Financial Crime World

Regulatory Updates on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) in Turkey

The Turkish Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), a financial intelligence agency under the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, plays a crucial role in combating money laundering and terrorism financing. In an effort to align with international standards, MASAK has implemented a range of regulatory requirements for designated parties, including financial institutions.

Compliance Program Requirements

To ensure compliance with AML/CTF regulations, organizations are required to establish a comprehensive program that includes:

Onboarding Principles

  • Conduct thorough due diligence on customers and their associated entities.
  • Verify the identity of customers and assess their risk profile.

Due Diligence Principles

  • Verify the identity of customers and assess their risk profile.
  • Maintain accurate records and submit information upon request.

Suspicious Transaction Reporting Procedures

  • Report any suspicious transactions to MASAK within 10 working days.
  • The “compliance officer” appointed by the Board of Directors is responsible for reporting suspicious transactions.
  • Do not disclose suspicious transaction reports to anyone, including parties involved in the transaction. Disclosing this information can result in imprisonment and fines.

Independent Audits

  • Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with AML/CTF regulations.

Reporting Suspicious Transactions

MASAK requires designated parties to report any suspicious transactions, regardless of their value. This includes multiple transactions that may be part of a larger scheme. Reporting is mandatory, and any delay could result in severe consequences.

Key Aspects of Suspicious Transaction Reporting

  • Report suspicious transactions within 10 working days or immediately if there’s a risk of delay.
  • The “compliance officer” appointed by the Board of Directors is responsible for reporting suspicious transactions.
  • Do not disclose suspicious transaction reports to anyone, including parties involved in the transaction. Disclosing this information can result in imprisonment and fines.

Importance of Compliance

Complying with AML/CTF regulations in Turkey is essential to avoid severe penalties and reputational damage. Designated parties must take these requirements seriously and establish a robust compliance program to ensure adherence to international standards.