Financial Crime World

Kenya Intensifies War Against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

Financial Institutions Directed to Strengthen Customer Due Diligence Measures

Nairobi, Kenya - In a bid to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, the Central Bank of Kenya has issued new regulations requiring financial institutions in the country to intensify their Customer Due Diligence (CDD) measures.

What are the New Regulations?

The regulations require financial institutions to conduct thorough CDD measures when establishing business relationships with customers. This includes:

  • Identifying and verifying the identity of customers and beneficial owners using reliable sources
  • Understanding the purpose and nature of the business relationship
  • Obtaining specific information from customers, including:
    • Tax identification number
    • Tax statements
    • Audited financial statements
    • Personal details
  • Monitoring business relationships on an ongoing basis and examining transactions to ensure they are consistent with customer profiles and risk profiles

Why is CDD Important?

The war against money laundering and terrorist financing is a top priority for the Kenyan government. “We urge all financial institutions to take these regulations seriously and implement them promptly to prevent the misuse of their services,” said a senior government official.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Financial institutions that fail to comply with these regulations may face severe penalties, including:

  • Fines
  • Closure

Key Requirements

To ensure compliance with the new regulations, financial institutions must:

  • Identify and verify customer identities using reliable sources
  • Obtain specific information from customers, including tax identification number and audited financial statements
  • Monitor business relationships on an ongoing basis and examine transactions to ensure consistency with customer profiles and risk profiles
  • Verify the identity of natural persons claiming to act on behalf of legal persons or legal arrangements

Contact Us

For more information on the new regulations and how they affect your financial institution, please contact our editorial team at [insert contact details].

  • Kenya Intensifies Efforts to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
  • Financial Institutions Urged to Increase Vigilance Against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing