Tag Archives: money laundering
EP votes through MLD5
The European Parliament adopted in plenary session on 19 April the proposals for MLD5. In an EP press release prior to the vote: the proposals to require public access to beneficial ownership information, to introduce registers for beneficial ownership of trusts and for banks accounts and safe deposit boxes were highlighted as important measures; EP […]
Treasury calls for evidence on digital payments
Treasury has published a call for evidence on the role of cash and digital payments in the new economy. It asks for views by 5 June to help it explore how it can support digital payments, support transition from cash economies while maintaining support for cash payments for that that need it, and of course […]
TI criticises UK role in laundering
Transparency International has highlighted and criticised the role London plays in international money laundering. It comments on a new investigation focusing on structures used to help sell frozen assets of the former Ukrainian President. TI notes the key role that UK based professionals helped structure the web of companies that allowed the sale to take place. […]
Commission consults on central bank account registry access
The European Commission has opened a public consultation on broadening law enforcement access to centralised bank account registries, with a view to increasing the speed and effectiveness with which authorities can trace criminal assets and investigate corruption. Targeted at consumers, law enforcement agencies and almost all within the banking sector, the consultation seeks to collect opinions […]
Treasury makes MLR 2017 and JMLSG finalises guidance
Treasury has published the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017, which were laid before Parliament late on 22 June to come into force to meet MLD4 deadlines, on 26 June. JMLSG has also published the finalised updates to its guidance, which it now needs to submit to […]
Council pushes forward on AML criminal laws
The Council of the EU has adopted its position on the proposal for a Directive to set minimum rules defining criminal offences and sanctions relation to money laundering. Now the EP needs to decide on its position before negotiations towards adoption of the Directive can start.
Presidency publishes money laundering crimes general approach
The Presidency has confirmed to the Council the general approach to the Directive on countering money laundering by criminal law. It has also published the consolidated compromise text of the proposed Directive. The Presidency now asks the Council to reach a general approach, as the basis for discussions with the European Parliament. The Directive sets out […]
JMLSG consults on updated guidance parts 2 and 3
JMLSG is consulting, until 26 May, on updates to parts of its guidance within parts 2 and 3. It has already published a mark up of part 1 of the guidance for comment. Certain parts of part 2 have not been changed (yet, although the entire part will be updated with new references in due […]
FCA to investigate HBOS Reading
FCA has restarted the investigation it originally commenced in 2013, into misconduct within the Impaired Assets team of HBOS based in Reading. It had stopped the investigation while the police were investigating corruption and fraud case involving, among others, HBOS employees. The criminal investigation resulted in convictions for fraud, money laundering and corruption of five individuals.
Parliament seeks clarity on ML allegations
An urgent question asked in the House of Commons on 21 March asked the Chancellor to comment on allegations of money laundering against British banks. Simon Kirby, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, took the question, and said FCA and the NCA would be investigating closely whether recent media reports of money laundering from Russia would require […]