Derrick ponders… Bashkim's bashfulness

At Cabbage LLP, the MLRO gets caught in the lift by someone who has been reading an article about Shah v HSBC. [1] Derrick Paterson wonders what this will do for his claustrophobia.

The purpose of this article is to pose questions and instigate discussion. It does not represent advice. Derrick Paterson Dip (AML) FCA MICA, is the Director of Ophelimity Limited, an independent AML consultancy. He may be reached on +44 (0) 77 0000 6986, derrick.paterson@hotmail.co.uk

Ricky, Cabbage LLP’s MLRO, gets to work at 06:30, as usual. He boards the lift to the 5th floor expecting to relax for a while. This is the only time of day that he will take the lift. The reason for this becomes clear as Bashkim boards the lift. Bashkim is on the management exchange programme; he is spending six months in the UK before moving on to the US. Despite the fact that Ricky will be trapped in the lift for 45 seconds, he feels relatively safe. Then Bashkim speaks, “I recognise you from my compulsory training: you are the Money Laundering Reporting Officer.” “Yes”, replies Ricky, guarded but hopeful. “In the training, you said that any reports to you would be confidential and that you and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) would make every effort to safeguard my anonymity.” Ricky vows never again to travel in the lift – ever – at any time – even if he has a broken leg. “At home, my life would be at risk, if it became known that I was a - snitch (you would call it?)” Ricky sighs inwardly: “Come to my office and we’ll discuss it over a coffee.”