Anti-Money Laundering Europe (AME) hosted a webinar on the ‘Anti-Money Laundering Package 2021’ on Wednesday 15th September 2021.
The event was moderated by Paolo Panico, from Paolo Panico’s Law Chambers, & Chairman of the STEP Europe Region. Speakers at the event included Steve Ryan, Deputy Head of Unit D2, DG FISMA European Commission, Endija Springe, Policy Expert at the European Banking Authority, Anabela Santos, Technical Consultant at the Portugese Chartered Accountants Association.
The webinar attracted a large audience of 80 attendees which included high level stakeholders from the European institutions, European federations and banks. The event was organised to discuss the recent Anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism legislative package presented by the European Commission on 20th July 2021 for discussion by the European Parliament and Council.
Mr. Ryan discussed the new the Anti-Money Laundering package which was presented in July 2021 which contains four legislative proposals. He highlighted the improved harmonisation in the new rules and the role of the new AML Authority (AMLA).
Ms. Springe discussed the role of the European Banking Authority in Anti-money laundering developments, and the mandate introduced which allows the European Banking Authority to lead, coordinate and monitor EU sectors fighting against money laundering and terrorist financing. Key achievements of the European Banking authority were also discussed. Ms. Springe emphasised the importance of cooperation between Anti-money Laundering supervisors and the European Central Bank.
Ms. Santos discussed the interaction between the accountancy profession and Anti-Money Laundering and the efforts needed to mitigate risks resulting from AML. The importance of Customer Due Diligence (CDD) was discussed especially with regard to refusing clients, as well as the need to improve digitalisation with regards to AML.
The event was followed by a Questions and Answers session.
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