FATF Public Statement - Public Statement No. 1 of 2011 (20 April 2011)

Public Statement No. 1 of 2011

 

 

20 April, 2011

 

 

 

PUBLIC STATEMENT

 

FATF PUBLIC STATEMENT

 

Tortola, British Virgin Islands – 20 April, 2011 – On 25 February, 2011, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issued a public statement reaffirming its blacklisting of Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.  The public statement, which is reproduced below and is available in original form on the FATF website, was issued as an update to the FATF statement issued on 22 October, 2010. 

 

The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (the “FSC”) wishes to advise the general public, including all regulated and other persons who are required to comply with the requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations, 2008 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Code of Practice, 2008, to note the concerns expressed by the FATF with respect to the named jurisdictions and consider the money laundering and/or terrorist financing risks associated and apply appropriate or enhanced customer due diligence measures when dealing with customers or transactions involving any of the two jurisdictions that have been identified by the FATF statement.

 

In a separate statement dated 25 February, 2011 and entitled, “Improving Global AML/CFT Compliance: Update On-Going Process”, the FATF also made updated statements regarding the following jurisdictions that have committed to working with it to improve their AML/CFT frameworks; namely Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Greece, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.   

 

Both FATF statements are reproduced in full below:

 

ANNEX 1: FATF PUBLIC STATEMENT

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global standard setting body for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). In order to protect the international financial system from ML/FT risks and to encourage greater compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF identified jurisdictions that have strategic deficiencies and works with them to address those deficiencies that pose a risk to the international financial system.

Jurisdictions subject to a FATF call on its members and other jurisdictions to apply counter-measures to protect the international financial system from the ongoing and substantial money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks emanating from the jurisdictions.

Iran*
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)

* The FATF has previously issued public statements calling for counter-measures on Iran. Those statements are updated below.

Iran

The FATF welcomes the recent steps that Iran has taken to engage with the FATF, but remains concerned by Iran’s failure to meaningfully address the ongoing and substantial deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime. The FATF remains particularly concerned about Iran’s failure to address the risk of terrorist financing and the serious threat this poses to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF urges Iran to immediately and meaningfully address its AML/CFT deficiencies, in particular by criminalising terrorist financing and effectively implementing suspicious transaction reporting (STR) requirements.

 

The FATF reaffirms its call on members and urges all jurisdictions to advise their financial institutions to give special attention to business relationships and transactions with Iran, including Iranian companies and financial institutions. In addition to enhanced scrutiny, the FATF reaffirms its 25 February 2009 call on its members and urges all jurisdictions to apply effective counter-measures to protect their financial sectors from money laundering and financing of terrorism (ML/FT) risks emanating from Iran. FATF continues to urge jurisdictions to protect against correspondent relationships being used to bypass or evade counter-measures and risk mitigation practices and to take into account ML/FT risks when considering requests by Iranian financial institutions to open branches and subsidiaries in their jurisdiction. If Iran fails to take concrete steps to improve its AML/CFT regime, the FATF will consider calling on its members and urging all jurisdictions to strengthen counter-measures in June 2011.

  

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)

The FATF welcomes the initial engagement by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) with the FATF. However, the FATF remains concerned by the DPRK’s failure to address the significant deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime and the serious threat this poses to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF urges the DPRK to immediately and meaningfully address its AML/CFT deficiencies.

 

The FATF calls on its members and urges all jurisdictions to advise their financial institutions to give special attention to business relationships and transactions with the DPRK, including DPRK companies and financial institutions. In addition to enhanced scrutiny, the FATF further calls on its members and urges all jurisdictions to apply effective counter-measures to protect their financial sectors from money laundering and financing of terrorism (ML/FT) risks emanating from the DPRK. Jurisdictions should also protect against correspondent relationships being used to bypass or evade counter-measures and risk mitigation practices, and take into account ML/FT risks when considering requests by DPRK financial institutions to open branches and subsidiaries in their jurisdiction.

 

The FATF remains prepared to engage directly in assisting the DPRK to address its AML/CFT deficiencies, including through the FATF Secretariat.

 

 

ANNEX 2: IMPROVING GLOBAL AML/CFT COMPLIANCE: UPDATE ON-GOING PROCESS

As part of its ongoing review of compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF has to date identified the following jurisdictions which have strategic AML/CFT deficiencies for which they have developed an action plan with the FATF. While the situations differ among each jurisdiction, each jurisdiction has provided a written high-level political commitment to address the identified deficiencies. The FATF welcomes these commitments.

 

A large number of jurisdictions have not yet been reviewed by the FATF. The FATF continues to identify additional jurisdictions, on an ongoing basis, that pose a risk in the international financial system. The FATF has additionally begun initial reviews of a number of other jurisdictions as part of this process and will present its findings later this year.

 

The FATF and the FSRBs will continue to work with the jurisdictions noted below and to report on the progress made in addressing the identified deficiencies. The FATF calls on these jurisdictions to complete the implementation of action plans expeditiously and within the proposed timeframes. The FATF will closely monitor the implementation of these action plans and encourages its members to consider the information presented below.

 

Antigua and Barbuda

In February 2010, Antigua and Barbuda made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and CFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Antigua and Barbuda should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); and (2) continuing to improve the overall supervisory framework (Recommendation 23). The FATF encourages Antigua and Barbuda to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Bangladesh

In October 2010, Bangladesh made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Bangladesh has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by amending the Extradition Act to include ML/FT offences. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Bangladesh should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering (Recommendation 3); (4) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (5) improving suspicious transaction reporting requirements (Recommendation 13 and Special Recommendation IV); and (6) improving international cooperation (Recommendations 36 and 39 and Special Recommendation V). The FATF encourages Bangladesh to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

   

Ecuador

In June 2010, Ecuador made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GAFISUD to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Ecuador has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by enacting AML and CFT amendments. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Ecuador should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) ensuring adequate criminalisation of terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering (Recommendation 3); and (4) reinforcing and improving coordination of financial sector supervision (Recommendation 23). The FATF encourages Ecuador to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Ghana

In October 2010, Ghana made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GIABA to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Ghana should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate measures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering (Recommendation 3); (3) establishing effective CDD measures (Recommendation 5); (4) establishing a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); and (5) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III). The FATF encourages Ghana to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Greece

In February 2010, Greece made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since that time, Greece has demonstrated progress in improving its AML/CFT regime, including by adopting legislation that aims to address issues relating to criminalisation of terrorist financing, freezing of terrorist assets under UNSCR 1373, and the independence and operation of the FIU. The FATF will conduct an on-site visit to confirm that the process of implementing the required reforms and actions is underway to address deficiencies previously identified by the FATF.

 

Honduras

In October 2010, Honduras made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and CFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Honduras has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by enacting legislation that criminalises terrorist financing. However, the FATF has determined that strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Honduras should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (2) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); and (3) improving and broadening CDD measures (Recommendation 5). The FATF encourages Honduras to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Indonesia

In February 2010, Indonesia made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Indonesia should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); and (3) amending and implementing laws or other instruments to fully implementing the 1999 International Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism (Special Recommendation I). The FATF encourages Indonesia to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Morocco

In February 2010, Morocco made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since that time, Morocco has demonstrated progress in improving its AML/CFT regime, including by adopting amendments to extend the scope of the money laundering and terrorist financing offences; to broaden customer due diligence requirements and taking steps to operationalise the FIU. Once the FATF assesses this recent legislation and ensures that these measures address the identified deficiencies, it will organise an on-site visit to confirm that the process of implementing the required reforms and actions is underway to address deficiencies previously identified by the FATF.

 

Pakistan

In June 2010, Pakistan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Pakistan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by issuing STR guidance to its financial institutions. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by (1) demonstrating adequate criminalisation of money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) demonstrating adequate procedures to identify, freeze and confiscate terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (4) demonstrating effective regulation of money service providers, including an appropriate sanctions regime, and increasing the range of ML/FT preventive measures for these services (Special Recommendation VI); and (5) improving and implementing effective controls for cross-border cash transactions (Special Recommendation IX). The FATF encourages Pakistan to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Paraguay

In February 2010, Paraguay made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GAFISUD to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Paraguay has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including issuing regulations prohibiting anonymous accounts. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Paraguay should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify, freeze and confiscate terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); and (2) effectively implementing controls for cross-border cash transactions (Special Recommendation IX). The FATF encourages Paraguay to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Philippines

In October 2010, the Philippines made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, the Philippines has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by issuing new AML regulations. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. The Philippines should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets and confiscate funds related to money laundering (Special Recommendation III and Recommendation 3); (3) enhancing financial transparency (Recommendation 4); (4) ensuring capacity and financial resources for competent authorities (Recommendation 30); and (5) establishing effective CDD measures (Recommendation 5). The FATF encourages the Philippines to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

São Tomé and Príncipe

In October 2010, São Tomé and Príncipe made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GIABA to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. São Tomé and Príncipe should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (3) ensuring that financial institutions and DNFBPs are subject to adequate AML/CFT regulation and supervision, and that a competent authority or competent authorities have been designated to ensure compliance with AML/CFT requirements (Recommendations 23, 24 and 29); (4) implementing effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions in order to deal with natural or legal persons that do not comply with the national AML/CFT requirements (Recommendation 17); and (5) taking the necessary action to gain membership of GIABA. The FATF encourages São Tomé and Príncipe to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Sudan

In February 2010, Sudan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Sudan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by issuing FIU regulations and circulars to financial institutions. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Sudan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) implementing adequate procedures for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (2) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (3) ensuring financial institutions are aware of and comply with their obligations to file suspicious transaction reports in relation to ML and FT (Recommendation 13 and Special Recommendation IV); and (4) implementing a supervisory programme for the regulators to ensure compliance with the provisions of the new law and regulations (Recommendation 23). The FATF encourages Sudan to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Tanzania

In October 2010, Tanzania made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and ESAAMLG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Tanzania should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets as well as implementing the UNSCR 1267 and 1373 through law, regulations or other enforceable means (Special Recommendation III); (3) establishing effective CDD measures (Recommendation 5); (4) establishing adequate record-keeping requirements (Recommendation 10); (5) establishing a fully operational and effectively functioning national Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); and (6) designating competent authorities to ensure compliance with AML/CFT requirements (Recommendation 23). The FATF encourages Tanzania to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Thailand

In February 2010, Thailand made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Thailand has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by approving a national AML/CFT strategy. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Thailand should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); and (3) further strengthening AML/CFT supervision (Recommendation 23). The FATF encourages Thailand to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Turkmenistan

In June 2010, Turkmenistan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and EAG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Turkmenistan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by undergoing an on-site for its mutual evaluation. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Turkmenistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) addressing the remaining issues with the criminalisation of money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets without delay (Special Recommendation III); (3) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning FIU (Recommendation 26); (4) developing collaboration between the FIU and domestic counterparts, including supervisory authorities; and (5) strengthening international cooperation. The FATF encourages Turkmenistan to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Ukraine

In February 2010, Ukraine made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MONEYVAL to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Ukraine should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) addressing a few remaining issues regarding criminalisation of money laundering (Recommendation 1); and (2) improving and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III). The FATF encourages Ukraine to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Venezuela

In October 2010, Venezuela made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and CFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Venezuela has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by issuing regulations for the securities sector. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic deficiencies remain. Venezuela should continue to work with the FATF and CFATF on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendations I and III); (3) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (4) implementing adequate CDD guidelines for all sectors (Recommendation 5); and (5) establishing adequate STR reporting obligations for ML and FT (Recommendation 13 and Special Recommendation IV). The FATF encourages Venezuela to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Vietnam

In October 2010, Vietnam made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Vietnam should continue to work with the FATF and APG on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) improving the overall supervisory framework (Recommendation 23); (4) improving and broadening customer due diligence measures and reporting requirements (Recommendation 5, 13, and Special Recommendation IV); and (5) strengthening international cooperation (Recommendations 36, 40). The FATF encourages Vietnam to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Yemen

In February 2010, Yemen made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Yemen has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by issuing executive regulations for its AML/CFT law, including on customer due diligence and suspicious transaction reporting. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic deficiencies remain. Yemen should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (2) issuing substantive guidance/instructions to reporting institutions with respect to their ML/FT obligations (Recommendation 25); (3) developing the monitoring and supervisory capacity of the financial sector supervisory authorities and the FIU, to ensure compliance by financial institutions with their STR obligations, especially in relation to FT (Recommendation 23); and (4) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26). The FATF encourages Yemen to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Jurisdictions not making sufficient progress

The FATF is not yet satisfied that the following jurisdictions have made sufficient progress on their action plan agreed upon with the FATF. The most significant action plan items and/or the majority of their action plan items have not been addressed. If these jurisdictions do not take sufficient action to implement significant components of their action plan by June 2011, then the FATF will identify these jurisdictions as being out of compliance with their agreed action plans and will take the additional step of calling upon its members to consider the risks arising from the deficiencies associated with the jurisdiction.

  

Angola

Despite Angola’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Angola has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic deficiencies remain. Angola should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); and (3) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying, tracing and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III). The FATF encourages Angola to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Bolivia

Despite Bolivia’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GAFISUD to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Bolivia has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Bolivia should work on addressing these deficiencies including by: (1) ensuring adequate criminalisation of money laundering (Recommendation 1); (2) adequately criminalising terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (3) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); and (4) establishing a fully operational and effective Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26). The FATF encourages Bolivia to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Ethiopia

Despite Ethiopia’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Ethiopia has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Ethiopia should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework and procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (4) raising awareness of AML/CFT issues within the law enforcement community (Recommendation 27); and (5) implementing effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions in order to deal with natural or legal persons that do not comply with the national AML/CFT requirements (Recommendation 17). The FATF encourages Ethiopia to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Kenya

Despite Kenya’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and ESAAMLG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Kenya has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Kenya should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (2) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (3) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (4) raising awareness of AML/CFT issues within the law enforcement community (Recommendation 27); and (5) implementing effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions in order to deal with natural or legal persons that do not comply with the national AML/CFT requirements (Recommendation 17). The FATF encourages Kenya to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Myanmar

Despite Myanmar’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Myanmar has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Myanmar should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) strengthening the extradition framework in relation to terrorist financing (Recommendation 35 and Special Recommendation I); (4) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (5) enhancing financial transparency (Recommendation 4); and (6) strengthening customer due diligence measures (Recommendations 5). The FATF encourages Myanmar to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

   

Nepal

Despite Nepal’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Nepal has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Nepal should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering (Recommendation 3); and (4) enacting and implementing appropriate mutual legal assistance legislation (Recommendation 36). The FATF encourages Nepal to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Nigeria

Despite Nigeria’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GIABA to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Nigeria has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. It is important to note that Nigeria passed AML and CFT legislation that the FATF has not yet examined due to the very recent nature of this action. The FATF will assess this legislation and, in any case, Nigeria should work on addressing its deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) ensuring that relevant laws or regulations address deficiencies in customer due diligence requirements and that they apply to all financial institutions (Recommendation 5); and (4) demonstrating that AML/CFT supervision is undertaken effectively across the financial sector (Recommendation 23). The FATF encourages Nigeria to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Sri Lanka

Despite Sri Lanka’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Sri Lanka has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Sri Lanka should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); and (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III). The FATF encourages Sri Lanka to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Syria

Despite Syria’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Syria has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. It is important to note that Syria issued an AML/CFT Decree that the FATF has not yet assessed due to the very recent nature of this action. The FATF will assess this decree and, in any case, Syria should continue to work on addressing its deficiencies, including by: (1) adopting adequate measures to implement and enforce the 1999 International Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism (Special Recommendation I); (2) ensuring adequate criminalisation of terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (3) implementing adequate procedures for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (4) ensuring financial institutions are aware of and comply with their obligations to file suspicious transaction reports in relation to ML and FT (Recommendation 13 and Special Recommendation IV); and (5) adopting appropriate laws and procedures to provide mutual legal assistance (Recommendations 36-38, Special Recommendation V). The FATF encourages Syria to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Trinidad and Tobago

Despite Trinidad and Tobago’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and CFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Trinidad and Tobago has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. It is important to note that Trinidad and Tobago enacted CFT Regulations and FIU Regulations that the FATF has not yet examined due to the very recent nature of this action. The FATF will assess these regulations and, in any case, Trinidad and Tobago should continue to work on addressing its deficiencies, including by: (1) implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets without delay (Special Recommendation III); (2) implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering (Recommendation 3); and (3) establishing a fully operational and effectively functioning FIU, including supervisory powers (Recommendation 26). The FATF encourages Trinidad and Tobago to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Turkey

Despite Turkey’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Turkey has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Turkey should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); and (2) implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III). The FATF encourages Turkey to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

The following is a link to the FATF website at www.fatf-gafi.org for the updated statement, dated 25 February, 2011:

 

http://www.fatf-gafi.org/document/11/0,3746,en_32250379_32236992_4722177...

 

 

The following is a link to the FATF website for the statement, dated 25 February, 2011 on the ongoing process of improving global AML/CFT compliance:

 

http://www.fatf-gafi.org/document/49/0,3746,en_32250379_32236992_4722180...

 

British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission

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