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Wolfsberg Group publishes its updated Country Risk FAQs, providing a comprehensive understanding of the implications of country risk in the context of AML/CTF measures, including CDD requirements

March 4, 2024

The updated document specifically highlights: Clearer delineation of country risk within the wider context of CDD and enhanced due diligence EDD; Criminal indicators, political and regulatory factors which should be considered when developing a methodology to evaluate country risk; Sanctions considerations and their impact in the context of AML/CTF country risk; The need for a strong governance enabling an unbiased approach towards country risk; Practical guidance combined with clear roles & responsibilities for financial institutions…

FATF considers revision to Rec.16, its interpretive note and related glossary of specific terms, to adapt them to the changes in payment business models and messaging standards

March 1, 2024

These proposed revisions also aim to help make cross-border payments faster, cheaper, more transparent and inclusive whilst remaining safe and secure; an objective that is part of the G20 Priority Action Plan. Before finalising the revisions however, the FATF is seeking opinions from all interested stakeholders, in particular from the payments industry…

FATF Plenary Outcomes, 21-23 February 2024 – key developments

February 27, 2024

The key outcomes include introduction of a new risk-based guidance for implementing Rec.25, enhancing transparency in legal arrangements like trusts, public consultation on a range of options for adapting FATF Standards to changes in new payment systems’ business models and messaging standards (Rec.16), final modifications to Rec.8 to safeguard non-profit organisations…

FATF sets out methodology for the fifth round of mutual evaluations

February 25, 2024

The next round of mutual evaluations will be a six-year cycle, significantly shorter than earlier rounds, which lasted 10 years on average. There will be a strenghtened focus on effectiveness and greater emphasis on the major risks and context. Recommendations will also be more results-oriented

FATF removes Barbados, Gibraltar, UAE and Uganda from its ‘Grey List’ and these countries will no longer be subject to increased monitoring

February 23, 2024

In order to be removed from FATF monitoring, a jurisdiction must address all or nearly all the components of its action plan. Once the FATF has determined that a jurisdiction has done so, it will organise an on-site visit to confirm that the implementation of the necessary legal, regulatory, and/or operational reforms is underway…

GFI publishes new policy brief on “Leveraging Regional Frameworks for Beneficial Ownership Reforms”

February 21, 2024

Assesses the roles and impact of regional frameworks, notably the East Africa Community (EAC), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

FATF releases its Annual Report 2022-2023

February 11, 2024

The Report sets out the achievement of the FATF to deliver on its mandate and strategic priorities to prevent criminals, the corrupt and terrorists from abusing the international financial system and strengthen the foundations for sustainable and more inclusive economic development….

OECD publishes 2024 Economic Outlook Interim Report ‘strengthening the foundations for growth’

February 10, 2024

The report highlights that global economic growth stayed strong in 2023, aided by lower energy costs and resolved supply chain issues, quickening inflation’s decline. Although growth is slowing, inflation is expected to hit target levels in most G20 nations by the end of 2025. However, geopolitical tensions and the Middle East conflict could disrupt this progress, posing risks of inflation spikes and market instability…

INTERPOL-led operation targets growing phishing malware and ransomware incidents

February 1, 2024

Some 1,300 suspicious IP addresses or URLs have been identified as part of a global INTERPOL operation targeting phishing, malware and ransomware attacks. Operation Synergia was launched in response to the clear growth, escalation and professionalisation of transnational cybercrime and the need for coordinated action against new cyber threats…

Global Initiative conducts assessment of illicit financial flows (IFFs) in the Western Balkans confirming how corruption, rise of criminal organisations, TBML and tax evasion continue to facilitate IFFs

January 30, 2024

The assessment confirms how widespread corruption, the rise of criminal organisations, trade-based money laundering and tax evasion continue to facilitate IFFs. In an effort to address these shortcomings and to enhance awareness and knowledge of IFFs in the region, the GI-TOC will launch an online IFFs toolkit as part of the project ‘Countering Illicit Financial Flows in the Western Balkans’…

FATF updates consolidated assessment ratings

January 29, 2024

This table provides latest up-to-date overview of the ratings that assessed countries obtained for effectiveness and technical compliance (last updated on 23 January 2024). These should be read in conjunction with the detailed mutual evaluation reports, which are available…

Interpol White Paper highlights emerging Metaverse crimes and policing challenges

January 18, 2024

Interpol’s White Paper outlines key challenges in the Metaverse, such as grooming and cyber-attacks, and the complexities of policing digital crimes involving assets like cryptocurrencies, while noting opportunities for law enforcement advancements…