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The government's updates to its anti-money laundering regime came into force in January 2020. The Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Regulations 2019 – yes, it's a bit of a mouthful – sets out some significant amendments to the 2017 version. And, as a finance professional, you must make sure you comply with the new rules.

Are you aware of the revised guidance that you need to follow? The key changes fall under seven headings:

Electronic verification

The first change is that practices must use electronic verification for anti-money laundering checks "wherever possible", as well as looking at paper documents such as passports and driving licences.

It's therefore a good idea for accounting firms to implement accurate electronic identification processes, to ensure they remain compliant.

Client due diligence

Next up, when assessing the need for enhanced due diligence measures before engaging with a prospective client, you must now consider an additional number of high-risk factors, such as whether:

  • There are relevant transactions between parties in high-risk third countries
  • There are transactions related to oil, arms, precious metals, tobacco produces, cultural artefacts, ivory, etc.
  • The client is the beneficiary of a life insurance policy

If any of these factors are present, your firm may need to seek additional information from, or monitor, the client before working with them.

Due diligence exceptions

In more due diligence news, the government has revised regulation 38 on electronic money, setting out certain situations where firms can forego client due diligence measures. For example, where:

  • The maximum amount that can be stored electronically is €150
  • Anonymous electronic money cannot be used to fund the relevant payment instrument

Less due diligence? That makes a nice change.

Safe-deposit boxes

The rules around safe-deposit boxes have been tightened, though. Under the new regulations, credit institutions and providers of safe custody services must respond to requests for information from the Gambling Commission or a law enforcement authority about accounts and safe-deposit boxes, through a central automated system. Information that may be requested includes the name, date of birth and address of the holder(s) or beneficial owner(s).

Beneficial ownership

Now this is a big one. The 2019 regulations require firms to update their records relating to the beneficial ownership of their corporate clients. Practices must also make sure they understand the ownership and control structure of their corporate clients. And one more thing…you need to record any difficulties encountered in identifying beneficial ownership.

Companies House

Another point on beneficial ownership under the revised regulations… If there is a discrepancy between the beneficial ownership information a firm holds on its clients and the information held on the registers of Companies House, the organisation must report these to the OPBAS (Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision).

Cryptoasset businesses

Finally, the 2019 regulations have expanded the regulated sector to include cryptoassets dealers. As of January 2020, UK businesses carrying out cryptoasset activities must comply with the UK's money laundering regulations, due to their risk of facilitating money laundering or terrorist financing. Such organisations must also register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which has taken on the role of anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing (AML/CTF) supervisor of UK cryptoasset businesses.

There you have it. The government's changes to its money laundering regulations mean that you may need to enhance your client due diligence checks, implement accurate electronic identification verification processes, and update your records on the beneficial ownership of your clients. So make sure you keep on top of these requirements and do your bit to prevent money laundering!

  1. Robert P
    Posted 29-Dec-2020 at
    Critical information for all firms to understand and implement.
    0
  2. Nicola N
    Posted 28-Dec-2020 at
    Interesting and informative.
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  3. Christie S
    Posted 10-Dec-2020 at
    Interesting read
    0
  4. Christie S
    Posted 10-Dec-2020 at
    Very informative
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  5. M A
    Posted 08-Dec-2020 at
    well informed
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  6. Mandy P
    Posted 28-Aug-2020 at
    Reinforced information I had already been reading up on. We have our first penalty fine case in Lux for non-completion of the UBO information. FCA registration important too.
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  7. Cameca R
    Posted 22-Aug-2020 at
    Very informative.
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  8. Chea M
    Posted 03-Jul-2020 at
    Good information!
    0
  9. Yogamalar B
    Posted 11-Apr-2020 at
    Able to update my understanding in regulatory changes in safe deposit box and crypto currencies.
    0
  10. Karen E
    Posted 26-Mar-2020 at
    I heard of a Accountant being fined by HMRC for poor AML checks during client onboarding process.
    0
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