting Your Results?
 Our team of former bankers, regulators, and MSB operators is here to help. If your score falls in the yellow or red zone, schedule a confidential call to discuss your next steps.