The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing this advisory to inform banks and other financial institutions operating in the United States of the risks associated with jurisdictions identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)1 on February 25, 2011, as having strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) regimes.2
The FATF publication comes in response to the G-20 leaders' call for the FATF to reinvigorate its process for assessing countries' compliance with international AML/CFT standards and to publicly identify high risk jurisdictions.3 Also, in June and November 2010, the G-20 leaders called for FATF to issue regular updates on jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies.5 The text highlights jurisdictions with strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, for which each jurisdiction has provided a high-level political commitment to address the strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. FATF explains its specific concerns regarding each of the jurisdictions and notes it will continue to monitor the implementation of each jurisdiction's action plan for addressing the deficiencies. On an ongoing basis, FATF will continue to update information on these and other jurisdictions that pose a risk to the international financial system.
Please note that some countries on this advisory have been grouped into a new section since FinCEN's Advisory dated November 18, 2010. In particular, the FATF created a new section, entitled, "Jurisdictions not making sufficient progress." Also, note that FinCEN is issuing today a complementary advisory, FIN-2011-A006,5 which addresses a separate but related FATF document regarding a different group of jurisdictions.
Improving Global AML/CFT Compliance: update on-going process6
Paris 25 February 2011 - As part of its ongoing review of compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF has to date identified the following jurisdictions which have strategic AML/CFT deficiencies for which they have developed an action plan with the FATF. While the situations differ among each jurisdiction, each jurisdiction has provided a written high-level political commitment to address the identified deficiencies. The FATF welcomes these commitments.
A large number of jurisdictions have not yet been reviewed by the FATF. The FATF continues to identify additional jurisdictions, on an ongoing basis, that pose a risk in the international financial system. The FATF has additionally begun initial reviews of a number of other jurisdictions as part of this process and will present its findings later this year.
The FATF and the FSRBs will continue to work with the jurisdictions noted below and to report on the progress made in addressing the identified deficiencies. The FATF calls on these jurisdictions to complete the implementation of action plans expeditiously and within the proposed timeframes. The FATF will closely monitor the implementation of these action plans and encourages its members to consider the information presented below.
Antigua and Barbuda
In February 2010, Antigua and Barbuda made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and CFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Antigua and Barbuda should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); and (2) continuing to improve the overall supervisory framework (Recommendation 23). The FATF encourages Antigua and Barbuda to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Bangladesh
In October 2010, Bangladesh made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Bangladesh has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by amending the Extradition Act to include ML/FT offences. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Bangladesh should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering (Recommendation 3); (4) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (5) improving suspicious transaction reporting requirements (Recommendation 13 and Special Recommendation IV); and (6) improving international cooperation (Recommendations 36 and 39 and Special Recommendation V). The FATF encourages Bangladesh to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Ecuador
In June 2010, Ecuador made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GAFISUD to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Ecuador has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by enacting AML and CFT amendments. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Ecuador should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) ensuring adequate criminalisation of terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering (Recommendation 3); and (4) reinforcing and improving coordination of financial sector supervision (Recommendation 23). The FATF encourages Ecuador to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Ghana
In October 2010, Ghana made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GIABA to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Ghana should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate measures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering (Recommendation 3); (3) establishing effective CDD measures (Recommendation 5); (4) establishing a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); and (5) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III). The FATF encourages Ghana to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Greece
In February 2010, Greece made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since that time, Greece has demonstrated progress in improving its AML/CFT regime, including by adopting legislation that aims to address issues relating to criminalisation of terrorist financing, freezing of terrorist assets under UNSCR 1373, and the independence and operation of the FIU. The FATF will conduct an on-site visit to confirm that the process of implementing the required reforms and actions is underway to address deficiencies previously identified by the FATF.
Honduras
In October 2010, Honduras made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and CFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Honduras has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by enacting legislation that criminalises terrorist financing. However, the FATF has determined that strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Honduras should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (2) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); and (3) improving and broadening CDD measures (Recommendation 5). The FATF encourages Honduras to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Indonesia
In February 2010, Indonesia made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Indonesia should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); and (3) amending and implementing laws or other instruments to fully implementing the 1999 International Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism (Special Recommendation I). The FATF encourages Indonesia to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Morocco
In February 2010, Morocco made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since that time, Morocco has demonstrated progress in improving its AML/CFT regime, including by adopting amendments to extend the scope of the money laundering and terrorist financing offences; to broaden customer due diligence requirements and taking steps to operationalise the FIU. Once the FATF assesses this recent legislation and ensures that these measures address the identified deficiencies, it will organise an on-site visit to confirm that the process of implementing the required reforms and actions is underway to address deficiencies previously identified by the FATF.
Pakistan
In June 2010, Pakistan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Pakistan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by issuing STR guidance to its financial institutions. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by (1) demonstrating adequate criminalisation of money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) demonstrating adequate procedures to identify, freeze and confiscate terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (4) demonstrating effective regulation of money service providers, including an appropriate sanctions regime, and increasing the range of ML/FT preventive measures for these services (Special Recommendation VI); and (5) improving and implementing effective controls for cross-border cash transactions (Special Recommendation IX). The FATF encourages Pakistan to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Paraguay
In February 2010, Paraguay made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GAFISUD to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Paraguay has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including issuing regulations prohibiting anonymous accounts. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Paraguay should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify, freeze and confiscate terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); and (2) effectively implementing controls for cross-border cash transactions (Special Recommendation IX). The FATF encourages Paraguay to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Philippines
In October 2010, the Philippines made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, the Philippines has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by issuing new AML regulations. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. The Philippines should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets and confiscate funds related to money laundering (Special Recommendation III and Recommendation 3); (3) enhancing financial transparency (Recommendation 4); (4) ensuring capacity and financial resources for competent authorities (Recommendation 30); and (5) establishing effective CDD measures (Recommendation 5). The FATF encourages the Philippines to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
São Tomé and Príncipe
In October 2010, São Tomé and Príncipe made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GIABA to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. São Tomé and Príncipe should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (3) ensuring that financial institutions and DNFBPs are subject to adequate AML/CFT regulation and supervision, and that a competent authority or competent authorities have been designated to ensure compliance with AML/CFT requirements (Recommendations 23, 24 and 29); (4) implementing effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions in order to deal with natural or legal persons that do not comply with the national AML/CFT requirements (Recommendation 17); and (5) taking the necessary action to gain membership of GIABA. The FATF encourages São Tomé and Príncipe to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Sudan
In February 2010, Sudan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Sudan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by issuing FIU regulations and circulars to financial institutions. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Sudan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) implementing adequate procedures for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (2) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (3) ensuring financial institutions are aware of and comply with their obligations to file suspicious transaction reports in relation to ML and FT (Recommendation 13 and Special Recommendation IV); and (4) implementing a supervisory programme for the regulators to ensure compliance with the provisions of the new law and regulations (Recommendation 23). The FATF encourages Sudan to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Tanzania
In October 2010, Tanzania made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and ESAAMLG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Tanzania should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets as well as implementing the UNSCR 1267 and 1373 through law, regulations or other enforceable means (Special Recommendation III); (3) establishing effective CDD measures (Recommendation 5); (4) establishing adequate record-keeping requirements (Recommendation 10); (5) establishing a fully operational and effectively functioning national Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); and (6) designating competent authorities to ensure compliance with AML/CFT requirements (Recommendation 23). The FATF encourages Tanzania to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Thailand
In February 2010, Thailand made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Thailand has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by approving a national AML/CFT strategy. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Thailand should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); and (3) further strengthening AML/CFT supervision (Recommendation 23). The FATF encourages Thailand to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Turkmenistan
In June 2010, Turkmenistan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and EAG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Turkmenistan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by undergoing an on-site for its mutual evaluation. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Turkmenistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) addressing the remaining issues with the criminalisation of money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets without delay (Special Recommendation III); (3) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning FIU (Recommendation 26); (4) developing collaboration between the FIU and domestic counterparts, including supervisory authorities; and (5) strengthening international cooperation. The FATF encourages Turkmenistan to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Ukraine
In February 2010, Ukraine made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MONEYVAL to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Ukraine should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) addressing a few remaining issues regarding criminalisation of money laundering (Recommendation 1); and (2) improving and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III). The FATF encourages Ukraine to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Venezuela
In October 2010, Venezuela made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and CFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Venezuela has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by issuing regulations for the securities sector. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic deficiencies remain. Venezuela should continue to work with the FATF and CFATF on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendations I and III); (3) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (4) implementing adequate CDD guidelines for all sectors (Recommendation 5); and (5) establishing adequate STR reporting obligations for ML and FT (Recommendation 13 and Special Recommendation IV). The FATF encourages Venezuela to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Vietnam
In October 2010, Vietnam made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Vietnam should continue to work with the FATF and APG on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) improving the overall supervisory framework (Recommendation 23); (4) improving and broadening customer due diligence measures and reporting requirements (Recommendation 5, 13, and Special Recommendation IV); and (5) strengthening international cooperation (Recommendations 36, 40). The FATF encourages Vietnam to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Yemen
In February 2010, Yemen made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Since October, Yemen has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by issuing executive regulations for its AML/CFT law, including on customer due diligence and suspicious transaction reporting. However, the FATF has determined that certain strategic deficiencies remain. Yemen should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address these deficiencies, including by: (1) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (2) issuing substantive guidance/instructions to reporting institutions with respect to their ML/FT obligations (Recommendation 25); (3) developing the monitoring and supervisory capacity of the financial sector supervisory authorities and the FIU, to ensure compliance by financial institutions with their STR obligations, especially in relation to FT (Recommendation 23); and (4) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26). The FATF encourages Yemen to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Jurisdictions not making sufficient progress
The FATF is not yet satisfied that the following jurisdictions have made sufficient progress on their action plan agreed upon with the FATF. The most significant action plan items and/or the majority of their action plan items have not been addressed. If these jurisdictions do not take sufficient action to implement significant components of their action plan by June 2011, then the FATF will identify these jurisdictions as being out of compliance with their agreed action plans and will take the additional step of calling upon its members to consider the risks arising from the deficiencies associated with the jurisdiction.
Angola
Despite Angola's high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Angola has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic deficiencies remain. Angola should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); and (3) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying, tracing and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III). The FATF encourages Angola to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Bolivia
Despite Bolivia's high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GAFISUD to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Bolivia has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Bolivia should work on addressing these deficiencies including by: (1) ensuring adequate criminalisation of money laundering (Recommendation 1); (2) adequately criminalising terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (3) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); and (4) establishing a fully operational and effective Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26). The FATF encourages Bolivia to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Ethiopia
Despite Ethiopia's high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Ethiopia has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Ethiopia should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework and procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (4) raising awareness of AML/CFT issues within the law enforcement community (Recommendation 27); and (5) implementing effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions in order to deal with natural or legal persons that do not comply with the national AML/CFT requirements (Recommendation 17). The FATF encourages Ethiopia to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Kenya
Despite Kenya's high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and ESAAMLG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Kenya has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Kenya should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (2) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (3) establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (4) raising awareness of AML/CFT issues within the law enforcement community (Recommendation 27); and (5) implementing effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions in order to deal with natural or legal persons that do not comply with the national AML/CFT requirements (Recommendation 17). The FATF encourages Kenya to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Myanmar
Despite Myanmar's high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Myanmar has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Myanmar should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) strengthening the extradition framework in relation to terrorist financing (Recommendation 35 and Special Recommendation I); (4) ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (Recommendation 26); (5) enhancing financial transparency (Recommendation 4); and (6) strengthening customer due diligence measures (Recommendations 5). The FATF encourages Myanmar to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Nepal
Despite Nepal's high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Nepal has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Nepal should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering (Recommendation 3); and (4) enacting and implementing appropriate mutual legal assistance legislation (Recommendation 36). The FATF encourages Nepal to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Nigeria
Despite Nigeria's high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and GIABA to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Nigeria has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. It is important to note that Nigeria passed AML and CFT legislation that the FATF has not yet examined due to the very recent nature of this action. The FATF will assess this legislation and, in any case, Nigeria should work on addressing its deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); (2) implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (3) ensuring that relevant laws or regulations address deficiencies in customer due diligence requirements and that they apply to all financial institutions (Recommendation 5); and (4) demonstrating that AML/CFT supervision is undertaken effectively across the financial sector (Recommendation 23). The FATF encourages Nigeria to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Sri Lanka
Despite Sri Lanka's high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Sri Lanka has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Sri Lanka should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing (Recommendation 1 and Special Recommendation II); and (2) establishing and implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III). The FATF encourages Sri Lanka to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Syria
Despite Syria's high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Syria has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. It is important to note that Syria issued an AML/CFT Decree that the FATF has not yet assessed due to the very recent nature of this action. The FATF will assess this decree and, in any case, Syria should continue to work on addressing its deficiencies, including by: (1) adopting adequate measures to implement and enforce the 1999 International Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism (Special Recommendation I); (2) ensuring adequate criminalisation of terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); (3) implementing adequate procedures for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III); (4) ensuring financial institutions are aware of and comply with their obligations to file suspicious transaction reports in relation to ML and FT (Recommendation 13 and Special Recommendation IV); and (5) adopting appropriate laws and procedures to provide mutual legal assistance (Recommendations 36-38, Special Recommendation V). The FATF encourages Syria to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Trinidad and Tobago
Despite Trinidad and Tobago's high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and CFATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Trinidad and Tobago has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. It is important to note that Trinidad and Tobago enacted CFT Regulations and FIU Regulations that the FATF has not yet examined due to the very recent nature of this action. The FATF will assess these regulations and, in any case, Trinidad and Tobago should continue to work on addressing its deficiencies, including by: (1) implementing adequate procedures to identify and freeze terrorist assets without delay (Special Recommendation III); (2) implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of funds related to money laundering (Recommendation 3); and (3) establishing a fully operational and effectively functioning FIU, including supervisory powers (Recommendation 26). The FATF encourages Trinidad and Tobago to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.
Turkey
Despite Turkey's high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the FATF is not yet satisfied that Turkey has made sufficient progress in implementing its action plan, and certain strategic AML/CFT deficiencies remain. Turkey should work on addressing these deficiencies, including by: (1) adequately criminalising terrorist financing (Special Recommendation II); and (2) implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying and freezing terrorist assets (Special Recommendation III). The FATF encourages Turkey to address its remaining deficiencies and continue the process of implementing its action plan.7
In addition to issuing the above document, the "Outcomes of FATF Plenary meeting Paris, 23-25 February 2011" states that "[t]he FATF heard Argentina's report on progress made since the adoption of the FATF's mutual evaluation of Argentina in October 2010. The FATF noted the high-level commitment expressed by the Minister of Justice at the Plenary and the preliminary action plan presented by Argentina. The FATF maintains its serious concern regarding the large number of significant AML/CFT deficiencies that remain and expects Argentina to make substantial progress in addressing these deficiencies by June 2011, in particular progress in the criminalisation of money laundering and terrorist financing. The FATF will work closely with Argentina throughout this process and will consider next steps in the context of the enhanced follow-up process for members insufficiently in compliance with FATF Recommendations."8
FinCEN Guidance
U.S. financial institutions should consider the risks associated with the AML/CFT deficiencies of jurisdictions in the FATF publication entitled, "Improving Global AML/CFT Compliance: update on-going process": Angola; Antigua and Barbuda; Bangladesh; Bolivia; Ecuador; Ethiopia; Ghana; Greece; Honduras; Indonesia; Kenya; Morocco; Myanmar; Nepal; Nigeria; Pakistan; Paraguay; Philippines; São Tomé and Príncipe; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Syria; Tanzania; Thailand; Trinidad and Tobago; Turkey; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; Venezuela; Vietnam; Yemen and the FATF's serious concern regarding Argentina. With respect to these jurisdictions, U.S. financial institutions are reminded of their obligations to comply with the general due diligence obligations under 31 CFR § 1010.610(a).
As required under 31 CFR § 1010.610(a), covered financial institutions should ensure that their due diligence programs, which address correspondent accounts maintained for foreign financial institutions, include appropriate, specific, risk-based, and, where necessary, enhanced policies, procedures, and controls that are reasonably designed to detect and report known or suspected money laundering activity conducted through or involving any correspondent account established, maintained, administered, or managed in the United States.
Additionally, as required under 1024.320,31 CFR § 1025.320,31 CFR § 1026.320,31 CFR § 1020.320,31 CFR § 1023.320,31 CFR § 1022.320,31 CFR § 1021.320, if a financial institution knows, suspects, or has reason to suspect that a transaction involves funds derived from illegal activity or that a customer has otherwise engaged in activities indicative of money laundering, terrorist financing, or other violation of federal law or regulation, the financial institution shall then file a Suspicious Activity Report.