Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697630400508.pdf (Antigua and Barbuda)
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA THE MONEY SERVICES BUSINESS ACT, 2007.

No.

9 of 2007 [ Printed in the Official Gazette Vol.

XXVII No.78 dated 8th November, 2007. ]

________ Printed at the Government Printing Office, Antigua and Barbuda, by Eric T. Bennett, Government Printer — By Authority, 2007.

800—11.07 [ Price$16.95 ] The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

No.

9 of 2007 No.

9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

THE MONEY SERVICES BUSINESS ACT, 2007 Sections 1.

Short title and commencement.

2.


Interpretation.

3.

Application of the Act.

ARRANGEMENT PART I PRELIMINARY PART II LICENCE 4.

Requirement for licence.

5.

Classes of Licences.

6.

Application for licence, formalities and consideration.

7.

Alteration of facts disclosed in application.

8.

Adequacy of capital.

9.

Period of licence and licence fee 10.

Authorisation of location and approval of new business premises.

11.

Display of licence certificate.

12.


Restrictions of names likely to mislead.

13.

Advertisement.

14.

Actions of fundamental change requiring approval.

15.

Change in directorship.

PART III AUDIT, INFORMATION AND EXAMINATION 16.

Annual audit, report and publication of financial statements and results.

17.

Notice of termination of auditor’s appointment.

18.

Accounting records and systems of business control.

19.

Returns.

20.

Extension of time for providing information.

21.


Retention of records.

The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

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9 of 2007 22.

Examination by the Commission.

23.

Confidential information.

24.

Exchange of information PART IV SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS, BANKRUPTCY OR INSOLVENCY OF LICENSEE 25.

Segregated Accounts 26.

Bankruptcy or insolvency of licensee.

27.

Utilisation of deposits, etc.

PART V ABANDONED PROPERTY 28.

Abandoned Property.

29.

Report publication and disposal of abandoned property.
30.

Sale and handling of proceeds of sale of abandoned property.

31.

Claims on abandoned property.

32.

Penalties for failure to file abandoned property report.

PART VI ENFORCEMENT 33.

Persons carrying on money services business without a licence 34.

Suspension of licence.

35.

Revocation of licence and declaration of discontinuance of service.

36.

Appointment of receiver.

37.

Commission may apply to Court to preserve customer’s interests.

38.
38.

Power of the Commission in respect of licensees 39.

Transactions effected prior to suspension or revocation of licence 40.

Powers and duties of the Commission.

41.

Criteria for prudent management.

42.

Management’s duty of compliance with the requirements of the law 43.

False or misleading information.

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9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

44.

Removal and disqualification of Director.

45.

Offences by officers of corporate bodies 46.

General penalty.
General penalty.

PART VII IMMUNITIES, GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS 47.

Immunity.

48.

Prudential guidelines.

49.

Regulations.

SCHEDULE I Licences SCHEDULE II Forms SCHEDULE III Form of licence SCHEDULE IV Fees SCHEDULES The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

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9 of 2007 No.

9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

I Assent, Louise Lake-Tack, Governor-General.

2nd November, 2007.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA THE MONEY SERVICES BUSINESS ACT, 2007 No.
9 of 2007 AN ACT to require the licensing and regulation of money services business and to make provision for related matters.

ENACTED by the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda as follows: PART I PRELIMINARY 1.

Short title and commencement (1) This Act may be cited as the Money Services Business Act, 2007.

(2) The Minister may by notice published in the Gazette appoint a date on which this Act shall come into force.

2.
2.

Interpretation In this Act— “affiliate” in relation to a licensee (“L”) means (a) a company which is or has at any relevant time been (i) (ii) a holding company or subsidiary of L; a subsidiary of a holding company of L; or The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

No.
9 of 2007 (iii) a holding company of a holding company or a subsidiary of a subsidiary of L; or (b) any company or firm over which L has control; (c) any company or firm over which L and any persons associated with L has control; (d) any company or firm which has common ownership with L. (e) any company or firm which has the same beneficial owner and shares common manage- ment and interlinked businesses with L; “applicant” means the person applying for a licence under section 6; “Central Bank” means the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank established under Article 54 of the Agreement establishing the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank which came into effect in ac- cordance with section 3 of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Agreement Act; “Commission” means the Financial Services Regulatory Commission established under section 316 of International Business Corporation Act, Cap.
222.
“Court” means the High Court of Justice established by the Supreme Court Order 1967; “Currency Union” refers collectively to the territories of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines which use the Eastern Caribbean currency as their of- ficial currency; “designated licensee” means a licensee who has been designated as a funds transfer system under the Payment System Act 2007; “financial year”, means in relation to a licensee, a period of not more than twelve (12) months for which the audited financial statements of a licensee are prepared in accordance with this Act “licence” means a Money Services Business Licence granted under section 6 (4); “licensee” means a person holding a licence under this Act; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for Finance; “money service business” means (a) the business of providing as a primary business any one or more of the following: No.
9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.
(i) transmission of money or monetary value in any form; (ii) cheque cashing; (iii) currency exchange; (iv) the issuance, sale or redemption of money orders or traveller’s cheques; and (v) any other services the Minister may specify by Notice published in the Gazette; or (b) the business of operating as an agent or franchise holder of any of the business mentioned in paragraph (a); “net worth” means excess assets over liabilities as presented under international accounting standards subject to adjustment for non-admitted assets as determined by the Commission; “significant shareholder” means a person who either alone or with an affiliate or related or connected person, is entitled to exercise or control 10% or more of the voting power at any general meeting of the licensee or another company of which the licensee is a subsidiary;” 3.
Application of the Act (1) This Act does not apply to: (a) a person licensed under the Banking Act or the International Business Corporation Act unless such person is operating as agent or franchise holder of a money services business; (b) the Central Bank; (c) an organisation licensed as a clearing agency under the Securities Act; and (d) an operator of a clearing house or funds transfer system.
(2) A money services business which is licensed under this Act is not required to be licensed under any other Act.

(3) This Act does not apply to or affect the validity of any money services business transaction in existence at the date of commencement of this Act.

PART II The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

No.
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9 of 2007 (iii) cheque cashing; (iv) currency exchange; (b) a “Class B” licence permits the holder to carry on any or all of the following businesses— (i) the issuance, sale or redemption of money orders or traveller’s cheques; (ii) cheque cashing; (iii) currency exchange; (c) a “Class C” licence permits the holder to carry on the business of cheque cashing; (d) a “Class D” licence permits the holder to carry on the business of currency exchange.

6.
6.

Application for licence, formalities and considerations (1) In order to obtain a licence as a money services business, a person shall apply in writing to the Commission and submit the documents and other information as specified in Schedule II and pay the application fee prescribed in Schedule IV.
(2) In considering an application for a licence, the Commission shall conduct such investigation as it may deem necessary to ascertain— (a) the validity of the documents submitted in accordance with Schedule II; (b) the financial condition and history of the applicant; (c) the nature of the business of the applicant; (d) the experience of the persons who are to constitute its management, (e) the source of the initial capital; and (f) the convenience and needs of the community to be served by the granting of the licence.
(3) In considering an application for a Class A or Class B licence the Commission shall, in addition to the matters specified in subsection (2), take into consideration— the adequacy of the capital structure; and (a) (b) the earning prospects of the applicant.

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9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

4.
4.

Requirement for licence LICENCES (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (5), a person shall not carry on money services business in Antigua and Barbuda unless that person holds a licence in accordance with this Act.
(2) A person who immediately before the date of commencement of this Act was carrying on money services business shall upon that date be deemed to be duly licensed under this Act for a period of four months or such other period as the Commission approves and shall require a licence in order to carry on money services business after the expiry of that period.
(3) A person holding funds which that person has obtained by conducting money services busi- ness without being in possession of a licence granted under this Act shall settle its obligations in accordance with Regulations issued by the Minister.

(4) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary convic- tion to a fine of fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of two years or both such fine and imprisonment.
(5) The Minister may by Order exempt any person from the licence requirement contained in subsection (1) if: (a) that person is a local government body or agency; or (b) it is considered that the exemption would be beneficial to the economic needs of Antigua and Barbuda.

5.

Classes of Licences (1) There shall be several classes of licences as specified in Schedule I which may be applied for and granted subject to the provisions of this Act.
(2) The several classes of licences issued under this Act shall authorize the holders, for the period specified in the licence, to carry on money services business as specified under this section and not otherwise— (a) a “Class A” licence permits the holder to carry on any or all of the following businesses— (i) (ii) the transmission of money or monetary value in any form; the issuance, sale or redemption of money orders or traveller’s cheques; The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

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9 of 2007 or firm in the same group of companies or any director or officer of any such com- pany or firm.

(6) For the purposes of this section, the Commission may have regard to any information in its possession whether furnished by the applicant or not.

(7) A licence to carry on money services business under this Act is not transferable.

(8) The Commission may at any time vary or repeal the conditions or restrictions it imposed pursuant to subsection (4).
(9) The Commission may amend Schedules I, II and IV by Order published in the Gazette.

7.
7.

Alteration of facts disclosed in application (1) An applicant shall forthwith give written notice to the Commission of — (a) any proposed alteration to, or (b) the occurrence of any event which it knows affects or may affect in a material respect, information supplied to the Commission in relation to the application, being a proposal or event made or occurring while the application is pending a decision by the Commission.

8.
8.

Adequacy of capital (1) A licensee shall — (a) maintain adequate capital in the prescribed form and according to the prescrebed formula; and (b) deposit with the Commission, for the benefit of holders of outstanding payment instru- ments should the licensee become bankrupt or for any other reason be unable to meet its contractual obligations to them, the prescribed portion of the capital referred to in paragraph (a).
(2) The Minister may by Order prescribe the form, formula and portion referred to in subsection (1).

(3) The Commission shall hold the capital deposited under paragraph (1) (b) in a trust account.

(4) The Commission shall retain the deposit for a period of at least six months after the licensee ceases money services business in Antigua and Barbuda subject to any court order made in respect No.

9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.
(4) Within a reasonable time of its receipt of the application for a licence the Commission shall — (a) if it is satisfied that an application under subsection (1) is in order and that the applicant is a fit and proper person to be licensed to conduct money services business and that it can fulfil the obligations of a licensee under this Act: (i) approve the application and issue a licence to the applicant in the form set out in Schedule II, subject to the applicant paying the licence fee prescribed in Schedule IV and, making the prescribed statutory deposit in accordance with section 8, and subject to such other terms, conditions and restrictions it considers necessary; (ii) on issuing the licence to the applicant submit a copy of the licence to the Central Bank and recommend to the Central Bank that the licensee be designated in ac- cordance with section 11 of the Payment System Act; or, (b) if it is of the opinion that it would be undesirable in the public interest to grant the licence or that the applicant is not a fit and proper person to be licensed to conduct money services business, refuse to grant the licence and inform the applicant that it has refused to grant the licence.
(5) In considering whether an applicant is a fit and proper person to be licensed, the Commission— (a) shall have regard to, in respect of each of its significant shareholders, directors and executive management and officers— (i) his financial status; (ii) his educational or other qualifications or experience having regard to the nature of his application; (iii) his ability to perform his proposed function efficiently, honestly and fairly; and (iv) his reputation, character, financial integrity and reliability; and (b) may take into account any matter relating to— (i) any person who is or is to be employed by, or associated with, the applicant for the purposes of the business to which the application relates; (ii) any person who will be acting as a principal or representative in relation to such business; and (iii) any significant shareholder, director or officer of the applicant, any other company The Money Services Business Act, 2007.
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9 of 2007 11.

Display of licence certificate A licensee shall display or cause to be displayed and shall keep displayed a copy of the certificate of its licence granted under this Act in a conspicuous place in the public part of any place of business of the licensee.

12.
Restrictions of names likely to mislead (1) No licensee shall be granted or continue to hold a licence under a name which: (a) (b) (c) is identical to that of any company, firm or business house, whether within Antigua and Barbuda or not, or that so nearly resembles that name as to be misleading; falsely suggests the patronage of or connection with some person or Minister, whether within Antigua and Barbuda or not; falsely suggests that the money services business has a special status in relation to or derived from the Government, has the official backing of or acts on behalf of the Gov- ernment or any department, branch, agency or organ of Government, or of any officer of Government, or is recognised in Antigua and Barbuda as a national or central money services business.
(2) The Commission may refuse to grant a licence to or revoke the licence of a person who con- travenes subsection (1).

(3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary convic- tion to a fine of fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of two years or both.

13.
Advertisement (1) No person, other than a licensee or entities exempted under section 3, shall (a) use any English or foreign language in the description or title under which the person carries on business within Antigua and Barbuda representing that that person is carrying on money services business; (b) make any representation in any billhead, letter, letterhead, circular, paper, notice or adver- tisement or in any other manner that that person is carrying on money services business within Antigua and Barbuda; or (c) in any manner solicit or receive money from any person for the purpose of carrying on money services business within Antigua and Barbuda.
(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary convic- No.

9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007. of the said deposit.
(5) Where there is a deficiency in the prescribed capital, the Commission shall require the licensee to present a plan that is satisfactory to the Commission to reconstitute its capital within thirty days or such longer period as may be determined by the Commission (6) Where the licensee— (a) fails to present a satisfactory plan pursunat to subsection (5), or (b) fails to implement a plan presented pursuant to subsection (5), the Commission shall take such remedial action as it deems necessary in accordance with section 38.
(8) The Minister may by Order exempt any other licensee from the requirements of this section.

9.

Period of licence and licence fee (1) Every licensee shall pay the prescribed annual licence fee according to the classification of the licence as set out in Schedule IV.

(2) A licence to carry on money services business is valid from the date of first issue to the 31st December of that year and is renewable each year on payment on or before the 15th day of January of the prescribed annual fee.
(3) All licence fees paid under this Act shall be payable to the Accountant General and form part of the Consolidated Fund.

10.

Authorisation of location and approval of new business premises (1) Any licence granted under this Act authorises the licensee to carry on money services business in Antigua and Barbuda at the place of business designated in the licence and at such other place as the Commission may authorise in writing.
(2) No licensee shall open a new place of business or change the location of an existing place of business in Antigua and Barbuda without the prior approval of the Commission and no licensee shall close an existing place of business in Antigua and Barbuda without having given thirty days prior written notification to the Commission.

(3) No licensee shall open a place of business elsewhere than in Antigua and Barbuda without the prior written approval of the Commission.
(4) No licensee shall close a place of business outside of Antigua and Barbuda without having given twenty-one days prior written notification to the Commission.

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9 of 2007 (b) shall within five days of such appointment submit to the Commission the forms pre- scribed under subsection (1) and a letter specifying the reasons for the appointment of the proposed appointee without prior approval.

PART III AUDIT INFORMATION AND EXAMINATION 16.
Annual audit, report and publication of financial statements and results (1) A licensee shall appoint annually an auditor who must be a chartered accountant, a certified public accountant, a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean (ICAEC) or some other professionally qualified accountant, satisfactory to the Commission whose duties shall — (a) be to examine the books and records and to make a report on the annual financial state- ments and financial position; and (b) include all or any of the following duties as may from time to time be imposed on the auditor by the licensee at the request of the Commission: (i) to submit such additional information in relation to the audit of the licensee as the Commission considers necessary; (ii) to carry out any other examination or establish any procedure in any particular case; (iii) to submit a report on any of the matters referred to in sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii); (iv) to submit a report on the financial and accounting systems and risk management controls of the licensee; (v) to provide an opinion on whether suitable measures to counter money laundering and to combat the financing of terrorism have been adopted by the licensee and are being implemented in accordance with the applicable laws.
(2) A licensee shall within three (3) months of the end of the financial year forward the audited financial statements referred to in subsection (1) to the Commission, unless prior written approval for an extension has been granted by the Commission.

(3) The audited financial statements referred to in subsection (1) shall cover a period of not more No.

9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007. tion to a fine of fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of two years or both.

14.
14.

Actions of fundamental change requiring approval Unless the approval of the Commission is first obtained no licensee shall— (a) change its name; (b) change its principal office; (c) transfer the whole or any substantial part of its assets or liabilities in Antigua and Barbuda other than in the ordinary course of its business; or (d) enter into a merger or consolidation within Antigua and Barbuda.

15.
15.

Change in Directorship (1) A licensee must, no less than thirty days prior to the proposed date of appointment of a director or other senior officer— (a) submit to the Commission a completed Form B in Schedule II and the prescribed ap- plication form in respect of each proposed appointee; and (b) obtain approval of the Commission for appointment of the proposed appointee as director or other senior officer.
(2) Upon receipt of the completed Form B in Schedule II and the prescribed application form the Commission shall conduct an investigation to determine whether the proposed appointee satisfies the fit and proper criteria established in section 6(5).
(3) Within fifteen days of the receipt of the completed Form B in Schedule II and the prescribed application form the Commission shall— (a) (b) approve the appointment of the proposed appointee to the proposed post and notify the licensee; or inform the licensee that the proposed appointee does not satisfy the fit and proper criteria and refuse approval for appointment of the proposed appointee to the proposed post.
(4) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where prior notification of the appointment of a proposed appointee as director or other senior officer of a licensee is not possible, the licensee— (a) may appoint the proposed appointee as director or other senior officer as the case may be, conditional on the approval of the Commission in accordance with subsection (3); and The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

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(13) No person having an interest in any licensee otherwise than as a depositor and no director, manager, secretary, employee or agent of a licensee shall be eligible for appointment as auditor for such licensee.

(14) Any person appointed as auditor who shall, after an appointment, acquire any interest in a licensee, or become a director, manager, secretary, employee or agent of such licensee shall imme- diately cease to be such auditor.
(15) The Minister may by Order— (a) exempt any licensee or any class of licensee from the audit requirement contained in subsection (1) of this section; (b) waive the audit requirement contained in subsection (1) of this section in respect of any licensee or any class of licensee; (c) require that the Commission conduct an ad hoc audit of any licensee or any class of licensee in respect of which the audit requirement is waived or lifted under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this sub-section.
(16) The Commission may assess a licensee for the reasonable expenses of conducting any ad hoc audit ordered by the Minister under paragraph (c) of subsection (15).

17.

Notice of termination of auditor’s appointment A licensee must notify the Commission in writing of its intention to terminate the appointment of its auditor, or not to reappoint its auditor for a new term, and state the reasons for its decision in the notification.

18.
18.

Accounting records and systems of business control (1) A licensee must in accordance with this section, in respect of its money services business (a) keep accounting records; and (b) establish and maintain systems (i) of internal control and record keeping, and (ii) for inspection and report.

(2) The systems of control, inspection and report shall ensure that the money services business is No.
9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007. than eighteen months beginning on the date the licensee was incorporated, or if the licensee has previously prepared audited financial statements, beginning at the end of the period covered by the most recent audited financial statements.
(4) A designated licensee shall submit audited financial statements annually to the Central Bank in accordance with the provisions of the Payment System Act and shall submit a copy of such audited financial statements to the Commission.

(5) A licensee shall remunerate the auditor in respect of the discharge by the auditor of all or any of the duties set out in subsection (1).
(6) If in the course of the performance of an auditor’s duties an auditor is satisfied that: (a) there has been a serious breach of or non-compliance with the provisions of this Act or any regulations, notice, order, guidelines or directions issued under this Act; or (b) there is evidence— (i) that a criminal offence involving fraud or other dishonesty may have been com- mitteed; or (ii) of any suspicious transaction as defined in the Money Laundering Prevention Regulations, the auditor shall immediately report the matter to the licensee and the Commission.
(7) The Commission may request copies of reports submitted to the licensee by both its internal and external auditors.

(8) An auditor shall report to the Commission any matter it is required to report on any licensee to any investigative, regulatory or other institution, simultaneously with its report to that institution.
(9) A licensee who fails to secure compliance with a request under subsection (1) (b) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to fine not exceeding fifty thousand dollars for each such failure.

(10) If a licensee fails to appoint an auditor satisfactory to the Commission, the Commission may appoint an auditor for such licensee.

The remuneration of the auditor so appointed shall be determined by the Commission and paid by the licensee.
(11) The Commission may appoint an auditor to conduct an independent audit of a licensee, in accordance with the instructions of the Commission, and to report the findings or results thereof to the Commission.

(12) No auditor shall be liable for breach of any duty solely by reason of compliance with the provisions of subsections (1), (6) or (8) of this section or any other request for information by the The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

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Extension of time for providing information At the request of a licensee, the Commission may extend, from time to time, any period within which such licensee is, in accordance with the provisions of this Act, obliged to furnish any document or information.

21.
21.

Retention of records (1) A licensee shall retain for a period of at least six years from the date of creation of each particular record, all records created and obtained by them, in particular records of each transaction executed by them, records of each outstanding transaction, bank reconciliation records and bank statements received during the course of operation and administration of its money services business.

(2) The retention of records under subsection (1) may be effected by electronic means.
22.

Examination by the Commission (1) The Commission shall examine or cause an examination to be made of each licensee from time to time, or whenever in its judgement such examination is necessary or expedient, in order to determine that such licensee is in a sound financial condition and that the requirements of this Act have been complied with in the conduct of its business.
(2) For the purpose of determining the condition of a licensee and its compliance with this Act, the Commission may at any time examine or cause an examination to be made of any affiliate of the licensee in Antigua and Barbuda to the same extent that an examination may be made of the licensee.

(3) The Commission may assess a licensee for the reasonable expenses of conducting an examina- tion under subsections (1) and (2).
(4) The Commission shall forward copies of balance sheets, statements and reports on the results of any examination to the licensee.

(5) A licensee refusing to make available for examination any books, accounts and records having been requested to do so by the Commission commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of fifty thousand dollars or imprisonment for a term of two years, or both.

23.
Confidential information No person who has acquired knowledge in his capacity as director, manager, secretary, officer, em- ployee or agent of any licensee or as its auditor or receiver or official liquidator or as director, officer, employee or agent of the Commission, shall disclose to any person or governmental authority the identity, assets, liabilities, transactions or other information in respect of a customer of the licensee except— (a) with the written authorisation of the customer or of his heirs or legal personal representa- tives; No.
9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007. so conducted and its records so kept that (a) the information necessary to enable the directors and the business to discharge their du- ties and functions is sufficiently accurate, and is available with sufficient regularity or as needed and with sufficient promptness, for those purposes; and (b) the information obtained by or furnished to the Commission under or for the purposes of this Act is sufficiently accurate for the purpose for which it is obtained or furnished.
(3) A licensee shall institute procedures to ensure that its accounting records and systems of busi- ness control comply with the requirements of the Money Laundering Prevention Regulations.

19.
19.

Returns (1) The holder of a Class A or Class B licence must in the format provided by the Commission, file quarterly returns with the Commission within fifteen (15) days of the end of a quarter, along with a written declaration that the information set out in the application for the licence remains correct and gives a full and fair picture of its money services business.
(2) The holder of a Class C or Class D licence must, within fifteen (15) days of the end of the financial year, file an annual return with the Commission along with a written declaration that the information set out in the application for the licence remains correct and gives a full and fair picture of its money services business.

(3) A designated licensee must submit a copy of its returns to the Central Bank within the stipulated time.
(4) The Commission may assess a penalty of an amount not exceeding twenty thousand dollars against any corporation or a director of a corporation who fails to (a) file the quarterly returns within the stipulated time specified in subsection (1); (b) provide complete and accurate information with respect to a return or other information required by this Act; or (c) comply with any directions given in writing by the Commission.
(5) A penalty imposed under this section constitutes a debt due to the Commission and is imme- diately payable and may be recovered as a debt in any court.

(6) Interest shall be charged on the unpaid amount of a penalty on a day to day basis on all amounts in arrears at the rate of two percent above Central Bank rate.

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9 of 2007 (b) for the purpose of the performance of his duties within the scope of his employment in conformity with the provisions of this Act; (c) when lawfully required to make disclosure by any court of competent jurisdiction within Antigua and Barbuda; or (d) under the provisions of any law of Antigua and Barbuda.

24.
Exchange of information Notwithstanding section 23, the Commission may— (a) share any information received or any report prepared by it in the performance of its duties under this Act with the Central Bank, or any foreign authority responsible for the supervision or regulation of affiliates of a licensee, or for maintaining the integrity of the financial system; or (b) provide access to any officer of the Central Bank or a foreign authority responsible for the supervision or regulation of affiliates of a licensee in order to assess the safety and soundness of an affiliate; on a reciprocal basis, and subject to— (i) an agreement of confidentiality and a Memorandum of Understanding between the Commission and the Central Bank or such authorities; and (ii) any law on the protection of confidential information.
PART IV SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS BANKRUPTCY OR INSOLVENCY OF LICENSEE 25.

Segregated Accounts (1) A licensee in receipt of funds from a customer shall immediately and irrevocably segregate the amount intended for transmission or delivery to the payee customer exclusively for the purpose of the proper payment of the funds in due course to the payee customer.
(2) Any funds which are not delivered or transmitted to the payee customer by or on behalf of the licensee shall be a first charge on the assets of a bankrupt or otherwise insolvent licensee and shall No.

9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007. be: (a) re-paid to the payor customer; or (b) paid to the payee customer; by the licensee, receiver, liquidator or administrator out of the segregated account to which it was placed or was deemed to have been placed.

26.
26.

Bankruptcy or insolvency of licensee (1) A licensee must notify the Commission as soon as practicable after bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings are instituted.

(2) A person does not contravene subsection (1) if it took reasonable steps to comply with that subsection.

(3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence, and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifty thousand dollars.

27.

Utilisation of deposits, etc.


(1) Despite anything to the contrary in the Bankruptcy Act or the Companies Act, any funds deliv- ered to a licensee by or on behalf of a customer, prior to the issue of any bankruptcy, winding-up or receivership order against that licensee shall be utilised by the licensee, receiver or liquidator solely to discharge the licensee’s contractual obligations to the customer.
(2) Notwithstanding anything in the Bankruptcy Act or the Companies Act, if a licensee goes into bankruptcy, receivership or is wound up, any provision contained in a written agreement between that licensee and a customer is binding upon the liquidator, receiver or administrator in respect of any payment or settlement obligation.

(3) A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand dollars.
PART V ABANDONED PROPERTY 28.

Abandoned property (1) Subject to subsection (2) the following items which are held or owing by a licensee shall be presumed to be abandoned— The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

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9 of 2007 (a) (b) (c) any funds paid in Antigua and Barbuda toward the purchase of shares or other interests in a licensee, together with any interest or dividend, but excluding any lawful charges; any sum payable on written instrument issued in Antigua and Barbuda on which a licensee is directly liable or; any sum delivered to the licensee for transmittal to a person in Antigua and Barbuda or in another jurisdiction for and on behalf of a payee.
(2) The items enumerated in subsection (1) shall not be presumed to be abandoned if the owner has, within two (2) years of the date of deposit, payment of funds or issuance of instruments, as the case may be— (a) corresponded in writing with the licensee concerning the items; or (b) otherwise indicated an interest in the items as evidenced by a memorandum concerning them written by a licensee.

29.
29.

Report, publication and disposal of abandoned property (1) A licensee who holds any of the items enumerated in section 28 shall within ninety(90) days after the end of its financial year report such holdings to the Commission, and subsequently pay or deliver to the Commission all property presumed to be abandoned listed in the report in accordance with Regulations issued by the Minister.
(2) Upon paying or delivering such property identified in subsection (1) into the custody of the Commission a licensee is relieved of all liability to the extent of the value of the property for any claim in that respect.
(3) Within thirty (30) days after the end of its financial year but before the filing of the report to the Commission as required by subsection (1), a licensee shall publish in the Gazette and a newspaper circulating in Antigua and Barbuda the name of the owner and particulars concerning the property and shall mail a notice to the owner at his last known address containing particulars concerning the property.

30.
30.

Sale and handling of proceeds of sale of abandoned property (1) A licensee may sell at public sale all property other than money presumed to be abandoned after the expiration of sixty (60) days from the later date of publication or mailing required by section 29(3) following such advertisement of the sale as the Minister may prescribe.

(2) A purchaser shall receive title to the property free from all claims of the owner or prior holder and from all persons claiming through or under him.

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9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

(3)A licensee shall deposit with the Commission the proceeds of the sale of property in accordance with subsection (1) less all reasonable costs incurred by it in connection with the sale, mailing of notices, and service as it may deem appropriate to assure the prompt payment of claims which may subsequently be made and approved by the Minister.
(4) Any property remaining unsold shall be delivered to the Commission and shall be disposed of by the Commission in such manner as the Minister may direct.

31.
31.

Claims on abandoned property (1) Any person claiming an interest in any property which has been paid to, or delivered into the custody of the Commission or in the proceeds from the sale may file a claim with the Commission and, after an appropriate hearing the decision of which shall be communicated to the claimant and made a public record, the Commission may deliver up the property or make payment.
(2) Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Commission may commence an action in the High Court to establish his claim within thirty (30) days following the decision of the Commission.

32.

Penalties for failure to file abandoned property report (1) A licensee shall not wilfully fail to file the report or to pay or deliver property presumed to be abandoned into the custody of the Commission in accordance with section 29(1) or 30(4).
(2) A licensee who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence, and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of one thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of three (3) months or to both.

PART VI ENFORCEMENT 33.


Persons carrying on money services business without a licence (1) If the Commission has reasonable cause to suspect that — (a) any person is carrying on money services business without a licence granted under this Act; and (b) evidence of contravention of section 4(1) is to be found on any premises in Antigua and Barbuda, the Commission may lay information on oath before a Magistrate as regards its suspicions.

The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

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9 of 2007 (2) Upon filing of the information in subsection (1), the Magistrate may by warrant authorise an officer of the Commission named in such warrant to enter and search such premises with a police officer and seize any books, accounts, records, vouchers and other documents, cheques, securities and any cash as may be found on the premises relating to the conduct of money services business, to ascertain whether the person is carrying on money services business without a licence.
(3) Any such warrant may authorise— (a) (b) (c) the Commission to detain the books, accounts, records, vouchers and other documents, cheques, securities and any cash for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days; the officer to make copies of the books, accounts, records, vouchers and other documents, cheques, securities and any cash; and the Commission to retain copies of the books, accounts, records, vouchers and other documents, cheques, securities and any cash.
(4) The person authorised by a warrant to search any premises may— (a) seize any books, accounts, records, vouchers and other documents, cheques, securities and any cash found— (i) in the premises; or (ii) in the possession of any person described in paragraph (b) of this sub-section; if he has reasonable grounds for believing that any of those books, accounts, records, vouchers and other documents, cheques, securities and any cash relate to the conduct of money services business on those premises.
(b) search every person who— (i) is found in those premises; or (ii) has recently left or is about to enter those premises; whom he has reasonable grounds to believe is in possession of any books, accounts, records, vouchers and other documents, cheques, securities and any cash in respect of the conduct of money services business on those premises.

(5) In pursuance of any warrant issued under this section, no person shall be searched by an officer of the opposite sex.
(6) Where under this section a person has the power to enter any premises, he may if necessary use reasonable force to enter the premises.

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9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

(7) A person who obstructs the Commission or any other person in the exercise of any powers conferred under this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of five thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of six months or both such fine and imprisonment.

34.
34.

Suspension of licence (1) The Commission may, if it thinks it necessary— (a) as a matter of urgency for the protection of the public, or (b) as a result of any investigation under this Act or regulations made under this Act suspend a licence granted under this Act for the period, or until the happening of an event, as the Commission considers appropriate.
(2) A person whose licence is suspended under this Act shall be notified accordingly by the Com- mission and shall, for the purpose of this Act, be deemed not to be licensed from the date of notifica- tion of suspension.

(3) Notice under subsection (2) shall be served at the licensee’s last known address or shall be published in the Gazette or in any local newspaper.
(4) If a licensee is aggrieved by any decision made under subsection (1) that licensee may appeal to the High Court within fourteen (14) days of such decision, setting out the grounds of such appeal, and the High Court may revoke or confirm the said decision.

35.
Revocation of licence and declaration of discontinuance of service (1) The Commission may revoke any licence to carry on money services business in Antigua and Barbuda if the licensee: (a) fails to commence operations within a period of three (3) months following the granting of the licence; (b) fails to comply with the conditions or restrictions of its licence; (c) is in breach of any of the provisions of this Act which is applicable thereto; (d) (e) ceases to carry on money services business in Antigua and Barbuda for a period in excess of ten months; is conducting its affairs in a manner detrimental to the public interest or to the interest of its customers; The Money Services Business Act, 2007.
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9 of 2007 (f) goes into liquidation or is wound up or otherwise dissolved; or (g) by reason of any other circumstances, is no longer a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

(2) The Commission shall revoke a licence at the request of the licensee.
(3) Before revoking a licence under subsection (1), the Commission shall give the licensee con- cerned notice in writing of its intention to do so, specifying therein the grounds upon which it proposes to make the revocation and shall require the licensee to submit to it within a specified period, being not less than thirty (30) days, a statement of objections to the making of the revocation and thereafter, the Commission shall advise the licensee of its decision.
(4) Notice under subsection (3) shall be served at the licensee’s last known address or shall be published in the Gazette or in any local newspaper.

(5) If any licensee is aggrieved by any decision made under subsection (1), that licensee may appeal to the High Court within fourteen days of such decision, setting forth the grounds of such appeal, and the High Court may revoke or confirm the said decision.
(6) Where a licence to carry on money services business in Antigua and Barbuda has been revoked, the Commission shall, as soon as possible thereafter cause a notice of the revocation to be published in the Gazette and a newspaper circulating in Antigua and Barbuda and cause such other steps to be taken as are deemed to be necessary to inform the public of such revocation.

36.
36.

Appointment of receiver (1) Without prejudice to section 4(1), where a person is found conducting money services business without a licence, the Commission may apply to the court for appointment of a receiver to liquidate the business.
(2) Before applying for the appointment of a receiver under subsection (1), the Commission shall give the person concerned notice in writing of its intention to do so and shall require the person to comply with the requirements of this Act within a specified period, being not less than thirty days, and thereafter the Commission shall advise the person of its decision.

37.
37.

Commission may apply to Court to preserve customers’ interests (1) The Commission may, in a case where a licensee, or a person who has at any time been a licensee, is being wound up voluntarily, apply to the Court if the Commission considers that the winding up is not being conducted in the best interests of the licensee’s customers or creditors, and the Court shall make any order it considers appropriate.

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(2) If it appears to the Commission that there is reasonable ground for suspecting that an offence against this Act has been or is being committed by any person, the Commission may, with the ap- proval of the court, take any action it considers necessary, in the interest of the person’s customers or creditors, to preserve any assets held by that person.

38.
Powers of the Commission in respect of licensees (1) Whenever the Commission is of the opinion that— (a) a licensee is or appears likely to become unable to meet its obligations as they fall due; (b) a licensee is carrying on business in a manner detrimental to the public interest or the interest of its customers or creditors; (c) a licensee has contravened this Act; (d) a licensee has failed to comply with a condition of its licence; (e) (f) there has been or is, on the part of a licensee or its directors, a failure to satisfy any one or more of the criteria of prudent management set out in section 41; a licensee, or a director, manager, secretary or other officer concerned in the manage- ment of a licensee refuses to cooperate with the Commission in the performance of its functions under section 40; (g) a licensee is carrying on business in an unlawful manner; (h) a licensee has failed to maintain the prescribed capital; or (i) a licensee is violating any law, regulation or guideline to which the licensee is subject; the Commission may take one or more of the measures set out in subsection (2).
(2) Without prejudice to sections 34 and 35, the measures that the Commission may take in pursu- ance of subsection (1) are as follows — (a) impose conditions, or further conditions, as the case may be, upon the licence and may amend or revoke any of the conditions; (b) require the suspension or removal of a director or officer of the licensee; (c) at the expense of the licensee, appoint a person to advise the licensee on the proper con- duct of its affairs and to report to the Commission within three months of the date of his appointment, or any extension of appointment and at such intervals as the Commission The Money Services Business Act, 2007.
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9 of 2007 may require; (d) at the expense of the licensee, appoint a person to assume control of the licensee’s affairs who shall have all the powers of a person appointed as a receiver or manager under the Bankruptcy Act, who shall report to the Commission within three months of the date of his appointment, or any extension of appointment and at such intervals as the Commis- sion may require; (e) require a licensee, to take, refrain from, or discontinue any action as the Commission considers necessary; (f) revoke the licence.
(3) The Commission may, on receipt of a report under subsection (2)— (a) revoke the appointment of the person appointed under subsection (2)(c) or (d); (b) extend the period of appointment of a person appointed under subsection 2 (c) or (d); (c) subject to any conditions that the Commission may impose, allow the licensee to reor- ganise its affairs in a manner approved by the Commission; or, (d) revoke the licence.
(4) The Commission must comply with the procedures established in subsections (3), (4), (5) and (6) of section 35 if it decides to revoke a licence pursuant to subsections 2(f) and 3(d).

(5) If any licensee is aggrieved by any decision made under subsection (2), the licensee may ap- peal to the High Court within fourteen (14) days of such decision, setting out the grounds of such appeal, and the High Court may revoke or confirm the decision.

39.
39.

Transactions effected prior to suspension or revocation of licence The suspension of a license under this Act does not operate so as to avoid or affect any agreement, transaction or arrangement relating to a provision of money services business entered into by the licensee before the suspension or revocation of the licence and does not affect any right, obligation, or liability arising under any such agreement, transaction or arrangement.

40.
40.

Powers and duties of the Commission (1) It is the duty of the Commission to ensure the proper administration of this Act and without limiting the generality of the foregoing the Commission shall — No.

9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.
(a) maintain a general review of money services business practice in Antigua and Barbuda; (b) whenever it thinks fit, examine the affairs or business of any licensee carrying on busi- ness within Antigua and Barbuda for the purpose of satisfying itself that this Act has been or is being complied with and that the licensee is in a sound financial position and is managing its business in a prudent manner; (c) assist in the investigation of any offence against the laws of Antigua and Barbuda which it has reasonable grounds to believe has or may have been committed by a licensee or by any of its directors or officers in their capacity as directors or officers; (d) examine (i) returns furnished to it under section 19, and (ii) audited financial statements forwarded to it, under section 16, and to report on them to the Minister whenever it thinks fit; (e) require or perform consolidated supervision of affiliates whenever it thinks fit; and (f) cooperate with and facilitate the Central Bank in consolidated supervision of designated licensees.
(2) In the performance of its functions under this Act the Commission is entitled at all reasonable times: (a) (b) to have access to the premises, books, records, vouchers, documents, cash and securities of any licensee; to remove and make copies of any books, records, vouchers and documents found on the premises of a licensee; (c) to request the information, matter or thing from any person who it has reasonable grounds to believe is carrying on money services business in contravention of section 4(1); and (d) to call upon the manager of the licensee or any similar person or an officer designated by either of them, for any information or explanation the Commission may require for the purpose of enabling it to perform its functions under this Act.
(3) A person who fails to comply with a requirement under subsection (2) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of two years or both.

The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

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9 of 2007 41.
Criteria for prudent management For the purpose of section 40(1) (b), the criteria for prudent management are as follows: (a) maintenance of (i) adequate reserves and other capital resources in amounts which may be prescribed by the Commission; (ii) adequate assets in liquid form in amounts which may be prescribed by the Com- mission; (iii) a system for managing and containing risks to the net worth of the licensee’s busi- ness and risks to its net income, whether arising from fluctuations in interest or exchange rates or from other factors; (iv) the requisite accounting records; (v) systems of internal control and record keeping; and (vi) systems for inspection and report; (b) management conducted with prudence and integrity by a sufficient number of persons, having regard to the range and scale of the business, who are fit and proper to be directors or, as the case may be, officers of the licensee in accordance with the criteria established under section 6(5); and (c) conduct of the licensee’s business with adequate professional skills.
42.

Management’s duty of compliance with the requirements of the law A director, manager, secretary or other officer concerned in the management of a licensee who fails to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance by the licensee with the requirements of this Act commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of six months or to both.

43.
43.

False or misleading information A licensee, director or an officer of a licensee who knowingly or wilfully supplies false or misleading information to the Commission commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of one year or both.

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44.
Removal and disqualification of Director (1) Any person who is a director, manager or other officer concerned with the management of a licensee shall cease to hold office upon — (a) notification by its management team of a finding by two-thirds of its members of his permanent incapacity or serious neglect of, or misconduct in, office; (b) his being declared bankrupt or compounding with, or suspending payment to, his credi- tors; (c) his conviction in a court of law of any offence involving fraud or dishonesty; (d) his being sentenced for an offence involving a term of imprisonment of or exceeding six months or in default of a payment of a fine; or (e) his being deemed not to be a fit and proper person in accordance with the criteria estab- lished under section 6(5).
(2) No person who has been a director of, or directly or indirectly concerned in, the management of a licensee the licence of which has been revoked shall, without the approval of the Commission, act or continue to act as a director, or be directly or indirectly concerned in the management of any licensee.

(3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of one year or to both.

45.
Offences by officers of corporate bodies (1) Where an offence under this Act has been committed by a body of persons which is— (a) a body corporate, society or other body of persons, every person who at the time of the commission of the offence was a director, manager, secretary or other officer of the body corporate, society or other body of persons as well as that body corporate, society or other body of persons commits the offence; (b) a partnership or firm, every partner of the partnership or firm as well as that partnership or firm commits the offence, and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
(2) No person referred to in subsection (1) shall be convicted of an offence under that subsection where he proves that— The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

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9 of 2007 (a) the act constituting the offence took place without his knowledge or consent, or (b) he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of the offence.

46.
46.

General penalty A person who contravenes any provision or requirement of this Act for which no offence is specifi- cally created or penalty provided commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of two years or both.

PART VII IMMUNITIES, GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS 47.
Immunity Neither the Commission nor an employee of the Commission shall be liable for anything done or omitted in the discharge or purported discharge of its functions under this Act unless it is shown that the act or omission was in bad faith.

48.
Prudential guidelines The Commission may, in administering the provisions of this Act, issue prudential guidelines and related orders respecting— (a) policies, practices and procedures for evaluating the quality of assets, (b) policies, procedures and systems for identifying, monitoring and controlling transfer risk, market risk, operational risk; and such other risks as the Commission shall specify; (c) corporate governance; (d) auditors; (e) procedures to be adopted by licensees and the Commission; and (f) anti money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism matters.
49.

Regulations The Minister may make regulations for giving effect to the provisions of this Act, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, may make Regulations respecting— (a) the form of advertising by licensees; (b) registers and records to be kept under this Act; No.

9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

(c) forms to be used by licensees; and (d) fees payable under this Act.
SCHEDULE I Class of Licence Description of Licence [section 5] Class A Class B Class C Class D Money Transmission Issuance, Sale and Redemption of Payment Instruments Cheque Cashing Currency Exchange The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

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9 of 2007 SCHEDULE II [section 6] INFORMATION TO BE CONTAINED IN AND TO ACCOMPANY AN APPLICATION FOR THE GRANT OF A LICENCE 1.

The name and address of the money services business in respect of which the licence is sought.

2.

The name and address of the applicant.


3.

The type of money services business the applicant proposes to conduct.

4.

The source and quantum of funds for initial capital or acquisition of the money services business.

5.

The address of the principal office of the applicant and of its registered office if different.

.

6.
If the applicant is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity, (a) the date and place of incorporation or formation and a copy of the memorandum and articles of association, Act, charter, partnership agreement or other instrument constitut- ing and defining the constitution of the applicant verified by a declaration made by one of its directors or partners or its secretary; and (b) a brief description of the structure or organisation of the applicant, including any parent or subsidiary of the applicant.
7.

The name and address of each person who— (a) owns or controls the money services business; (b) is a director or officer of the money services business; (c) is an agent of the applicant; (d) otherwise participates in the conduct of the affairs of the money services business.

8.
8.

The following information is also required from the named persons in Item 7 and each significant shareholder— (a) legal name and any alias and residential address; (b) occupation (over the previous 5 years) and business address; (c) date of birth; No.

9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.


(d) citizenship; (e) social security number; (f) passport number; (g) two (2) character references, a police or other certificate satisfactory to the Commission that the persons has not been convicted of a serious crime or any offence involving dis- honesty.

9.

The name and address of any depository institution at which a transaction account is maintained for the purposes of the money services business.

10.
10.

Where appropriate a statement in writing in a form acceptable to the Commission from the body responsible for the administration of the laws relating to money services businesses and the supervi- sion of the businesses in the country in which the applicant or its parent company is incorporated that the body has no objection to the application being made.

11.
If the applicant is a company the following information is required where applicable— (a) the annual accounts for the two year period immediately preceding the date of the ap- plication of each significant shareholder which is a body corporate, together with similar accounts for the parent body, if any, of each of the bodies corporate or the annual accounts for the current year, in the case of a body corporate which is in existence for less than two years; (b) two or more references verifying the good financial standing of each significant share- holder who is a natural person; (c) the name and address of its proposed auditor; (d) a statement giving the date for the drawing up of the annual accounts of the applicant; (e) confirmation in writing under the hand of the presiding officer of the applicant and the presiding officer of its parent body, if any, that they concur in the making of the applica- tion; (f) three business references of which at least one shall be from a bank; (g) a detailed business plan, containing details of the current money services business activi- ties, if any, of the applicant and its proposed activities if the licence applied for is granted, including The Money Services Business Act, 2007.
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9 of 2007 (i) (ii) the reasons for applying for the licence; the business aims of the applicant in respect of the money services business and its potential client base; (iii) a detailed statement setting out its proposed initial assets and its proposed assets and expected liabilities at the end of each of the two years next succeeding the date of such grant together with an estimate of expected income; (iv) particulars of its management structure and personnel; (v) the names and addresses of the registered offices of all subsidiary companies of the applicant together with a statement as to how much of the capital of each company constitutes an asset of the applicant; (vi) a chart showing the relationship to its subsidiaries and affiliates and any holding company; (vii) a brief description of each of its subsidiaries and affiliates; and (viii) details of the identified economic needs that the company intends to meet, growth prospects in that service area over the next five years, the exact nature and source of capital financing to be made available to the company for start-up and ongoing operations; (h) details of the applicant’s proposals for establishing and maintaining, in respect of the money services business, systems of control, inspection and report, if the licence applied for is granted; and (i) in the case of a company incorporated outside Antigua and Barbuda, the name and ad- dress of the supervisory or regulatory authority responsible for the supervision of each of the applicant’s agents operating outside Antigua and Barbuda.
12.

If the applicant is a franchise holder the contract and any other documents relating to the opera- tion of the franchise.

13.

A description of any money services business, other than that which is the subject of the applica- tion, previously or currently engaged in by the applicant.

14.

Completed copies of a Personal Questionnaire for each executive officer, director and significant shareholder.

15.

Copies of the applicant’s most recent audited financial statements.

16.
16.

Any other information requested by the Commission.

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FORM B PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE FOR PERSONS LISTED IN ITEM 7 PART A NAME:_______________________________________________________________________ PREVIOUS NAMES (IF ANY):____________________________________________________ ALIASES: ________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH: ____________________ CITIZENSHIP:_________________________________________________________________ PLACE OF BIRTH:_____________________________________________________________ SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER____________________________________________________ PASSPORT NUMBER:__________________________________________________________ PLACE AND DATE OF ISSUE:____________________________________________________ ADDRESS (Home & Business):___________________________________________________ OCCUPATION:________________________________________________________________ 1.
Have you at any time been charged or convicted of any offence by a Civil, Criminal or Military Court?

(excluding minor Road Traffic offences).

If so, please give details of charge, and if convicted, the date of conviction and full particulars of the offence and the penalty imposed.

___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 2.
Have you ever been the subject of investigation/disciplinary procedures, censured, disciplined by professional body to which you belong or have belonged?

If so, give particulars.

___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 3.

Have you ever been refused entry to any profession or vocation?

If so, give particulars.


___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 4.

Have you ever been dismissed or requested to resign from any office or employment?

If so, give The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

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9 of 2007 7.
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9 of 2007 7.

In connection with the formation or management of any corporation have you been disqualified by a court from being a director or from acting in the management or conduct of the affairs of any corporation?

If so, give particulars.

___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 8.

Have you ever (a) been adjudged bankrupt by a Court in any jurisdiction?
(b) had a receiving order made against you?

had your estate sequestrated?

(c) (d) entered into a Deed of arrangement, or other composition or arrangement with your creditors?

If so, give particulars.

___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 9.

Has a bankruptcy petition ever been served on you?

If pending, give details of the circumstances and if not pending, how was the matter resolved?
___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 10.
Have you, your company or your employer previously dealt on a regular basis with any person carrying on a relevant activity (as described in the glossary at the end of this form) who has, to your knowledge, at any time indicated that he is unwilling to effect further transactions with you, your company or your employer, by reason of any act or omission by you?

If so, give particulars.


___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Will you be actively engaged in the business or the entity to which this application relates 11. and devote the major portion of your time to it?

___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ No.
9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007. particulars.

___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 5.

Have you ever been censured, disciplined or publicly criticised by, or made the subject of a Court Order at the instigation of (a) any regulatory authority?

(b) any officially appointed enquiry?


(c) any other established body concerned with the regulation of a relevant activity (as de- scribed in the glossary at the end of this form)?

If so, give particulars.

___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 6.
In connection with the formation or management of any corporation, have you been adjudged by a court civilly or criminally liable for any fraud, misfeasance or other misconduct towards that corporation or any member of the corporation?

If so, give particulars.

___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

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9 of 2007 If so, give particulars.


___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 5.

Have you ever been a director of, or directly concerned with the management of a bank or other financial institution (a) that has been wound up by a Court?

(b) the licence of which has been revoked?

(c) which has been placed in receivership?

(d) which has entered into a composition with its creditors?
(e) whose business had been adjudged to have been conducted imprudently or fraudulently?

(f) which has failed to meet the solvency requirements prescribed by law?

If so, give particulars.

___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 6.
Have you ever been a director, or been directly concerned with the management or conduct of affairs of any company which has gone into liquidation, whilst you were, or within one year of your being a director, or so concerned?

If so, give details of the circumstances including the following: (a) name of company; (b) name of liquidator; (c) address of liquidator.

7.
7.

Have you ever been concerned with the management or conduct of affairs or any corporation which, by reason of any matter relating to a time when you were so concerned, has been censured, or disciplined by (a) any regulatory authority?

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9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

PART B RELATED OR OTHER INTEREST 1.

Are you a Director of any company, partnership, corporate body or any other business organisation engaged in money services business?
If so, state (a) name of company/corporation/etc., (b) nature of business; (c) date of commencement of directorship; (d) whether or not employed on service contract (e.g.

managing directorship) in any case.

2.

Have you been a director of a deposit taking institution, credit extending institution, other financial service provider, any other limited company or corporation other than those stated in the previous questions?
If so, state (a) name of company/corporation; (b) nature of business; (c) date of commencement of directorship; (d) date of cessation of directorship.

3.

Are you or have you been engaged (a) in partnership?

; or (b) in business as a principal on your own account?

If so, give particulars.

___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 4.
Are you a beneficial owner of any controlling interest in any unlisted private or public company?

The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

No.

9 of 2007 (b) any official appointed enquiry?

(c) any other body concerned with regulation of a relevant activity?

If so, give particulars.

___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 8.
Do you (in your personal capacity or through any entity controlled by you) have outstanding debt of any amount sixty or more days in arrears?

If so, state the following: (a) form (b) amount (c) source (d) maturity date 9.

Has any person, firm or company guaranteed the indebtedness?

If so, give particulars (see previ- ous question).


___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Are you at present guaranteeing the debts and obligations of any third parties?

If so, give 10. particulars.


___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ I, ……………………………………………….. certify that all the statements contained in this questionnaire are true, accurate and fair to the best of my knowledge and belief.

……………………………………… Signature No.

9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1.


If the applicant is a business that was in existence and operating prior to the date of application, copies of audited financial statements (balance sheet, profit and loss, auditor’s report and notes to accounts) for the five consecutive years immediately preceding its application, except however that where such applicant has been functioning for less than five years, a copy of its audited financial statements for each year it has been in operation shall be sufficient.

2.
2.

Where item 1 is not applicable the opening balance sheet, (audited).

3.

Operating projections for the proposed licensee’s first five years of business.

This should include balance sheet, income statement and cash flow projections prepared in an acceptable accounting for- mat.

Details of any financial or economic assumptions on which these projections are based should be clearly indicated.

4.
4.

Where applicant is a subsidiary or affiliate of another company, submit in addition to item 1 or 2, audited financial statements of the parent company and all other “connected” companies.
GLOSSARY “connected” in relation to a company means two or more companies or group of companies with interests which are so interrelated that they should be considered as a single unit; “corporation” means a body corporate, incorporated in Antigua and Barbuda or elsewhere; “relevant activity” means (a) banking, finance, insurance, money-lending, money management, debt-financing, hire purchase financing, leasing or other financial activities; (b) dealing in securities; (c) providing investment or financial advice and management.
The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

No.

9 of 2007 SCHEDULE III FORM OF LICENCE [section 6] MONEY SERVICES BUSINESS ACT, 2007 (No.

9 of 2007) LICENCE No.


………………………………………… is licensed under the Money Services Act, 2007 to carry on the business of money transmission/issuance, sale and redemption of payment instruments/cheque cash- ing/currency exchange/ within Antigua and Barbuda subject to the following conditions/restrictions: The licensee shall forthwith notify the Commission of any change in the information supplied in the application for this licence.

……………………………………………………….. Granted this day of , at address St. John’s, Antigua No.
9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

SCHEDULE IV FEES [section 6 & 9] Class of Licence Description of Licence Fees Class A Class B Money Transmission Issuance, Sale and Redemption of Payment Instruments Application Fee Annual Licence Fee $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 Class C Class D Cheque Cashing Currency Exchange $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 Passed by the House of Representatives on this 24th day of July, 2007.

Passed by the Senate on this 16th day of August, 2007.
D. Giselle Isaac-Arrindell, Speaker.

Yvonne Henry, Clerk to the House of Representatives.

Hazlyn M. Francis, President.

Yvonne Henry, Clerk to the Senate.

The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

No.

9 of 2007 prescribed under the legislation, the prescribed qualification as well as the capital requirements of applicants.

The Commission would be authorised under clause 6(4) to approve the application for the grant of licences to fit and proper persons.
However, before approving the grant of a licence, the Commis- sion would be required to take into consideration the report of the due-diligence conducted on the applicant.

The characteristics of fit and proper persons are set out in clause 6(5) and include, among others, the reputation of the person, his financial integrity and reliability, his professional qualification or business experience and his ability to perform his proposed function efficiently, honestly and fairly.
There are certain obligations imposed upon persons granted a licence under the legislation.

In clause 8, a licensee would be required to maintain an adequate capital as prescribed by the Minister.

A por- tion of the capital would be deposited with the Commission and would remain with the Commission for six months after the licensee has ceased to do business in Antigua and Barbuda.
The deposit is intended to ensure that after the licensee has ceased to do business, funds would be available to settle any of its unmet financial obligations.

It is also a condition for the grant of a licence that the licensees pay to the Commission an annual fee.

Schedule IV prescribes the different fees for the different classes of licences established under the Act.
A licensee would be subject to the condition not to change its name or its principal office, or transfer the whole or a substantial part of its assets and liabilities without the prior approval of the Commis- sion.

Similarly, the appointment of directors and senior officers of the licensee would require the prior approval of the Commission.

The Bill would provide under Part III, an obligation for a licensee to seek the approval of the Com- mission of the auditor appointed by it.
The professional qualification and duties of the auditor are spelt out in clause 16 and include the examination of the books and records of the money services business, the preparation and submission of an annual report of the financial statements and the fi- nancial position of the money service business.

Clause 17 would provide for the termination of the appointment of the licensee’s auditor and creates a requirement for the reasons for the termination to be provided to the Authority/ Committee.
Clauses 18- 21 would prescribe the accounting system and record keeping practices under the Act.

Clauses 22 and 23 would provide for the examination of the licensee and the assessment of licences by the Commission and for the confidential protection of any information obtained by virtue of such examination.

Under clause 24, provision would be made for the exchange of information between the Commission and the Central Bank notwithstand- ing confidentiality requirements provided in clause 23.
Part IV of the Bill would provide for circumstances where a licensee becomes insolvent or bankrupt.

Part V would make provision for the management of and claims made on abandoned property of a licensee.

No.

9 of 2007 The Money Services Business Act, 2007.

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM The Money Services Bill seeks to make provision for the licensing and regulating of the business of transmitting money or monetary value, cheque cashing, currency exchange and other specified dealings in money or monetary value.
Part I of the Bill defines certain terms used in the Act and provides that the Act does not apply to financial institutions licensed under certain specified legislation.

Part II of the Bill would make provision for the grant of licences, for the different classes of licences