Anti-money laundering
Conference update: Virtual currency exchanges, beneficial ownership and other developments in Canadian anti-money laundering regulations
On February 7, 2018, the Canadian federal government had released a consultation paper for comments that has potentially far-reaching implications for compliance with Canadian anti-money laundering (AML) requirements. At the recently concluded 17th Annual Forum on Anti-Money Laundering & Financial Crime in Toronto, some interesting observations were made by various speakers (including representatives from certain Canadian regulators). A number of these observations touched on topics covered by the above-mentioned consultation paper. This article sets out some key highlights.
Canadian government publishes consultation paper proposing wide-ranging amendments to anti-money laundering legislation
Amendments might be coming to anti-money laundering legislation. The Canadian government recently published a consultation paper with proposals for wide-ranging amendments. On February 7, 2018, the Canadian federal government released a consultation paper for comments that has far-reaching implications for compliance with Canadian anti-money laundering requirements. The comment period on this paper ends on April […]
Canadian Anti-Money Laundering Law: What you need to know about compliance program requirements
The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) is Canada’s financial intelligence unit. Among other things, it is responsible for the enforcement of Canadian AML Law. In December 2017, FINTRAC released a revised guidance document relating to the compliance program requirements.
Budget 2017 focus on anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing
Given recent issues, it is no wonder that anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing (AML/ATF) received significant attention in this year’s federal budget (“Budget 2017”). Organizations can expect changes to the AML/ATF regime, and should monitor developments in this area.
The Canadian real estate market: Affordability and money laundering
Although Canada has a robust anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime, there is much room for improvement. Real estate may be an easy way for criminals to launder money. According to Transparency International, this is a major problem in several countries, including Canada. A recent report looks at the main problems related to real estate and money laundering in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. It concludes that current rules and practices are inadequate to mitigate the risks and detect money laundering in the real estate sector.
Anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing developments
New anti-money laundering and terrorist financing guidelines by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) are now in force. FINTRAC recently released new guidelines in respect of politically exposed persons and Heads of International Organizations. The Guidelines were effective June 17, 2017, and complement new regulatory provisions which came into force on June 17, 2017, under the Proceeds of Crime and Terrorist Financing Act.
Anti-money laundering update: Politically exposed persons
On December 20, 2016, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada released new guidelines in respect of politically exposed persons and heads of international organizations. A separate guideline was released for each of financial entities, securities dealers, life insurance companies, agents and brokers and money services businesses. The Guidelines will be effective June 17, 2017.
Anti-money laundering updates
Final amendments to Regulations to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act released.
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