Financial Crime World

Armenian Banks Comply with International Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Regulations

Compliance with International Standards

The Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that local banks comply with international regulations aimed at preventing money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism. Armenian banks are required to conduct due diligence on transactions and business relationships to identify potential risks.

Key Compliance Requirements

  • Conduct due diligence on transactions and business relationships to identify potential risks
  • Report transactions subject to mandatory reporting
  • Suspend or terminate business relationships if necessary
  • Freeze assets owned or controlled by individuals or entities linked to terrorism or weapons of mass destruction

Protecting Depositors’ Funds

The CBA emphasizes the importance of protecting depositors’ funds through the Deposit Guarantee Fund of Armenia (the “Fund”). The Fund provides compensation to depositors in the event of a bank’s insolvency or bankruptcy, with coverage limits ranging from AMD7 million to AMD16 million depending on the type of deposit and currency.

Key Features of the Deposit Guarantee Fund

  • Provides compensation to depositors in the event of a bank’s insolvency or bankruptcy
  • Coverage limits range from AMD7 million to AMD16 million depending on the type of deposit and currency

Maintaining Bank Secrecy

The CBA highlights the importance of maintaining bank secrecy, prohibiting the disclosure of customer information without their consent. However, there are exceptions when disclosure is allowed, such as in cases where a customer provides explicit consent or when required by law enforcement agencies.

Key Principles of Bank Secrecy

  • Maintain bank secrecy and prohibit the disclosure of customer information without consent
  • Exceptions include cases where a customer provides explicit consent or when required by law enforcement agencies

Enhancing Supervisory Powers

The CBA has announced plans to strengthen its supervisory powers and enhance cooperation with other regulatory bodies to address emerging risks in the financial sector.

Key Initiatives for Enhancing Supervisory Powers

  • Strengthening supervisory powers
  • Enhancing cooperation with other regulatory bodies

For More Information

For more information on Armenia’s anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism regulations, please contact the Central Bank of Armenia or visit their website.