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Research Article
Effectiveness of Suspicious Transaction Reporting in Bangladesh Banking Sector: Evidence from Regulatory Outcomes
Mohammad Jahangir Alam
,
Md. Kamruzzaman*,
Khandaker Mizanur Rahman
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
256-262
Received:
13 May 2026
Accepted:
25 May 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
Abstract: This study examines the effectiveness of Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR) mechanisms within the banking sector of Bangladesh by analyzing the relationship between reporting activity and enforcement outcomes. Despite significant growth in STR submissions in recent years, concerns remain regarding the extent to which increased reporting contributes to effective anti-money laundering (AML) enforcement. Drawing on secondary data from Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) annual reports covering the period 2017–2025, the study adopts a descriptive and analytical approach to evaluate trends in reporting, intelligence dissemination and prosecution outcomes. The findings reveal a notable divergence between compliance-driven reporting and practical enforcement effectiveness. Although financial institutions have substantially increased STR submissions, the conversion of reported transactions into intelligence outputs and formal enforcement actions remains comparatively limited. The study further identifies several institutional and regulatory challenges affecting AML effectiveness, including limitations in analytical capacity, weaknesses in inter-agency coordination and uneven implementation of risk-based supervisory practices. From a theoretical perspective, the findings support compliance theory by suggesting that reporting behavior within financial institutions may be influenced more by regulatory conformity than by substantive enforcement objectives. The study argues that reporting volume alone is an insufficient indicator of AML enforcement effectiveness. The paper contributes to the literature on AML regulation and banking governance in emerging financial systems by providing an outcome-oriented assessment of STR effectiveness in Bangladesh. The findings also offer practical policy implications for strengthening financial intelligence utilization, improving institutional coordination and enhancing the overall effectiveness of AML enforcement mechanisms.
Abstract: This study examines the effectiveness of Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR) mechanisms within the banking sector of Bangladesh by analyzing the relationship between reporting activity and enforcement outcomes. Despite significant growth in STR submissions in recent years, concerns remain regarding the extent to which increased reporting contrib...
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Research Article
Exercising Geopolitical Influence Through the Financial System
Srichander Ramaswamy*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
263-272
Received:
12 June 2026
Accepted:
27 June 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
Abstract: Globalization is undergoing a profound structural transformation driven by rapid digital innovation and intensifying geopolitical rivalry. The international financial system, particularly the global payment architecture, has emerged as a key arena through which states and private actors seek to exercise political and economic influence. As money forms the foundation of payment systems, competing initiatives involving cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies are reshaping the governance of cross-border finance and raising important questions about monetary sovereignty. At the same time, countries are strengthening regional financial safety nets, developing bilateral payment connectivity, and promoting local currency settlement arrangements to reduce dependence on existing financial infrastructures dominated by Western economies. Competition over the international trade invoicing currency has consequently intensified as governments seek greater strategic autonomy and geopolitical leverage. Existing studies rely on SWIFT data to uncover the competition for the invoicing currency in global trade. But such studies will underrepresent the shifts in trade settlement currencies, particularly because they will not capture trade involving sanctioned countries. The article therefore draws on information reported by PBOC on the share of Chinese Yuan used in cross-border goods trade as a proxy to capture the shifts. It then argues that meaningful erosion of dollar dominance will require not only political commitment but also the development of deeper financial markets, correspondent banking networks, trade finance, and foreign exchange hedging infrastructure in alternative currencies. These developments present both opportunities and some challenges for the future evolution of the global financial system.
Abstract: Globalization is undergoing a profound structural transformation driven by rapid digital innovation and intensifying geopolitical rivalry. The international financial system, particularly the global payment architecture, has emerged as a key arena through which states and private actors seek to exercise political and economic influence. As money fo...
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Research Article
Agribusiness Finance and Agricultural Productive Growth in Nigeria
SukaLenu Charles Adamgbo*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
273-283
Received:
4 April 2026
Accepted:
20 April 2026
Published:
27 July 2026
Abstract: This study examines Agric-business finance and agricultural productivity in Nigeria. The period of this study spanned between 1990 to 2023. Utilizing the time series data obtained from the CBN statistical bulletin, Agric-business finance was measured by loans to the agriculture sector, loans for cash crop production, food production and loan for fishery as independent variables while agriculture contribution to GDP as explained variable. The data set obtained was estimated within the regression framework using the Autoregression Distributive Lage (ARDL). Findings revealed that both short and long run relationship exist between the regressant; agricultural productivity and the regressors (agricultural credits or loans). The study confirmed cyclical adjustment or delayed effect on agriculture productivity resulting from the gestation in agric investments. The lagged structure reveals that agric-credit impacts are not immediate but over lap in multiple years. Among all, cash crop production was found to exert much positive impact on agricultural productivity in current periods and beyond due to its potential export value. This revelation reinforces the view that credit targeted agriculture especially for food production contributes more. The study recommends among others; consistent and well-monitored credit disbursement strategies, sustained policy especially in food production and fishery to stimulate short term output and long-term sector development, long term capital with grace periods to account for the gestation period associated with agricultural investments. The need for policy maker to synchronize the planting and harvesting cycles in their credit formulation as this will help cushion the cyclical adjustment or delay effect in agricultural production etc.
Abstract: This study examines Agric-business finance and agricultural productivity in Nigeria. The period of this study spanned between 1990 to 2023. Utilizing the time series data obtained from the CBN statistical bulletin, Agric-business finance was measured by loans to the agriculture sector, loans for cash crop production, food production and loan for fi...
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Research Article
Green Financing and Financial Sustainability of Quoted Oil and Gas Firms in Nigeria: An Application of the Fixed Effects Model (Fe)
Owei Opreye Tari,
Donald Ibama Hamilton,
Suka Lenu Charles Adamgbo*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
284-294
Received:
29 April 2026
Accepted:
21 May 2026
Published:
27 July 2026
Abstract: Given renewed efforts at managing the eco-system, there is need to examine how deploying funds towards environmentally friendly projects can help firm build financial capacity to generate income, manage risks and maintain profitability over a long term as against short-term to ensure solvency, efficiency and adapt to economic dynamics. This study explores a panel fixed effect model on how green financing within the oil and gas sector can enable firms maintain financial health and meet long-term obligation. Green financing is captured by carbon credit, green investment, green management function and green bonds as explanatory variables, while financial sustainability of the studied quoted firms on the Nigeria Exchange Group Limited (NGX) is measured by ratio of profit after tax relative to the firm’s operating costs. The study utilized longitudinal and cross-sectional surveys to analyse trends and cause effect of the panel data obtained from the Nigeria Exchange Group Limited for the periods 2014–2023 on ten (10) oil and gas firms quoted on the exchange. The result, revealed that carbon credit, green investment and bonds correlates negatively with financial sustainability, while green management function impacts positively and significantly enhanced financial health of the studied firms. Also, our fixed effects model revealed significant joint influence of green financing on financial sustainability. Based on these revelations, it is suggested that the government should come up with policy measures design to partner/collaborate with or offer incentives to oil and gas sector in order to defray the huge environmental compliance costs that impede short term profitability. The Federal Government of Nigeria's green finance initiatives should be embraced and adopted by Nigeria's oil and gas industry in the light of this revelation, this is so because green investment opportunities guarantee protection of the environment and help firms build reputation. Government expenditure on critical infrastructures need to be emphasized or prioritized alongside long-term financing options that will make transitioning to sustainable initiatives smooth, attractive and less difficult.
Abstract: Given renewed efforts at managing the eco-system, there is need to examine how deploying funds towards environmentally friendly projects can help firm build financial capacity to generate income, manage risks and maintain profitability over a long term as against short-term to ensure solvency, efficiency and adapt to economic dynamics. This study e...
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Research Article
Artificial Intelligence, Internationalization, and the Future of Accounting: Redefining Global Financial Expertise
Marja-Liisa Tenhunen*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
295-300
Received:
29 June 2026
Accepted:
10 July 2026
Published:
28 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijefm.20261404.15
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The accounting profession is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and internationalization. Rapid advances in machine learning, robotic process automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent auditing systems are fundamentally changing how financial information is generated, analysed, and utilized, while globalization continues to increase the complexity of financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and cross-border business operations. This study aims to examine how these technological and international developments are redefining the competencies, roles, and strategic value of accounting professionals in the digital economy. This research adopts a qualitative conceptual approach based on an extensive review and synthesis of contemporary academic literature in accounting, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, international business, and professional education. By integrating these interdisciplinary perspectives, the study develops a comprehensive framework explaining the evolution of accounting from a transaction-processing function toward a strategic, technology-enabled profession. The findings demonstrate that AI is automating routine accounting activities while significantly enhancing auditing, financial reporting, risk management, forecasting, and decision support. Simultaneously, internationalization requires accountants to possess global regulatory knowledge, intercultural competence, and the ability to operate effectively within multinational business environments. The study further identifies a new competency profile that combines accounting expertise, AI and data analytics capabilities, ethical judgment, digital literacy, and international business understanding. To conceptualize this transformation, the article introduces the framework of Global AI-Enabled Financial Expertise (GAIFE), which integrates professional accounting knowledge, digital intelligence, and global competence into a unified model for future accounting practice. The study concludes that competitive advantage in the accounting profession will increasingly depend on the successful integration of human expertise with intelligent technologies. Universities, professional accounting bodies, employers, and policymakers should therefore redesign accounting education and lifelong learning strategies to prepare professionals capable of creating strategic value in an increasingly AI-driven and globally interconnected financial environment.
Abstract: The accounting profession is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and internationalization. Rapid advances in machine learning, robotic process automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent auditing systems are fundamentally changing how financial information is ...
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