21 February 2013

FEE: The EC's proposal strengthens the EU Anti-Money Laundering framework

FEE welcomes the EC's proposed Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive. The considerable improvements brought by the Proposal should be supported. The European accountancy profession will continue contributing to the development of more effective instruments in the fight against Money Laundering.

The EC’s proposal on the Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive introduces considerable improvements in order to address a broader range of threats and criminal activities. FEE welcomes that the proposal addresses a number of areas of existing concern, including the promotion of the wider application of a risk based approach and the availability of information on beneficial ownership. Useful clarifications are provided regarding the reliance on third parties and within groups while the introduced minimum standards on administrative sanctions are welcomed. Furthermore, the facilitation of increased co-operation between Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) has the potential to strengthen the defences against financial crime.

FEE believes however that the availability and accessibility of Customer Due Diligence information, particularly for Politically Exposed Persons, can still be improved. FEE suggests that the European Parliament carefully analyses the EC’s proposal and simplifies the availability and access to such information for professionals as such support would be valuable in fulfilling their reporting obligations with less costs and administrative burdens. Furthermore, such simplification would be vital for smaller practitioners for whom the cost of accessing such information can be substantial.

Commending the EC’s proposed Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive, Olivier Boutellis-Taft, FEE CEO, said: “I am delighted that the input provided by the private sector during the European Commission’s constructive consultation process has been considered in drafting the proposed Directive. FEE had contributed to the debate and will continue doing so based on the breadth and diversity of its constituencies”.

Press release

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