Financial Crime World

Financial Institutions Urged to Vet Customers Properly

Malawi’s financial institutions have been advised to verify the identity of their customers properly before conducting transactions with them. This warning comes as part of new regulations aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorist financing.

Verification Requirements

According to the regulations, financial institutions are required to establish a business relationship with customers only after verifying their identity. This includes:

  • Verifying the source of funds
  • Proof of residency
  • Other relevant details

Risk-Based Approach

Financial institutions are also required to use a risk-based approach in determining the level of verification required for each customer. For example:

  • High-risk transactions may require more stringent verification procedures than low-risk ones

Verification of Foreign Nationals

For foreign nationals, financial institutions must verify their identity by:

  • Confirming their information with their banks in their country of origin or residence
  • Using other independent and reliable sources to verify the customer’s identity where necessary

Trusts and legal entities must be verified through a combination of:

  • Documentary evidence
  • Physical verification of their place of business

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in serious consequences, including:

  • Fines
  • Revocation of licenses

Experts believe that these regulations are aimed at preventing the misuse of financial systems by criminals and terrorists. “It’s essential that financial institutions take these regulations seriously and verify their customers properly,” said a leading economist. “This will help to maintain trust in the financial system and prevent illegal activities.”

Notice Published

The Malawi government has published a notice in the Gazette outlining the regulations, which are expected to come into effect soon.

Regular Inspections Planned

In related news, the Reserve Bank of Malawi has announced plans to conduct regular inspections of financial institutions to ensure compliance with these regulations.