The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) organised a three-day seminar in Tunisia on anti-money-laundering (AML) measures and combatting the financing of terrorism (CFT). The event was held under the aegis of “l'Association Professionnelle Tunisienne des Banques et des Etablissements Financiers” (APTBEF).
Nearly 50 representatives from the Central Bank of Tunisia, local banks and the Tunisian Financial Analysis Committee (CTAF) participated in the seminar, which took place from 20 to 22 January 2015.
The seminar’s key objective was to help financial institutions adapt to changing risks by improving the efficiency of their policies and procedures for fighting money laundering, and by implementing related measures. Initiatives of this type are an integral part of EBRD activities and support the Bank’s transition mandate.
During the seminar, international experts focused on raising awareness among participants from local banks about new risks related to money laundering and the financing of terrorism, the difficulties engendered by international sanctions, and the identification of funds linked to corruption.
Marie-Alexandra Veilleux-Laborie, the EBRD Head of Office in Tunisia, said: “This seminar is very important for the transparency and performance of the financial sector in Tunisia. It is also in line with our commitment to develop and restructure the country’s financial sector. We have already invested over €210 million in more than 20 projects across various projects in Tunisia.”
The workshop was focused on current AML and CFT challenges and international sanctions provisions, recognising that sanctions are increasingly imposed not only on named entities but also on areas of economic activity within a designated region. The event emphasised practical and proportionate responses to money laundering risks.
The main targeted outcomes were enhanced knowledge, understanding and cooperation among stakeholders. The event explained the new focus of AML regulation and the obligations that are placed on financial institutions. It also explored how organisations can implement effective AML and CFT measures despite resource constraints.
Since 2002 the EBRD has organised AML training in more than 20 countries. These events have been attended by more than 800 bankers from approximately 500 banks and financial institutions.