FATF Public Statement - Public Statement No. 1 of 2013 (13 March, 2013)

Public Statement No. 1 of 2013

 

13 March, 2013

 

PUBLIC STATEMENT

 

FATF PUBLIC STATEMENT

 

Tortola, British Virgin Islands – 13 March, 2013 – On 22 February, 2013 the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issued a public statement reaffirming its blacklisting of Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).  The public statement, which is reproduced below and is available in original form on the FATF website, was issued as an update to the FATF statements previously issued on 22 October 2010, 25 February 2011, 24 June 2011, 16 February 2012, 22 June 2012, and 19 October 2012. The updated statement also identified jurisdictions with strategic anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) deficiencies that have not made sufficient progress in addressing such deficiencies. Those jurisdictions are listed as Ecuador, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sao Tome and Principe, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, and Yemen. 

 

The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (the “FSC”) wishes to advise the general public, including all regulated and other persons who are required to comply with the requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations, 2008 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Code of Practice, 2008, to note the concerns expressed by the FATF with respect to the named jurisdictions and consider the money laundering and/or terrorist financing risks associated and apply appropriate or enhanced customer due diligence measures when dealing with customers or transactions involving any of the jurisdictions that have been identified by the FATF public statement.

 

In a separate document dated 22 February, 2013 and entitled, “Improving Global AML/CFT Compliance: On-Going Process”, the FATF also made updated statements regarding the following jurisdictions that have committed to working with it to improve their AML/CFT frameworks; namely Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Cuba, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, and Zimbabwe. The statement further identifies the jurisdictions of Morocco and Tajikistan as having not made sufficient progress in improving their respective AML/CFT regimes, and having not made sufficient progress on their action plan agreed upon with the FATF. The statement also identified the jurisdictions of Ghana and Venezuela as being jurisdictions no longer subject to the FATF’s ongoing global AML/CFT compliance process.  

 

Both FATF statements of 22 February, 2013 are reproduced in full below:

 

ANNEX 1: FATF PUBLIC STATEMENT

FATF Public Statement 22 February 2013

Paris, 22 February 2013 - The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global standard setting body for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). In order to protect the international financial system from money laundering and financing of terrorism (ML/FT) risks and to encourage greater compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF identified jurisdictions that have strategic deficiencies and works with them to address those deficiencies that pose a risk to the international financial system.

Jurisdictions subject to a FATF call on its members and other jurisdictions to apply counter-measures to protect the international financial system from the on-going and substantial money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks emanating from the jurisdictions.

Iran
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)

Jurisdictions with strategic AML/CFT deficiencies that have not made sufficient progress in addressing the deficiencies or have not committed to an action plan developed with the FATF to address the deficiencies. The FATF calls on its members to consider the risks arising from the deficiencies associated with each jurisdiction, as described below.

Ecuador
Ethiopia
Indonesia
Kenya
Myanmar
Nigeria
Pakistan
São Tomé and Príncipe
Syria
Tanzania
Turkey
Vietnam
Yemen

Bolivia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are now identified in the FATF document, "Improving Global AML/CFT Compliance: On-going Process" due to their progress in largely addressing their action plans agreed upon with the FATF. Cuba has now provided the FATF a high-level political commitment to implement an action plan to address its AML/CFT deficiencies; consequently, Cuba is also moved to this document. 

Iran

The FATF remains particularly and exceptionally concerned about Iran’s failure to address the risk of terrorist financing and the serious threat this poses to the integrity of the international financial system, despite Iran’s previous engagement with the FATF and recent submission of information.

The FATF reaffirms its call on members and urges all jurisdictions to advise their financial institutions to give special attention to business relationships and transactions with Iran, including Iranian companies and financial institutions. In addition to enhanced scrutiny, the FATF reaffirms its 25 February 2009 call on its members and urges all jurisdictions to apply effective counter-measures to protect their financial sectors from money laundering and financing of terrorism (ML/FT) risks emanating from Iran. FATF continues to urge jurisdictions to protect against correspondent relationships being used to bypass or evade counter-measures and risk mitigation practices and to take into account ML/FT risks when considering requests by Iranian financial institutions to open branches and subsidiaries in their jurisdiction. Due to the continuing terrorist financing threat emanating from Iran, jurisdictions should consider the steps already taken and possible additional safeguards or strengthen existing ones.

The FATF urges Iran to immediately and meaningfully address its AML/CFT deficiencies, in particular by criminalising terrorist financing and effectively implementing suspicious transaction reporting (STR) requirements. If Iran fails to take concrete steps to continue to improve its CFT regime, the FATF will consider calling on its members and urging all jurisdictions to strengthen counter-measures in June 2013.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)

Since October 2012, DPRK has reached out to the APG regarding joining that body and has engaged directly with the FATF. The FATF urges the DPRK to enhance its engagement with these bodies to agree with the FATF on an action plan to address its AML/CFT deficiencies.

The FATF remains concerned by the DPRK’s failure to address the significant deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime and the serious threat this poses to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF urges the DPRK to immediately and meaningfully address its AML/CFT deficiencies.

The FATF reaffirms its 25 February 2011 call on its members and urges all jurisdictions to advise their financial institutions to give special attention to business relationships and transactions with the DPRK, including DPRK companies and financial institutions. In addition to enhanced scrutiny, the FATF further calls on its members and urges all jurisdictions to apply effective counter-measures to protect their financial sectors from money laundering and financing of terrorism (ML/FT) risks emanating from the DPRK. Jurisdictions should also protect against correspondent relationships being used to bypass or evade counter-measures and risk mitigation practices, and take into account ML/FT risks when considering requests by DPRK financial institutions to open branches and subsidiaries in their jurisdiction.

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Ecuador

Ecuador has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by tabling CFT legislation in Parliament. Despite Ecuador’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GAFISUD to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, Ecuador has not made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan within the established timelines, and certain strategic deficiencies remain. Ecuador should continue to work with the FATF and GAFISUD on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) ensuring adequate criminalisation of terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets; (3) implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering; and (4) continuing to enhance co-ordination of financial sector supervision. The FATF encourages Ecuador to address its remaining deficiencies, including by enacting CFT legislation, and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by adopting a new AML/CFT law on 4 January 2013. The FATF has not yet assessed this law due to its very recent nature, and therefore the FATF has not yet determined the extent to which it addresses any of the following issues: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework and procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets; (3) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; and (4) implementing effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions in order to deal with natural or legal persons that do not comply with the national AML/CFT requirements. Despite Ethiopia’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, Ethiopia has not made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan within the agreed timelines, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies may remain. The FATF encourages Ethiopia to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Indonesia

Indonesia has taken significant steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by enacting CFT legislation to criminalise terrorist financing largely consistent with the FATF Standards. The FATF has not yet assessed this law due to its very recent nature. Further, the FATF has yet to determine the extent to which Indonesia has established and implemented adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets. The FATF encourages Indonesia to address these remaining issues, in compliance with FATF standards.

Kenya

Kenya has taken significant steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including the enactment of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering (Amendment) Act - which addresses deficiencies in the criminalisation of money laundering and freezing/seizing/confiscation of assets - and the issuance of revised AML Guidelines by the Central Bank. However, despite Kenya’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and ESAAMLG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, Kenya has not made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan within the agreed timelines, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Kenya should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing; (2) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; (3) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework for the identification and freezing of terrorist assets; (4) implementing effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions in order to deal with natural or legal persons that do not comply with the national AML/CFT requirements; (5) implementing an adequate and effective AML/CFT supervisory programme for all financial sectors; and (6) further improving and broadening customer due diligence measures. The FATF encourages Kenya to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Myanmar

Myanmar has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime. However, despite Myanmar’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, Myanmar has not made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Myanmar should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets; (3) further strengthening the extradition framework in relation to terrorist financing; (4) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; (5) enhancing financial transparency; and (6) strengthening customer due diligence measures. The FATF encourages Myanmar to address the remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Nigeria

Nigeria has taken significant steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by enacting the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act and, on 21 February 2013, the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013. The FATF has not yet assessed the legislation, due to the very recent nature of its enactment. Therefore, the FATF has yet to determine whether the legislation adequately criminalises terrorist financing and money laundering in line with international standards. The FATF encourages Nigeria to address these remaining issues and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Pakistan

Pakistan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by issuing an SRO to increase the maximum monetary sanction for non-compliance with S/RES/1267. However, despite Pakistan’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, Pakistan has not yet made sufficient progress in fully implementing its action plan, and certain key CFT deficiencies remain. Specifically, Pakistan needs to amend its Anti-Terrorism Act to ensure that it meets the FATF standards regarding the terrorist financing offence and the ability to identify and freeze terrorist assets. The FATF encourages Pakistan to address the remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe has provided for the enforcement of its AML/CFT law through bringing into force the new Penal Code. However, despite São Tomé and Príncipe’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GIABA to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, São Tomé and Príncipe has not made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic deficiencies remain. São Tomé and Príncipe should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing; (2) establishing a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; (3) ensuring that financial institutions and DNFBPs are subject to adequate AML/CFT regulation and supervision; and (4) implementing effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions in order to deal with natural or legal persons that do not comply with the national AML/CFT requirements. The FATF encourages São Tomé and Príncipe to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Syria

Despite Syria’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, Syria has not made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Syria should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) providing sufficient legal basis for implementing the obligations under S/RES/1373 and implementing adequate procedures for identifying and freezing terrorist assets; and (2) ensuring that appropriate laws and procedures are in place to provide mutual legal assistance. The FATF encourages Syria to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Tanzania 

Tanzania has taken significant steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by ratifying the Terrorist Financing Convention. However, despite Tanzania’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and ESAAMLG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, Tanzania has not made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan within the agreed timelines, and certain strategic CFT deficiencies remain regarding the establishment and implementation of adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets. The FATF encourages Tanzania to address this remaining deficiency and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Turkey 

Turkey has taken significant steps towards improving its CFT regime, including by enacting a new law that addresses many of the shortcomings identified in Turkey’s terrorist financing offence and creates the legal basis for the freezing of terrorist assets. The FATF welcomes this significant step made by Turkey, which improves the country’s compliance with the international standards. As a consequence, the FATF has decided not to suspend Turkey’s membership. In spite of this positive step, there still remain a number of on-going shortcomings in the Turkish counter-terrorist financing regime. Turkey must address these shortcomings in order to reach a satisfactory level of compliance with the FATF standards. Turkey has committed to addressing these deficiencies and will submit, prior to the next FATF meeting in June 2013, a report on how these deficiencies are being addressed.

Vietnam

Vietnam has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime. However, despite Vietnam’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, Vietnam has not made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Vietnam should continue to work with the FATF and APG on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) addressing the remaining issues regarding adequate criminalisation of terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets; (3) making legal persons subject to criminal liability in line with FATF Standards and (4) strengthening international co-operation. The FATF urges Vietnam to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Yemen

Despite Yemen’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, Yemen has not made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Yemen should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets; (3) developing the monitoring and supervisory capacity of the financial sector supervisory authorities and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to ensure compliance by financial institutions with their suspicious transaction reporting obligations, especially in relation to the financing of terrorism; and (4) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning FIU. The FATF encourages Yemen to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

ANNEX 2: IMPROVING GLOBAL AML/CFT COMPLIANCE: ON-GOING PROCESS

Improving Global AML/CFT Compliance: On-going process - 22 February 2013

Paris, 22 February 2013 - As part of its on-going review of compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF has to date identified the following jurisdictions which have strategic AML/CFT deficiencies for which they have developed an action plan with the FATF. While the situations differ among each jurisdiction, each jurisdiction has provided a written high-level political commitment to address the identified deficiencies. The FATF welcomes these commitments.

A large number of jurisdictions have not yet been reviewed by the FATF. The FATF continues to identify additional jurisdictions, on an on-going basis, that pose a risk to the international financial system.

The FATF and the FATF-style regional bodies (FSRBs) will continue to work with the jurisdictions noted below and to report on the progress made in addressing the identified deficiencies. The FATF calls on these jurisdictions to complete the implementation of action plans expeditiously and within the proposed timeframes. The FATF will closely monitor the implementation of these action plans and encourages its members to consider the information presented below.

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria 
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda 
Argentina 
Bangladesh 
Bolivia 
Brunei Darussalam

Cuba
Cambodia 
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Mongolia
Namibia
Nepal
Nicaragua
Philippines

Sri Lanka 
Sudan
Thailand
Zimbabwe

Morocco
Tajikistan

Ghana
Venezuela 

Afghanistan

In June 2012, Afghanistan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since then, Afghanistan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Afghanistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying, tracing and freezing terrorist assets; (3) implementing an adequate AML/CFT supervisory and oversight programme for all financial sectors; (4) establishing and implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of assets related to money laundering; (5) establishing a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; and (6) establishing and implementing effective controls for cross-border cash transactions. The FATF encourages Afghanistan to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Albania

In June 2012, Albania made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MONEYVAL to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since then, Albania has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Albania should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying, tracing and freezing terrorist assets; and (2) enhancing the framework for international co-operation related to terrorist financing. The FATF encourages Albania to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Algeria

In October 2011, Algeria made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October 2012, Algeria has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime including through the publishing of CDD regulations by the Central Bank. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Algeria should continue to work on implementing its action plan, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying, tracing and freezing terrorist assets; (3) improving customer due diligence measures; and (4) ensuring an effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit. The FATF encourages Algeria to address its deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Angola

In June 2010, Angola made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. The FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Since the original action plan was formulated, Angola was subject to a mutual evaluation. It has highlighted additional strategic deficiencies and these have been included in the revised action plan, to which a renewed political commitment was provided. Angola should continue to work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering and the identification and freezing of terrorist assets without delay; (3) ensuring an effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; and (4) ensuring that appropriate laws and procedures are in place to provide mutual legal assistance. The FATF encourages Angola to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Antigua and Barbuda

In February 2010, Antigua and Barbuda made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and CFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Antigua and Barbuda should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by continuing to improve the overall supervisory framework. The FATF encourages Antigua and Barbuda to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Argentina

In June 2011, Argentina made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October 2012, Argentina has taken substantial steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by enacting a new capital markets law on 28 December 2012, which improves licensing and supervision of the securities sector, enhances co-operation mechanisms, and removes secrecy among domestic agencies, improving the exchange of AML/CFT information with a positive impact on financial transparency. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Argentina should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) addressing the remaining deficiencies with regard to the criminalisation of money laundering, confiscation of funds related to money laundering, and freezing terrorist-related assets; (2) addressing the remaining issues for the Financial Intelligence Unit and suspicious transaction reporting requirements; (3) further enhancing the AML/CFT supervisory programme for all financial sectors; (4) further improving and broadening customer due diligence measures; and (5) enhancing the appropriate channels for international co-operation and ensuring effective implementation. The FATF encourages Argentina to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Bangladesh

In October 2010, Bangladesh made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October 2012, Bangladesh has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by obtaining Cabinet approval for the necessary amendments to its CFT legislation and issuing AML/CFT guidance to the capital markets intermediaries. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Bangladesh should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets; (3) ensuring an effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; and (4) improving international co-operation. The FATF encourages Bangladesh to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Bolivia

Pursuant to Bolivia’s progress in largely addressing its action plan agreed upon with the FATF, Bolivia has been removed from the FATF’s Public Statement and identified in this document. Since February 2010, when Bolivia made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GAFISUD to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, Bolivia has made significant progress to improve its AML/CFT regime, including by enacting legislation enhancing the criminalisation of money laundering and terrorist financing; establishing and implementing measures for freezing, seizing, and confiscating funds related to terrorist financing; and enhancing the effectiveness of the Financial Intelligence Unit. The FATF will conduct an on-site visit to confirm that the process of implementing the required reforms and actions is underway to address deficiencies previously identified by the FATF.

Brunei Darussalam

Since June 2011, when Brunei Darussalam made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, Brunei Darussalam has made significant progress to improve its AML/CFT regime, including by enacting legislation to adequately criminalise money laundering and terrorist financing; establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets; establishing and implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering; improving suspicious transaction reporting requirements; ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; and enacting and implementing appropriate mutual legal assistance legislation. The FATF will conduct an on-site visit to confirm that the process of implementing the required reforms and actions is underway to address deficiencies previously identified by the FATF.

Cuba

In February 2013, Cuba made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and the GAFISUD to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Cuba joined GAFISUD in December 2012. The FATF has determined that certain AML/CFT deficiencies exist. Cuba should work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets; (3) improving customer due diligence measures; (4) improving suspicious transaction reporting requirements; (5) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; and (6) ensuring that appropriate laws and procedures are in place with regard to international cooperation and mutual legal assistance.

Cambodia

In June 2011, Cambodia made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. The FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Cambodia should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets; (3) establishing and implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering; (4) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; and (5) establishing and implementing effective controls for cross-border cash transactions. The FATF strongly urges Cambodia to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan, specifically by enacting the necessary AML/CFT amendments in line with the FATF standards.

Kuwait

In June 2012, Kuwait made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Kuwait should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing; (2) implementing the Terrorist Financing Convention; (3) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets; (4) ensuring that appropriate laws and procedures are in place to provide mutual legal assistance; (5) establishing effective customer due diligence measures; (6) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), in particular addressing the operational autonomy of the FIU; and (7) ensuring that financial institutions are aware of and comply with their obligations to file suspicious transaction reports in relation to money laundering and terrorist financing. The FATF encourages Kuwait to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Kyrgyzstan

In October 2011, Kyrgyzstan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and EAG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October 2012, Kyrgyzstan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by enacting a Governmental decree on the implementation of UNSC Resolutions. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Kyrgyzstan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing; (2) addressing the remaining issue regarding criminalisation of money laundering; (3) clarifying the legal framework for identifying, tracing and freezing terrorist assets; and (4) implementing an adequate and effective AML/CFT supervisory programme for all financial sectors. The FATF encourages Kyrgyzstan to address its deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan, in particular swiftly enacting adequate CFT amendments.

Mongolia

In June 2011, Mongolia made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October 2012, Mongolia has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by continuing to demonstrate regulation of money service providers. However, the FATF has determined that strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Mongolia should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets; (3) establishing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering; (4) establishing suspicious transaction reporting requirements; and (5) demonstrating effective regulation of money service providers. The FATF encourages Mongolia to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Namibia

In June 2011, Namibia made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and ESAAMLG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October 2012, Namibia has taken significant steps to improve its AML/CFT system, including by enacting new TF legislation and updated AML legislation, and ratifying the Terrorist Financing Convention. The FATF has not yet assessed the new legislation due to its very recent nature, and therefore the FATF has not yet determined the extent to which it addresses any of the following issues: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing; and (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets. The FATF encourages Namibia to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Nepal

In February 2010, Nepal made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October 2012, Nepal has taken steps to improve its AML/CFT regime, including by promulgating the Organised Crimes Control Ordinance and issuing enforceable AML/CFT directives for both the insurance and securities sectors. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Nepal should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets; (3) implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering; (4) enacting and implementing appropriate mutual legal assistance legislation; (5) ensuring an effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; and (6) establishing adequate suspicious transaction reporting obligations for money laundering and terrorist financing. The FATF urges Nepal to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Nicaragua

In June 2011, Nicaragua made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and CFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October 2012, Nicaragua has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by issuing AML/CFT regulations for the new FIU law and for the supervision of the microfinance sector. However, the FATF has not yet assessed these measures due to their very recent nature. Nevertheless, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Nicaragua should work with the FATF and CFATF on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) ensuring effective customer due diligence measures and record-keeping requirements, in particular entities not currently regulated by the supervisory authority; (2) establishing adequate suspicious transaction reporting obligations for money laundering and terrorist financing; (3) implementing an adequate AML/CFT supervisory programme for all financial sectors; (4) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; and (5) establishing adequate procedures for identifying and freezing terrorist assets. The FATF encourages Nicaragua to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Philippines

Since October 2010, when the Philippines made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the Philippines has made significant progress to improve its AML/CFT regime and has largely addressed its action plan, including by enacting legislation to adequately criminalise money laundering and terrorist financing; implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets and confiscate funds related to money laundering; enhancing financial transparency; ensuring capacity and financial resources for competent authorities; and extending the coverage of reporting entities to include all financial institutions and some of the designated non-financial businesses and professions. The FATF will conduct an on-site visit to confirm that the process of implementing the required reforms and actions is underway to address deficiencies previously identified by the FATF. However, the FATF has concerns that the casino sector in the Philippines continues to be unregulated for AML and CFT purposes and is still not subject to AML/CFT requirements and urges the Philippines to promptly and effectively address this outstanding deficiency.

Sri Lanka

Pursuant to Sri Lanka’s progress in largely addressing its action plan agreed upon with the FATF, Sri Lanka has been removed from the FATF’s Public Statement and identified in this document. Since February 2010, when Sri Lanka made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, Sri Lanka has made significant progress to improve its AML/CFT regime, including by enacting legislation to adequately criminalise money laundering and terrorist financing; and establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets. The FATF will conduct an on-site visit to confirm that the process of implementing the required reforms and actions is underway to address deficiencies previously identified by the FATF.

 

Sudan

In February 2010, Sudan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Sudan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) implementing adequate procedures for identifying and freezing terrorist assets; (2) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; and (3) ensuring an effective supervisory programme for AML/CFT compliance. The FATF welcomes the adoption of the MENAFATF mutual evaluation report and will work with Sudan in light of the significant additional deficiencies identified in the report. The FATF encourages Sudan to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

Thailand

Pursuant to Thailand’s progress in largely addressing its action plan agreed upon with the FATF, Thailand has been removed from the FATF’s Public Statement and identified in this document. Since February 2010, when Thailand made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, Thailand has made significant progress to improve its AML/CFT regime, including by enacting legislation to adequately criminalise terrorist financing, establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets, and further strengthening AML/CFT supervision. The FATF will conduct an on-site visit to confirm that the process of implementing the required reforms and actions is underway to address deficiencies previously identified by the FATF.

Zimbabwe

In June 2011, Zimbabwe made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and ESAAMLG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October 2012, Zimbabwe has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by ratifying the Terrorist Financing Convention. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Zimbabwe should continue to work with the FATF and ESAAMLG on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets; (3) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit; (4) ensuring that financial institutions are aware of and comply with their obligations to file suspicious transaction reports in relation to money laundering and the financing of terrorism; and (5) enacting and implementing appropriate mutual legal assistance legislation. The FATF encourages Zimbabwe to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan, including by enacting the necessary amendments to AML/CFT legislation.

 

Jurisdictions not making sufficient progress

The FATF is not yet satisfied that the following jurisdictions have made sufficient progress on their action plan agreed upon with the FATF. The most significant action plan items and/or the majority of the action plan items have not been addressed. If these jurisdictions do not take sufficient action to implement significant components of their action plan by June 2013, then the FATF will identify these jurisdictions as being out of compliance with their agreed action plans and will take the additional step of calling upon its members to consider the risks arising from the deficiencies associated with the jurisdiction.

Morocco

Despite Morocco’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Morocco has made sufficient progress in addressing its remaining key deficiency of criminalising terrorist financing. While Morocco has completed the other elements of its action plan, Morocco should work with the FATF and MENAFATF on addressing this remaining deficiency by enacting the necessary legislation. 

Tajikistan

Despite Tajikistan’s high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and EAG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Tajikistan has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Tajikistan should continue to work with the FATF and EAG on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by (1) addressing remaining issues regarding criminalisation of money laundering and terrorist financing; (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering and identifying and freezing terrorist assets; (3) addressing the remaining issues relating to the Financial Intelligence Unit, suspicious transaction reporting requirements, and customer due diligence measures. The FATF encourages Tajikistan to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.

 

Jurisdictions no longer subject to the FATF’s on-going global AML/CFT compliance process

Ghana

The FATF welcomes Ghana’s significant progress in improving its AML/CFT regime and notes that Ghana has established the legal and regulatory framework to meet its commitments in its Action Plan regarding the strategic deficiencies that the FATF had identified in October 2010. Ghana is therefore no longer subject to FATF’s monitoring process under its on-going global AML/CFT compliance process. Ghana will work with the GIABA as it continues to address the full range of AML/CFT issues identified in its Mutual Evaluation Report. 

Venezuela

The FATF welcomes Venezuela’s significant progress in improving its AML/CFT regime and notes that Venezuela has established the legal and regulatory framework to meet its commitments in its Action Plan regarding the strategic deficiencies that the FATF had identified in October 2010. Venezuela is therefore no longer subject to FATF’s monitoring process under its on-going global AML/CFT compliance process. Venezuela will work with the CFATF as it continues to address the full range of AML/CFT issues identified in its Mutual Evaluation Report. 

 

The following is a link to the FATF website at www.fatf-gafi.org for the updated FATF Public Statement, dated 22 February, 2013:

http://www.fatf-gafi.org/topics/high-riskandnon-cooperativejurisdictions...

 

The following is a link to the FATF website for the document, dated 22 February, 2013 entitled “Improving Global AML/CFT Compliance: Ongoing Process”.

http://www.fatf-gafi.org/topics/high-riskandnon-cooperativejurisdictions...