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"Money laundering and terrorist financing are serious crimes that affect not only those persons directly involved, but the economy as a whole. According to international standards, every bank has the obligation to know its customers and to report suspicious transactions. Although these obligations sound straightforward, they have proved challenging to implement. What information precisely has to be gathered? How should it be recorded? If and when does one have to file a suspicious transaction report? It is here that a supervisor can play a crucial role in helping supervised institutions; first, in understanding the full extent of the obligations of Customer Due Diligence and Suspicious Trans...
Mobile Money is a booming industry in an increasing number of countries worldwide. The project results from increased demand for guidance and technical assistance from governments after the 2008 publication of an exploratory paper, Integrity in Mobile Phone Financial Services, which discussed mobile money and the application of international anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) standards. For most, how to craft a regulatory regime that expands access to financial services to the poor through the development of mobile phone financial services, but compliant with AML/CFT standards remains elusive. Specific AML/CFT regulations related to mobile money have n...
Money laundering and terrorist financing undermine the integrity and stability of financial systems and can have a significantly adverse impact on a jurisdiction's economy. Challenges to effective supervision and prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism were exacerbated in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, with financial institutions' need for funds at times undermining vigilance as to the provenance of those funds. As such, supervisors often, and prudently, focused on coping with the crisis. Since 2009, when the first edition of this handbook was published, challenges to the integrity and stability of financial systems have continued to evolve. Money-laundering an...
Governments are challenged to make an innovation-friendly climate while simultaneously ensuring that business development remain sustainable. Criminal use of the technology terrorist financing and money laundering challenges long-run business viability via risk of massive investment flight and public distrust of new players entering the market. Sustainable business models are those that base regulation on a careful risk-based analysis. This study identifies the perceived risks and compares them with the actual level of risk for each category of mobile phone financial services. The comparison reveals that the perceptions do not weigh up to the reality. Based on fieldwork in seven locations where the technology has taken off, this paper finds that providers apply measures that are consistent with international standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. It identifies the sometimes non-traditional means the industry uses that both mitigate the risks and are in line with good business practices. Acknowledging that mobile phone financial services are no riskier than other channels, governments are called to treat them as an opportunity to expand access to finance.
This note intends to provide advice to bank supervision and resolution authorities and policymakers seeking to deal with opaque bank ownership or significant overhang of related-party exposures.
Moldova has made some important advances since the 2008 FSAP Update. On the positive side, inflation has been brought down to single digits, the payment system has been upgraded, and important enhancements have been made to financial sector regulation and supervision. However, risks to banking sector stability have become severe. Large credit concentration and concealed connected lending, questionable cross-border exposures, and important data gaps mean that regulatory data likely significantly understate the system’s vulnerability. Non-transparent ownership, weak governance, connected lending and weaknesses in regulatory powers and enforcement further exacerbate these risks and could limit the scope for an effective policy response to shocks. Governance structures, internal oversight processes, and risk management practices are poorly developed. In some cases, cross-border exposures are substantial and the pattern of some (particularly cross-border) financial transactions suggest a serious risk of money laundering.
New financial and communication technologies offer a great opportunity to improve the lives of people everywhere. For instance, millions of impoverished people now have access to the financial system through stored value cards or mobile phones. However, some are concerned that governments are not always aware of these innovations in their jurisdictions. This has prompted fear that fast-moving terrorist groups could expand funding undetected. The fear has led some countries to take a restrictive stance on the technologies' use, either by outright prohibition or by placing unnecessary limitations that deter market development. Authorities are therefore challenged to tackle the double-sided nature of technological advancement: promoting security and economic growth. 'New Technologies, New Risks? Innovation and Countering the Financing of Terrorism' explores how money flows via these mediums, risks they pose, and how governments have mitigated the risks.
This book provides a distinctive and critical analysis of the anti-money laundering (AML) measures that have been put in place in Türkiye and the United Kingdom. The work presents a comparative analysis of if, and to what extent, the AML regimes in these jurisdictions are fit for purpose in countering some of the most pressing predicate crimes. It investigates the AML regimes relating to tackling the riskiest/most prevalent predicate crimes, that is, drug trafficking and tax crimes, thereby filling a significant gap within the current literature. The study provides insights into the effectiveness and efficiency of national AML frameworks adopted by Türkiye and the UK in addressing distinct...
Since the 2003 Financial Stability Assessment Program (FSAP) update, Ghana’s financial system has undergone rapid growth and structural transformation. The authorities have been implementing reforms to enhance the financial system’s resilience to shocks and its contribution to growth. The vulnerabilities reflect the interplay of several factors, but state involvement is an important element. The other contributory factors include deficiencies in commercial banks’ risk management, supervision, and the insolvency regime. Additional recommendations are detailed in the Report on the Standards and Codes on Compliance (ROSC) with the Basel Core Principles (BCP).
This paper evaluates observance of the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision in the Russian Federation. The legal framework currently in place provides the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) with necessary powers and responsibilities. The CBR may authorize banks, conduct ongoing supervision, oversee compliance with laws, and undertake corrective action to address safety and soundness. Major new reforms increase many aspects of the CBR’s duties and powers, although implementation has not yet been tested in all cases. The Russian licensing regime for banks appears exhaustive. However, the legal regime for major acquisitions was found to be weak.