Fortifying Corporate Governance: Establishing Comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) and Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption (ABAC) Policies for a Malaysian-Based Enterprise

Lau, Esther Jin Wei (2026) Fortifying Corporate Governance: Establishing Comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) and Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption (ABAC) Policies for a Malaysian-Based Enterprise. Masters thesis, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

Text 12 Esther Lau Jin Wei.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (2MB)

Abstract

This research project, titled “Fortifying Corporate Governance: Establishing Comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering/ Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) And Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption (ABAC) Policies for a Malaysian-Based Enterprise” aims to enhance the governance and compliance framework of Corporate Orient. The study focuses on developing structured and practical AML/CFT and ABAC policies tailored to the Company’s operational context, particularly in managing risks associated with client engagements and regulatory obligations. This study adopts a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through interviews, document reviews, and stakeholder engagement to identify existing gaps in compliance practices and governance structures. The findings reveal key challenges, including the absence of formalised risk mitigation procedures, reliance on informal controls, and increasing exposure to money laundering and corruption risks. In response, the study proposes comprehensive policy frameworks incorporating elements such as customer due diligence, risk profiling and corruption risk assessment. The study also considers regulatory obligations under Malaysian and international guidelines, such as AMLA 2001 and Section 17A of the MACC Act, to ensure policy recommendations align with regulatory requirements. The implementation of these policies is expected to enhance business agility, improve operational efficiency, strengthen regulatory compliance.