Settings
Font settings
Arial
Times New Roman
Font size
A
A
A
Letter spacing
Standard
Enlarged
Large
Color scheme
Black
on white
White
on black
The State Control Committee
of the Republic of Belarus
Q&A

News

25.05.2020

Important innovations in the field of combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism were adopted in Belarus


The Law No. 14-Z of May 13, 2020 “On Amending the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On actions to prevent legitimization of proceeds of crime and financing of terrorism and financing weapons of mass destruction proliferation” was adopted in the Republic of Belarus. The named Law was published on May 19, 2020 on the National Legal Internet Portal and will enter into force in six months after its official publication.
The amendments were developed by the State Control Committee jointly with the National Bank, the Ministry of Justice and other state bodies.
The law introduces a number of significant innovations in the field of anti-money laundering, combating the financing of terrorist activities and financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (AML / CFT).
In particular, it provides the creation of an interdepartmental commission to coordinate the actions of state bodies and organizations that are participants in the national anti-money laundering system (more than 15 ministries and bodies). Such mechanism is necessary for a detailed study and coordination of decisions in the field of AML / CFT.
The list of entities fulfilling the requirements of the AML / CFT legislation has been expanded. Before the adoption of the Law, the list included only 17 categories of entities, including banks, leasing and insurance organizations, forex companies, postal service providers, notaries, auditors, real estate registrars. With the adoption of the Law, the list has been supplemented by special financial organizations, managing organizations of investment funds, tax consultants, crypto-exchanges, crypto exchangers and other HTP residents operating using digital signs (tokens). At the same time, control over cryptocurrency exchanges, crypto exchangers and other High Tech Park residents in the field of combating money laundering and terrorist financing will be carried out by High Tech Park Administration.
The Law provides for such advanced mechanisms for the Republic of Belarus as remote identification and verification of the client’s identity, as well as the ability to complete these processes within a reasonable time frame that does not create risks in the area of AML / CFT. The Law also establishes the obligation of legal entities to determine their beneficial owners (individuals who exercise control over them), to have up-to-date and reliable information about them, to store the information received and to submit it to state bodies and other organizations in accordance with the AML / CFT legislation.
In addition, the legislator provides for provisions aimed at increasing the transparency of information on the activities of non-profit organizations (foundations, public associations, etc.) in order to counter their possible involvement in the financing of terrorist activities and laundering criminal proceeds.
The adoption of the Law will help to increase the effectiveness of the AML / CFT system of the Republic of Belarus and bring the legislation of our country closer to international standards in this area.

All news