Sanctions

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Asks Banks to Avoid Indiscriminate De-banking Practices

By Editors | 31/10/2021

De-banking activities lead criminal activity underground and compound the risks criminals pose to Australia’s financial system and the community.

AML / KYC

FATF Issues Final Updated Guidance on Virtual Assets, VASPs

By Manesh Samtani | 29/10/2021

The guidance offers clarification on the definition of VASPs, and explains how the FATF standards apply to stablecoins, P2P transactions, NFTs and DeFi.

AML / KYC

FATF Completes Phase One of Unintended Consequences Project

By Manesh Samtani | 29/10/2021

The FATF has published summary results from a stocktake to understand the unintended consequences that are occurring as a result of AML/CFT standards.

AML / KYC

Singapore Court Fines Man for Falsifying North Korea Invoices

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 25/10/2021

The business dealings were not in violation of sanctions regulations but the falsification of invoices to conceal them from banks has resulted in a S$210,000 fine.

AML / KYC

Inconsistent AML Approaches Cause Cross-border Payment Frictions

By Editors | 23/10/2021

The FATF says inconsistent implementation of AML/CFT requirements increases cost, reduces speed, limits access and reduces transparency in cross-border payments.

AML / KYC

US Signals More Balanced Approach to Sanctions Policy

By Manesh Samtani | 23/10/2021

The US will move to a sanctions policy that is more clearly linked to policy objectives and reduces harm caused to individuals and businesses.

AML / KYC

FATF Keeps Pakistan on Grey List with 4 Action Items Outstanding

By Editors | 21/10/2021

Marcus Pleyer said “there is no discussion on blacklisting Pakistan” as its government has demonstrated a “clear commitment” and is cooperating with the FATF.

AML / KYC

OFAC Issues Sanctions Guidance for Crypto Sector

By Editors | 17/10/2021

OFAC expects virtual currency operators to identify and block IP addresses that originate in sanctioned jurisdictions, including via VPNs.

Fintech / Regtech

G7 Ministers to Endorse Guiding Principles for CBDC – Report

By Editors | 13/10/2021

The principles call for appropriate regulation and oversight, rigorous privacy and data protection standards, and safeguards to prevent fraud and sanctions evasion.