New AMLC rules on beneficial ownership intended for financial transparency

In response to these criminal activities, and to prevent future circumvention of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 (AMLA) and its implementing rules, the AMLC issued the Guidelines on Beneficial Ownership. Issuance of these Guidelines was also intended to bring the Philippines more at par with international financial standards on customer due diligence (CDD). These standards require banks, other financial institutions and certain professions to identify not only the customer with whom they transact, but also the beneficial owners.

Although Philippine standards on beneficial ownership as provided under the AMLA’s implementing rules and regulations, were rated medium-high in the 2017 National Risk Assessment, the AMLC perceived the need to adopt the new Guidelines to enhance these standards and guide covered persons in identifying beneficial ownership.

The Guidelines provide that covered persons must identify beneficial owners. Covered persons must conduct the risks posed by the customer and the beneficial owners. If they pose a high risk for money laundering or terrorism financing, validation of information must be performed by the covered person. The Guidelines therefore promote transparency and dissuade criminal elements, and would-be money launderers and terrorists from hiding their identities.

 The Guidelines were published on 27 November 2018 at Business World, and took effect on the same day.

To view the Guidelines, click this link.

• AMLC APPROVES 2018 IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE AMLA
• PRESIDENT DUTERTE APPROVES NATIONAL AML/CFT STRATEGY