Financial Crime World

Antigua and Barbuda’s Financial System Takes Centre Stage as Banking Regulations Compliance Unit Keeps Watchful Eye

Strengthening the Country’s Financial System

In a move aimed at enhancing the country’s financial stability, the newly-established Financial Compliance Unit (FCU) has taken up the mantle of ensuring that all financial institutions in Antigua and Barbuda comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) regulations.

The FCU’s Mandate

The FCU is responsible for conducting regular examinations of financial institutions to evaluate their AML/CFT programs, providing remedial feedback and assistance where necessary. Its mandate also includes monitoring financial institutions to ensure that they submit mandatory reports in a timely manner. These reports are crucial in helping the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) identify potential money laundering and terrorism financing activities.

Regulatory Requirements

  • Regulation 15 of the Money Laundering (Prevention) Regulations requires all financial institutions listed in Schedule 1 of the Act to conduct an annual assessment of their AML/CFT policies and procedures.
  • Institutions catalogued in Schedule 2 of the Act are required to submit quarterly Terrorist Property reports and an annual Audit Review Report.

Scope of Reporting Requirements

The list of institutions subject to these reporting requirements includes:

  • Banking and financial businesses
  • International offshore banking business
  • Insurance companies
  • Internet gambling companies
  • Sports betting companies
  • Casinos
  • Money service businesses

FCU’s Responsibilities

As part of its responsibilities, the FCU conducts on-site and offsite examinations to evaluate the effectiveness of an institution’s AML/CFT program. The unit also provides assistance in AML/CFT training workshops to ensure that financial institutions have the necessary skills and knowledge to comply with regulations.

Close Partnership

In a statement, officials at the FCU emphasized the importance of close partnership between the supervisory authority and financial institutions in protecting the financial system against transactions involving proceeds of crime.