The Cayman Islands is now set to be removed from the EU anti-money laundering (AML) list. This action follows the decision of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) monitoring group on 27 October 2023 and subsequent removal...more
After years of waiting and multiple drafts, the final version of the EU Regulatory Technical Standards on risk retention was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 18 October 2023. In addition, we have...more
We have been writing a lot recently about trends in the global market for fine art. One specific area that deserves attention is steps taken to stamp out laundering illicit funds via the art market, such as through auctions...more
On 24 February 2023, the FATF will announce its decision regarding the likely grey listing of South Africa – if this transpires, the consequences for the already embattled South African economy could be severe. South...more
Our quarterly Financial Crime Horizon Scanner for the UK summarizes key financial crime related legal and regulatory changes expected over the next 2 years and provides electronic links to key resources. We hope that you...more
On 7 January 2022, the European Commission adopted a delegated regulation (the “Regulation”) proposing revision of its EU AML List to add nine countries, including the Cayman Islands. The EU AML List is the EU’s list of...more
Compliance teams looking to stay ahead of the changing landscape need to be up to date on the latest developments. Join us for Global Compliance Updates in collaboration with the DIFC Academy, on 2–3 November 2021. This...more
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on February 21, 2020, reintroduced its call for countries to impose countermeasures to protect themselves from illicit finance threats emanating from Iran. The call for countermeasures...more
On November 12, 2019, FinCEN issued its latest Advisory on the Financial Action Task Force-Identified Jurisdictions with Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism Deficiencies and Relevant Actions by the...more
The Wolfsberg Group has published an updated version of its Correspondent Banking Due Diligence Questionnaire (dated February 22, 2018). The CBDDQ has been enhanced and expanded in line with regulatory expectations on...more
On September 15th, FinCEN issued its latest “Advisory on FATF-Identified Jurisdictions with AML/CTF Deficiencies.” The FATF, or the Financial Action Task Force, is a 37-member intergovernmental body, including the United...more
Increasingly, international bodies are calling for higher standards for gatekeepers, known in the parlance of the Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”) as “designated non-financial businesses and professions” (“DNFBPs”)....more
In this decision report we review the FCA’s action against Sonali Bank (UK) Ltd (Sonali Bank) and its money laundering reporting officer (MLRO), Steven Smith, in connection with failings identified in relation to Sonali...more
Over the past two years, financial regulatory bodies in the United States and Europe have increasingly emphasized consumer due diligence (“CDD”) by financial institutions as a means to combat money laundering and terrorist...more
Because they are known as “gatekeepers” in the financial industry, Professional Service Providers (PSPs), Bankers, Brokers, Realtors, Casino Managers, Trust Fund Managers, Money Managers, etc., carry a level of responsibility...more
On March 21, 2016, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an Advisory (FIN-2016-A002) on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-identified jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in anti-money laundering...more
The Fourth European Union Anti-Money Laundering Directive (Fourth AML Directive), approved by the European Parliament on May 20, 2015, went into effect on June 25, 2015, repealing the 2005 Third AML Directive. Given the...more
August was a busy month for the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Among other initiatives, FinCEN issued its long-awaited proposed regulations on customer due diligence (CDD)...more