Anti-Money Laundering

Supervision & Enforcement

MAS Publishes Monograph Detailing Enforcement Approach

By Manesh Samtani | 25/09/2018

Monograph outlines how MAS manages enforcement work in three areas: detection, investigations and in taking enforcement action.

KYC & CDD

Global Regulation Continues to Increase KYC Complexity – Accuity

By Editors | 18/09/2018

The KYC process has become increasingly complex, with rising costs, onerous processes and a skills shortage presenting challenges for compliance staff, says an Accuity report.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Two ICBC Branches Under Investigation for Illegal Fundraising

By Manesh Samtani | 13/09/2018

The branches sold unregistered investment products to other banks to channel funds into companies beyond what regulatory lending caps allowed.

KYC & CDD

Hong Kong FIs Share Foreign Tax Resident Data with IRD – Report

By Editors | 12/09/2018

Over 1,700 financial institutions have shared customer account balances and income details with the tax authority, as required by AEOI.

Anti-Money Laundering

Japanese Banks in Process of Closing Yakuza-Related Bank Accounts

By Garima Chitkara | 06/09/2018

According to a survey of Japanese banks, around half the members are in the process of closing bank accounts belonging to gang members, with 1300 accounts closed as of May; 4300 such accounts still remain in the banking system.

KYC & CDD

SEBI to Review KYC Rules for FPIs Amid Criticism from Fund Industry

By Garima Chitkara | 06/09/2018

SEBI says fund industry’s claims that new rules barring non-resident Indians from investing via the FPI route will lead to $75bn in outflows is “preposterous”, but has agreed to review the norms and provide recommendations.

Anti-Money Laundering

What You Need to Know About the EU’s 5th AML Directive

By ComplyAdvantage | 05/09/2018

The Fifth Money Laundering Directive (5MLD) will come into force on the 10 January 2020, with far-reaching impacts aimed at addressing weaknesses in the EU’s AML/CFT regime that have come to light since the enactment of 4MLD in June 2017.

Anti-Money Laundering

Convicted Finance Director Sentenced in New Zealand For AML Breaches

By Garima Chitkara | 04/09/2018

New Zealand-based finance director sentenced to six months of community detention after being found negligent in following AML laws and reportedly laundering NZ$500,000 to conceal a major drug trade.

Anti-Money Laundering

SFC Urges Licensed Firms To Strengthen AML/CFT Measures

By Editors | 03/09/2018

Hong Kong firms need to step up AML/CFT compliance keeping in mind deficiencies and gaps found during the regulator’s thematic reviews and on-site exceptions.