Financial Crime World

Monaco Gets High Marks for AML/KYC Efforts, but Room for Improvement

Monaco has made significant strides in implementing anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations, according to a recent mutual evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The country’s strong commitment to combating financial crimes has earned it high ratings across various technical requirements.

Technical Requirements

  • Assessing Risk and Applying a Risk-Based Approach: Monaco has robust measures in place for assessing risk and applying a risk-based approach.
  • National Cooperation and Coordination: The country has effective national cooperation and coordination mechanisms to combat financial crimes.
  • Confiscation and Provisional Measures: Monaco has confiscation and provisional measures in place to prevent and respond to money laundering and terrorist financing.
  • Targeting Financial Sanctions Related to Terrorism and Terrorist Financing, as well as Proliferation: The country targets financial sanctions related to terrorism and terrorist financing, as well as proliferation.

Area for Improvement

  • Regulating and Supervising Financial Institutions and DNFBPs: Monaco’s efforts in regulating and supervising financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) are partially compliant.
  • Internal Controls for Foreign Branches and Subsidiaries: The country needs to improve its internal controls for foreign branches and subsidiaries.
  • Transparency and Beneficial Ownership of Legal Persons: Monaco should enhance transparency and beneficial ownership of legal persons.
  • Cooperation with Other Countries on Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition: The country should strengthen its cooperation with other countries on mutual legal assistance and extradition.

Next Steps

  • Continue to Strengthen AML/KYC Regulations and Enforcement Mechanisms: Monaco should continue to strengthen its AML/KYC regulations and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Enhance Cooperation with Other Countries: The country should enhance cooperation with other countries on mutual legal assistance and extradition.
  • Improve Transparency and Beneficial Ownership of Legal Persons: Further efforts are needed to improve transparency and beneficial ownership of legal persons.

By addressing these areas for improvement, Monaco can maintain its high standards and contribute to a safer financial environment in the region.