Financial Crime World

EU Introduces Stricter Sanctions Reporting Requirements

The European Union has introduced new reporting requirements for individuals and organizations dealing with financial sanctions in an effort to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.

New Regulations: What You Need to Know

In accordance with the latest regulations, any natural or legal person who identifies a subject of financial sanctions or suspects a transaction or act violating financial sanctions must immediately notify the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The notification must be submitted within two working days and include specific information about:

  • The sanction
  • The individual or organization involved
  • The nature of the suspected violation

Additionally, persons having specific obligations such as:

• Credit institutions • Financial institutions • Virtual currency service providers • Account operators

are required to take greater due diligence measures when dealing with financial sanctions. These individuals must report any suspicious transactions or activities related to financial sanctions to the FIU without delay.

Verification of Information

The new regulations also emphasize the importance of verifying information before applying financial sanctions. If a person identifies a subject of financial sanctions, they must:

  • Apply financial sanctions
  • Immediately notify the FIU
  • The FIU will verify the information and inform the person of its findings within ten working days.

Broader Strategy

The EU’s efforts to strengthen financial sanctions reporting requirements are part of a broader strategy to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. The new regulations aim to:

• Enhance transparency • Prevent circumvention • Ensure that individuals and organizations comply with financial sanctions

Key Takeaways

  • Natural or legal persons who identify a subject of financial sanctions must notify the FIU immediately.
  • Persons having specific obligations (credit institutions, financial institutions, virtual currency service providers, account operators) must take greater due diligence measures when dealing with financial sanctions.
  • Financial sanctions must be verified before application to prevent errors and ensure compliance.
  • The FIU has the right to impose restrictions on the disposal of property if a subject of international financial sanctions is suspected of using or disposing of funds or economic resources.