The Role of Dual Nationality, Financial System Sophistication and Cryptocurrency in Money Laundering

Abstract

Water always finds its way" so do the money launderers, who are always successful in finding new ways of committing the crime. This study primarily aims to identify opportunities that launderers are exploiting to whitewash their black money.  Dual nationality (DN), financial system sophistication (FSS), and cryptocurrency legal status (CCLS) are the advanced opportunities being used by launders to clean their funds. Some studies highlight the link between cryptocurrency and money laundering, but the role of dual nationality and financial system sophistication in money laundering is still a less addressed phenomenon (Ebeke, 2011) and (T. P. and J. Walker, 2011). The objective of this study is to explore the role of these three variables in money laundering by making improvements to the original version of the Walker model. The study's theoretical model was developed by borrowing justifications from Rational Choice Theory (RCT). For quantitative analysis, FGLS was employed over strongly balanced panel datasets. The final dataset of the study was prepared by gathering secondary data from 177 countries for 11 years (2009-2019). The study has found that overall, financial system sophistication is an important factor in choosing a laundering centre around the globe. However, Pakistani launderers do not perceive FSS as an attractive element for laundering their black money. In contrast, dual nationality was identified as a significant element in money laundering from Pakistan to other countries. However, the aspect of cryptocurrency legal status was found to be a significant attractive element for both national and international launders. The findings of the study guide policymakers and practitioners in strengthening the anti-money laundering strategy.