OREANDA-NEWS. The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU), a leader in global payment services, today announced the successful completion of the primary recommendations made by the monitor pursuant to the Southwest Border settlement agreement, dated February 11, 2010.

The monitor appointed by the Maricopa County Superior Court , in the State of Arizona , has concluded that Western Union has successfully implemented an effective anti-money-laundering program and implemented all the primary recommendations made by the office of the monitor.

In a press release issued today, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said, “Over the last few years Western Union has made great strides in developing an effective AML program. We believe Western Union’s Southwest AML Compliance Program should be a model for others in the industry.”

Attorney General Brnovich went on to say, “Western Union’s Anti-Money Laundering Program is a crucial tool in helping the State of Arizona combat drug and human trafficking along the border. We’ve forged a close partnership, with one goal in mind: to protect Arizonans from criminal activity.”

John R. Dye , Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Western Union said, “The completion of the primary recommendations represents a significant milestone for Western Union . Western Union’s business is based on trust. Protecting the integrity of our network, while remaining compliant and providing services to consumers and businesses worldwide, is a key priority for the company. Western Union has worked hard to implement the primary recommendations and is grateful for the close cooperation provided by the Office of the Attorney General as we have collaborated on strengthening our compliance programs.”

Western Union lauds the court-appointed monitor, BDO, LLP , for its hard work and outstanding efforts in overseeing the successful completion of the primary recommendations of the agreed plan.