Anti-Money Laundering Compliance and Financial Performance of Selected Commercial Banks in South Sudan: A Survey of Literature on Customer Due Diligence

This study examines the relationship between Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, particularly focusing on customer due diligence, and the financial performance of selected commercial banks in South Sudan. Despite substantial government investment in AML initiatives, the country remains on the FATF grey list, impacting financial sector performance. Employing a mixed-methods approach with 105 participants from four commercial banks, the research reveals a significant positive correlation (r = 0.468, p = 0.000, n = 86) between customer due diligence and financial performance. Regression analysis indicates that customer due diligence accounts for 29% (Adjusted R Square) of financial performance variance. However, the study underscores a relatively weak positive relationship, suggesting substantial room for enhancement in AML compliance to bolster the financial integrity of commercial banks in South Sudan.