The role of international auditing standards in the system of countering money laundering

Abstract

Relevance. Countering money laundering is a critical global issue that requires coordinated international efforts. The United Nations and other organisations have developed programs to combat this problem, and International Auditing Standards play a significant role in these efforts. One of the goals of these standards is to prevent the legitimisation of criminal incomes. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to show the role of international auditing standards in the system of countering the laundering of illegally obtained funds. Methodology. The study employs the method of analysis and the historical method to examine various sources and draw conclusions on the role of international auditing standards in combating money laundering. Results. The study identifies and describes the basic principles of international auditing standards and their effectiveness in preventing the legitimisation of criminal income. It highlights how these standards are implemented across different countries and their impact on reducing money laundering activities. The analysis shows that adherence to these standards improves transparency and accountability in financial transactions, making it harder for illegal funds to be integrated into the legitimate economy. Conclusions. The findings underscore the importance of international auditing standards in the global fight against money laundering. These standards serve as a critical tool for enhancing the integrity of financial systems worldwide. The study's insights can aid policymakers and educators in understanding and teaching the significance of auditing standards in combating financial crimes. Additionally, the research provides practical recommendations for improving the implementation and enforcement of these standards to better address the evolving challenges of money laundering. Keywords: money laundering; international relations; crime prevention; auditing