FINTRAC collects reports on financial transactions from numerous entities and subjects them to rigorous analysis. These reports contain information on suspicious or large cash financial transactions, international electronic funds transfers, as well as on the cross-border movements of currency and monetary instruments. When FINTRAC determines that there are reasonable grounds to suspect its information would be relevant to investigation or prosecuting a money laundering or terrorist financing offence, it will disclose key identifying information to law enforcement. Likewise , when it suspects the information would be relevant to threats to the security of Canada, it will disclose the information to CSIS.

FINTRAC is required by law to protect the personal information it receives from unauthorized disclosure. The creation of FINTRAC allowed lawmakers to balance privacy rights and the needs of the law enforcement and security communities.

Money laundering is the process used to disguise the source of money or assets derived from criminal activity. Laundering obscures the money trail leading back to the underlying crime.

Financial entities (banks, credit unions, trust and loan companies and agents of the crown that accept deposit liabilities); Life insurance companies, brokers or agents; securities dealers, portfolio managers and investment counsellor's who are provincially authorized; foreign exchange dealers; money services businesses; accountants and firms; real estate brokers and sale representatives; casinos; and individuals who is importing or exporting currency or monetary instruments of $10,000 or more.

To learn more about FINTRAC and Canada's effort to combat money laundering and terrorist financing activities, visit www.fintrac.gc.ca or call: 1-866-346-8722.