Financial Action Task Force

AML / KYC

SFC Updates AML/CFT Guideline as FATF Assessment Looms

By JP Reimann | 06/07/2018

Proposals include streamlining of customer onboarding processes and a requirement to implement group-wide AML/CFT systems at overseas branches and subsidiaries.

AML / KYC

FATF Evaluation Underlines AML/CTF Urgency for Chinese Banks

By Ben AuYeung | 03/07/2018

AML/CTF will be pushed further into the regulatory spotlight in coming months as China gears up for the fourth round of mutual evaluations led by the FATF and APG. Whatever the results of the exercise, it will serve as a clear reminder that banks need to take proactive steps to meet inevitable regulatory demands.

AML / KYC

Maximum Pressure: US, HK Act to Firm Up North Korea Sanctions

By Nick Turner | 25/06/2018

Despite the glad-handing between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in Singapore earlier this month, the legal landscape surrounding North Korea sanctions remains unchanged since March 2018. AML (anti-money laundering) risks will remain a focus of attention in Hong Kong and elsewhere.

AML / KYC

Japan FSA Orders Banks to Report on North Korea JVs

By Manesh Samtani | 25/06/2018

All banks and credit unions ordered to provide the details on accounts used by 10 existing Japan-North Korea joint ventures, including details on individuals and entities, assets, employees and transaction records.

AML / KYC

GIFT City Exchanges Launch Omnibus Account Structure

By Manesh Samtani | 14/06/2018

BSE’s India INX and NSE IFSC have launched the segregated nominee account structure, allowing foreign investors to avoid direct FPI registration and instead trade Indian equities through established intermediaries.

AML / KYC

Japan to Review AML Measures at Banks Ahead of FATF Inspection

By Garima Chitkara | 07/06/2018

FSA to conduct interviews and on-site inspections on all of Japan’s banks and credit unions’ measures to prevent money laundering and illegal remittances.

Crypto / Digital Assets

South Korea to Ease Cryptocurrency Policy

By JP Reimann | 17/05/2018

South Korea to soften cryptocurrency policy, apply FATF standards; central bank to release recommendations by end of June.

AML / KYC

ACAMS 2018: Rising to the Financial Crime Challenge

By Manesh Samtani | 09/05/2018

Recently in Hong Kong, ACAMS brought financial industry participants to discuss action to combat financial crime. Progress on regulation, advancements in technology and FIs’ willingness to do their part are making all the difference.

AML / KYC

Hong Kong Money Laundering – The River Runs Through It

By Peter Guy | 07/05/2018

While Hong Kong struggles to reduce and contain money laundering activities at existing financial institutions, the role of cryptocurrencies in undermining compliance and enforcement capabilities is overlooked.