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AML/CTF compliance in Jersey

WHAT ARE THE

Money laundering and terrorism financing laws in Jersey?

Money Laundering Regulations in Jersey: 

  • Proceeds of Crime (Jersey) Law 1999: The Proceeds of Crime (Jersey) Law 1999 is Jersey's primary legislation for combating money laundering. This law establishes the legal framework for the prevention and detection of money laundering activities within the jurisdiction.
  • Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC): The JFSC is the regulatory authority responsible for supervising and regulating financial services businesses in Jersey, including banks, trust companies, and investment firms. It ensures that these entities comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations.
  • Jersey Financial Crime Strategy Group (FCOS): The FCOS coordinates efforts to combat financial crime, including money laundering and terrorism financing. It facilitates information sharing among relevant authorities and agencies.

Terrorism Financing Laws in Jersey:

  • Jersey's laws related to terrorism financing are integrated into its broader AML and CTF framework. The same regulations and measures in place to combat money laundering are also used to detect and prevent terrorism financing activities.

International Cooperation:

  • Jersey cooperates with international organisations and other countries to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. It has established strong ties with international bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and works closely with them to maintain effective AML and CTF measures.

WHO ARE THE

ML/TF regulators in Jersey and what functions do they perform?

Jersey, which is a British Crown Dependency, has several regulatory authorities responsible for overseeing and enforcing anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations. These regulators work together to ensure compliance with AML and CTF laws in the jurisdiction. Please note that regulatory structures can evolve, and it's essential to consult the latest sources for the most up-to-date information. The key regulators and authorities involved in AML and CTF in Jersey include:

  • Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC): The JFSC is the primary regulatory authority in Jersey responsible for supervising and regulating the financial services industry. It oversees banks, trust companies, investment firms, and other financial institutions to ensure compliance with AML and CTF regulations and to maintain the integrity of the financial system.
  • Jersey Financial Crime Strategy Group (FCOS): The FCOS coordinates efforts to combat financial crime, including money laundering and terrorism financing. It facilitates information sharing among relevant authorities and agencies in Jersey.
  • Jersey Financial Intelligence Unit (JFIU): The JFIU serves as the national financial intelligence unit (FIU) responsible for receiving, analyzing, and disseminating information related to suspicious transactions and potential money laundering or terrorism financing activities. It plays a crucial role in detecting and preventing financial crimes.
  • Jersey Gambling Commission: The Jersey Gambling Commission regulates and supervises the gambling and online gaming sector in Jersey. It enforces AML and CTF requirements to prevent illegal activities within the gaming industry.
  • Jersey Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Jersey Society of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ICAEW): Accountants and audit firms in Jersey are regulated by professional associations such as ACCA and ICAEW. These associations ensure that their members comply with AML and CTF regulations.
  • Jersey Law Society: Lawyers and law firms in Jersey are subject to AML and CTF regulations. The Jersey Law Society oversees compliance within the legal profession.
  • Real Estate and Estate Agents' Association: Real estate agents in Jersey are subject to AML and CTF regulations, and the Real Estate and Estate Agents' Association monitors their compliance.
  • Sanctions Compliance: Jersey complies with international sanctions imposed by the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and other relevant bodies. Sanctions compliance is a crucial aspect of AML and CTF efforts.
  • Law Enforcement Authorities: Jersey's law enforcement agencies, including the police and the Attorney General's Office, work in conjunction with regulatory bodies to investigate and prosecute money laundering and terrorism financing offences.
  • International Cooperation: Jersey cooperates with international organisations, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and other countries to combat money laundering and terrorism financing on a global scale.

WHAT ARE THE

Industry sectors subject to ML/TF regulations?

In Jersey, a range of industry sectors are subject to anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) laws and regulations. These sectors are required to implement AML and CTF measures to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing activities. The key industry sectors subject to AML and CTF laws in Jersey include:

Financial Institutions

This category includes banks, credit institutions, electronic money institutions, payment institutions, and other financial service providers. Financial institutions in Jersey are subject to rigorous AML and CTF regulations to ensure the integrity of the financial system.

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Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs)

DNFBPs are entities that are not financial institutions but can be exploited for money laundering and terrorism financing purposes. In Jersey, DNFBPs subject to AML and CTF regulations include:

Lawyers and Law Firms

Including legal professionals such as lawyers, barristers and small, medium-sized and large law firms.

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Accountants and Audit Firms

Including accounting professionals such as accountants, bookkeepers and auditors working in small, medium-sized and large accounting firms.

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Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Developers

Including commercial and residential real estate agents, property financiers and property developers working in small, medium-sized and large real estate firms.

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Trust and Company Service Providers (TCSPs):

Entities providing trust and company services in Jersey must comply with AML and CTF regulations to prevent the misuse of these services for money laundering or terrorism financing.

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Casinos and Gaming Operators

Including casinos, hotels, pubs and clubs, racetracks, online gaming and on/off-course bookmakers.

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Dealers in High-Value Goods (e.g., art dealers, jewellers)

Including gold, silver and other precious metals and stone dealers.

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Other sectors

Cryptocurrency and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs)

Jersey has introduced specific regulations for cryptocurrency-related businesses, including cryptocurrency exchanges and wallet providers. These entities are subject to AML and CTF measures to mitigate the risks associated with virtual assets.

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Insurance Companies and Insurance Intermediaries

Insurance providers and intermediaries, such as insurance brokers and agents, must comply with AML and CTF regulations to prevent the misuse of insurance products and services for money laundering or terrorism financing.

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Collective Investment Schemes

Investment firms and collective investment schemes, including mutual funds and alternative investment funds (AIFs), are subject to AML and CTF obligations to protect the investment industry from financial crime risks.

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Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs)

Certain non-profit organisations in Jersey are subject to AML and CTF obligations to prevent the misuse of funds for illicit purposes.

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WHAT ARE THE

Penalties for non-compliance with AML/CTF laws?

Jersey has established penalties for non-compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) laws and regulations to ensure that financial institutions and individuals adhere to these rules. The penalties for non-compliance with AML and CTF laws in Jersey may vary depending on the specific violations and the severity of the offence. Some of the typical penalties and consequences for non-compliance with AML and CTF laws in Jersey may include:

  • Administrative Penalties: Regulatory authorities in Jersey, such as the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC), can impose administrative penalties on financial institutions and individuals who fail to meet their AML and CTF obligations. These penalties often involve monetary fines, warnings, or other sanctions.
  • Criminal Penalties: Serious non-compliance or involvement in money laundering or terrorism financing activities can lead to criminal prosecution. Criminal penalties may include imprisonment, substantial fines, or both for individuals and entities found guilty.
  • Revocation of Licences: Regulatory authorities in Jersey have the authority to revoke the licence of financial institutions or other businesses that are seriously non-compliant with AML and CTF regulations. This action can effectively terminate the operations of the entity in question.
  • Seizure and Confiscation of Assets: Authorities in Jersey can seize and confiscate assets that are determined to be connected to money laundering or terrorism financing.
  • Disqualification and Prohibition Orders: Individuals who are found guilty of money laundering or terrorism financing offences may face disqualification from holding certain positions or conducting specific financial activities. Prohibition orders can restrict individuals from working in the financial sector.
  • Civil Penalties: Apart from criminal penalties, civil penalties may be imposed on individuals and entities for non-compliance with AML and CTF regulations. These penalties often involve financial fines and other monetary sanctions.
  • Reputation Damage: Non-compliance can significantly harm the reputation of individuals or institutions involved, which can have long-lasting consequences in the financial industry.