French Territories in the South Strengthen Anti-Money Laundering Efforts
Introduction
The French territories in the south, including New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, have been working tirelessly to improve their compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. These islands, famous for their stunning landscapes and diverse cultural heritage, are now part of a global campaign for a transparent financial system.
Measures Implemented by New Caledonia
New Caledonia has put in place strengthened due diligence requirements (MDRs) for financial institutions and designated non-financial professionals (PNFDs). These entities must:
- Verify the identity of their clients using official documents such as passports, ID cards, or other official documents
- Conduct permanent monitoring and reporting of suspicious transactions
Polynesian French Measures
French Polynesia has created a central registry for beneficial owners of legal entities and trusts. Financial institutions and PNFDs must now comply with:
- Updated FATF recommendations on AML/CFT
- The FATF’s travel rule
Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon Measures
Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon has established penalties for non-compliance with AML/CFT regulations. This territory has also implemented:
- Enhanced identification procedures (KYC) for financial institutions and PNFDs
- Improved information sharing and reporting mechanisms
Regional Anti-Blanchiment Agency and Financial Intelligence Unit
To amplify their efforts, the French territories in the south have created a regional anti-blanchiment agency and a financial intelligence unit. These organizations collaborate to:
- Monitor financial transactions
- Analyze financial intelligence
- Share reports with competent authorities
The Importance of these Updates
These updates come at a critical time when the global focus on implementing stricter AML measures continues to grow. The FATF’s evaluation process puts pressure on territories and countries to respect necessary requirements to maintain financial transparency and reduce the risk of illegal activities.
Conclusion
The continuous efforts of the French territories in the south to strengthen their AML regimes contribute to maintaining the integrity of local financial sectors and reinforce the global campaign against money laundering and terrorist financing.