Title: Mongolian Government Cracks Down on Financial Crimes: New Regulations to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing
Overview
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 15, 2013
Mongolia’s Government has recently enacted new measures to strengthen its fight against financial crimes, including money laundering and terrorism financing. The new regulations were outlined in the Law on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, passed on May 31, 2013. In this article, we provide an overview of the various provisions of this landmark legislation.
Chapter One - General Provisions
- Establishes a legal framework for preventing money laundering and terrorism financing activities in Mongolia
- Defines key terms such as ‘money laundering,’ ’terrorism financing,’ and ‘politically exposed persons’
Chapter Two - Preventive Measures
Financial Institution Obligations
- Identify and verify customers before establishing business relationships or conducting significant transactions
- Report transactions exceeding specific thresholds to the Financial Information Unit
- Prohibited from opening anonymous or numbered accounts
- Increased monitoring required for transactions involving large sums, lack of apparent economic purpose, or politically exposed persons
Chapter Three - Rights and Responsibilities of State Competent Authorities
The Financial Information Unit
- Tasked with receiving and analyzing reports of suspicious transactions from financial institutions
- May disseminate information to competent law enforcement authorities if there is sufficient evidence
- Powers to supervise and investigate as needed
Competent Law Enforcement Authorities
- Granted the power to second representatives within the Financial Information Unit
Joint Working Group
- Can be formed between the Financial Information Unit and competent law enforcement authorities
The Financial Information Unit’s Internal Monitoring Program
- Includes policies and procedures for detecting suspicious transactions, security and confidentiality of information, reporting and transferring information, and appointing and discharging compliance officers
Chapter Four - Miscellaneous
- Provisions for cooperation with foreign institutions
- Creation of a Cooperation Council
- Liabilities for those who breach the law
Conclusion
These new regulations represent a significant step forward in Mongolia’s efforts to combat financial crimes and uphold the integrity of its financial system. By implementing these tougher regulations and increasing cooperation between various regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies, Mongolia aims to establish a more robust framework for combating money laundering and terrorism financing.