Financial Crime World

Vietnam Takes Bold Steps Against Money Laundering

Introduction

As Vietnam rapidly integrates into regional and global economies, concerns over money laundering have reached a critical level. In response, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has implemented stringent anti-money laundering (AML) regulations to protect the country’s financial system.

New AML Law Brings Significant Changes

Effective March 1, 2023, the Anti-Money Laundering Law of 2022 came into effect, amending the 2012 law. The updated legislation broadens the definition of money laundering activities, introduces new reporting requirements for digital wallet providers, and enhances client verification procedures.

AML Laws and Regulations in Vietnam

Vietnam has made significant strides in combating money laundering, with the revised Penal Code introducing changes to money laundering crimes and extending criminal liability to legal entities involved. The country has also established legislative standards for Know Your Customer (KYC) and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STR). However, there is room for improvement in financial oversight, particularly in customer due diligence and KYC processes within domestic banks.

Regulatory Bodies Take Charge

The SBV has primary responsibility for AML regulation and state management, while the Ministry of Finance (MOF) oversees AML operations in the insurance and securities industries. Other authorities involved in anti-money laundering efforts include:

  • Ministry of Public Security
  • Ministry of Construction
  • Ministry of Justice
  • People’s Procuracy
  • People’s Court

FATF Status

Vietnam is not a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), but it has implemented AML measures that have yielded positive results in its 2022 Mutual Evaluation Report. The report found Vietnam to be:

  • Compliant with 2 FATF recommendations
  • Largely compliant with 11 aspects
  • Highly effective for 0 aspects

AML Solutions for Vietnam

In the dynamic financial landscape of Vietnam, Sanction Scanner stands as a reliable partner for businesses operating in the country. Our advanced technologies offer efficient anti-money laundering solutions that simplify compliance procedures, enabling companies to fulfill their AML obligations seamlessly within Vietnam’s regulatory framework.

By leveraging our expertise and cutting-edge solutions, businesses can:

  • Simplify client onboarding processes
  • Streamline transaction monitoring
  • Enhance risk assessment capabilities
  • Ensure compliance with Vietnamese regulations