IWT Financial Flows Toolkit launched to support financial institutions
A toolkit aimed at supporting financial institutions in addressing and reporting suspicious transactions relating to the illegal wildlife trade (IWT) has been launched. Developed by the UK Serious Organised Crime Network in collaboration with the UAE government, WWF, TRAFFIC and Themis, the IWT Financial Flows…
Singapore responds to Pandora Papers by mulling changes to AML/CFT controls
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is consulting with the country’s financial institutions as it mulls possible changes to its anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime in the light of revelations in the so-called Pandora Papers according to finance minister Lawrence Wong….
Misuse of trade finance, abuse of shell companies and proliferation financing targeted in Singapore’s digital platform for information sharing
Countering the misuse of trade finance for illicit purposes, abuse of shell companies and proliferation financing (PF) will be the initial three key financial crime risks in commercial banking focused on in Singapore’s new ambitious digital platform for financial institutions (FIs) to share information. The…
Former CFO of collapsed commodity trader accused of fraudulently obtaining L/Cs
The former chief financial officer (CFO) of commodity trader Agritrade International which collapsed last year has been charged by Singapore police with cheating. Lim Beng Kim Lulu is accused of obtaining letters of credit (L/Cs) and procuring forged certificates of quality when there was no…
Hin Leong founder faces 105 new charges, 33 related to L/C usage
The founder of collapsed oil trader Hin Leong Trading, Lim Oon Kuin, is facing an additional 105 charges, 33 of which relate to letter of credit (L/C) usage, in connection with allegedly fraudulent schemes at his now-defunct trading house. The new charges will add yet…
Collaboration, data analytics and digitalisation key to Singapore’s AML/CFT effectiveness
Collaboration alongside the use of data analytics and digital processes have led to key successes in Singapore’s anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) effectiveness according to assistant managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Loo Siew Yee now wants financial institutions…
Two arrested in US$225 million fake software TBML scam
India’s Enforcement Directorate has arrested two more people allegedly involved in a US$225 million trade-based money-laundering (TBML) operation based on importing what purported to be customised software. Investigators however discovered that the software was fake but provided the accused with the opportunity to transfer funds…
Free-trade zones vulnerable to illicit trade and financial crime says RUSI paper
Free-trade zones (FTZs) can be attractive to criminal groups as well as legitimate businesses according to a paper published by the Royal United Services Institute’s (RUSI’s) Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies. The paper identifies factors that render FTZs vulnerable to illicit trade and…
How Singaporean firms can avoid sanctioned transactions
A two-pronged approach would be the best way for Singaporean firms to avoid implicating themselves in sanctioned transactions according to head of financial crime compliance at HSBC Singapore, Jamil Ahmed. Writing for Regulation Asia, he says firms should recognise and respond to sanctioned transaction risks…
