The EU Fourth Money Laundering Directive (4MLD) was adopted in June 2015. One of the main requirements which are an enhancement over the 3rd directive is that it requires all Member States to hold central registers on company beneficial ownership information from 2017.
Lawyers, couriers and accountants could be jailed if they turn a blind eye to criminal activity they profit from, under Home Office plans. It wants to see a new offence of “participation in an organised crime group” to target those with reason to suspect they are part of an illegal enterprise. This offence is not […]
On 14 February 2014 the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published two statements identifying jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter financing regimes.
The Money Laundering Regulations 2007 require regulated entities to put in place policies and procedures in order to prevent activities related to money laundering and terrorist financing.
On 15 July, Dr Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, announced the launch of the Transparency & Trust discussion paper. This sets out a number of proposals aimed at addressing opaque ownership structures and improving the accountability of company directors. The proposed reforms seek to promote growth by improving confidence in the UK as an open and trusted place to invest and do business. Greater transparency and improved trust will mean honest entrepreneurs and investors are more willing to do business in the UK and are not disadvantaged by those who don’t play by the rules.
United Kingdom and Isle of Man to sign enhanced tax information exchange agreement The Government is to sign a tax information sharing agreement with the Isle of Man which will provide HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) with a range of additional information about potentially taxable income in Manx bank accounts. This is part of a […]
The Government today published its response to its consultation on changes to the Money Laundering Regulations 2007. Following this consultation the Government is now taking forward proposals to reduce the regulatory burden imposed by the current regulations, while strengthening the overall anti-money laundering regime.
The Financial Action Task Force, the global standard-setter in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, has revised the Recommendations after more than two years of efforts by member countries. The Recommendations are used by more than 180 governments to combat these crimes.
HM Treasury published its response to the review of the Money Laundering Regulations 2007. It is a consultation document requiring responses to be submitted by 30August 2011.
I have just attended the 8th annual conference of IMLPO where two of the key speakers, Edward Garnier QC MP, Solicitor General and Hugh Burns, Head of Financial Crime Team HM Treasury, gave interesting updates to both the international and UK regimes and a time table for new changes.
Recent developments in the Middle East have highlighted the need for businesses to be vigilant and have robust systems and controls for dealing with actual or potential politically exposed persons. Your business needs to consider the possible impact these events may have on patterns of financial activity when assessing risks related to particular customers and flows of funds.