SECTION 1. Definitions  


Latest version.
  • As used in this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

    ''Criminal activity'', activity which constitutes a criminal offense punishable under the laws of the commonwealth by imprisonment in a state prison or a criminal offense committed in another jurisdiction punishable under the laws of that jurisdiction as a felony.

    ''Financial institution'', (1) a bank as defined in section 1 of chapter 167; (2) a national banking association, bank, savings and loan association, savings bank, cooperative bank, building and loan or credit union organized under the laws of the United States; (3) a banking association, bank, savings and loan association, savings bank, cooperative bank, building and loan or credit union organized under the laws of any state; (4) an agency, agent or branch of a foreign bank; (5) a currency dealer or exchange; (6) a person or business engaged primarily in the cashing of checks; (7) a person or business regularly engaged in the issuing, selling or redeeming of traveler's checks, money orders or similar instruments; (8) a broker or dealer in securities or commodities; (9) a licensed transmitter of funds or other person or business regularly engaged in the transmission of funds to a foreign nation for others; (10) an investment banker or investment company; (11) an insurer; (12) a dealer in precious metals, stones or jewels; (13) a pawnbroker or scrap metal dealer; (14) a telegraph or other communications company; (15) a personal property or real estate broker; (16) a dealer in vehicles including, but not limited to, automobiles, aircraft and vessels; (17) an operator of a betting or gaming establishment; (18) a travel agent; (19) a thrift institution, as defined in section 1 of chapter 167F; (20) an operator of a credit card system; or (21) a loan or finance company.

    ''Monetary instrument'', the currency and coin of the United States or any foreign country; any bank check, money order, stock, investment security, or negotiable instrument in bearer form or otherwise in such form that title passes upon delivery; gold, silver or platinum bullion or coins; diamonds, emeralds, rubies or sapphires; any negotiable instrument including, bank checks, cashier's checks, traveler's checks or monetary orders made payable to the order of a named party that have not been endorsed or which bear restrictive endorsements; poker chips, vouchers or other tokens exchangeable for cash by gaming entities; and credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, gift certificates or scrips.

    ''Transaction'', a purchase, sale, loan, pledge, gift, transfer, delivery or other disposition and, with respect to a financial institution, including, but not limited to, a deposit, withdrawal, bailment, transfer between accounts, exchange of currency, loan, extension of credit, purchase or sale of any stock, bond, certificate of deposit or other monetary instrument, use of a safe deposit box or any other payment, transfer or delivery by, through or to a financial institution, by whatever means effected.