Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697647447410.pdf (Bahamas)
THE COMPLIANCE COMMISSION OF THE BAHAMAS CODES OF PRACTICE FOR DEALERS IN PRECIOUS METALS AND PRECIOUS STONES  ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING  COUNTERING TERRORIST FINANCING  COUNTERING PROLIFERATION FINANCING  OTHER IDENTIFIED RISKS THE COMPLIANCE COMMISSION First Floor Ponciana House East Bay Street P. O.
Box N-3017 Nassau, BAHAMAS Tel: (242) 604-4331 E-mail: compliance@bahamas.gov.bs Web address: www.bahamas.gov.bs/compliance Issued – April 2019 © All rights reserved - The Compliance Commission of The Bahamas © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved i | P a g e EXPLANATORY FOREWORD The Compliance Commission of The Bahamas (the Commission) has powers under section 37 of the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, 2018 (FTRA) to issue Anti-Money Laundering, Countering Terrorism Financing, Countering Proliferation Financing and Other Identified Risks Codes of Practice (the Codes) for financial institutions falling within its supervisory scope.
The Codes are essential in providing guidance as to the obligations, requirements and standards to be complied with and to be observed by Designated Non- Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) that are deemed financial institutions and supervised by the Commission.

The Codes are to be read in concert with the key legislative laws outlined in Part B ll of this document.
Copies of all Codes of Practice issued by the Commission are available electronically from the Commission’s website at www.bahamas.gov.bs/compliance.

Obligations imposed by the Codes are enforceable in accordance with section 37 (2) of the FTRA and section 8 of the Financial Intelligence (Transactions Reporting) Regulations, 2001 (FI)(TR)R) (as amended).

Financial Institutions that fail to comply with the requirements of the Codes shall be subject to sanctions.
ALL REFERENCES IN THIS DOCUMENT TO ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING (AML) WILL INCLUDE OBLIGATIONS FOR COUNTERING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (CFT), COUNTERING PROLIFERATION FINANCING (CPF) AND OTHER IDENTIFIED RISKS UNLESS THE CONTEXT REQUIRES OTHERWISE.

These Codes of Practice have been issued for Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones.
Its purpose is to provide Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones with practical guidance and best practices on how to implement an effective AML compliance and risk-based program in line with relevant legislation.

It also supports the regulatory objective of maintaining the reputation of The Bahamas as a first-class international business centre with zero tolerance for criminal activity.
The Commission intends to issue periodic Directives and Guidance Notes to supplement the Codes as changing circumstances dictate.

Finally, the Commission would like to express its gratitude to all those in the profession, representative bodies and stakeholders that contributed to the development of these Codes of Practice.
THE COMPLIANCE COMMISSION OF THE BAHAMAS APRIL, 2019 © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved ii | P a g e TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE PART A B DEFINITIONS BACKGROUND I MONEY LAUNDERING, TERRORISM FINANCING, PROLIFERATION FINANCING AND OTHER IDENTIFIED RISKS 1.

Money Laundering 2.

Terrorism Financing 3.

Proliferation & Proliferation Financing 4.

Other Identified Risks 5.

The Global Fight against Money Laundering 6.


National Risk Assessment Summary II THE LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR AML IN THE BAHAMAS 7.

The Legislative Framework 8.

The Regulatory Framework 9.

The Bahamas National Identified Risk Framework III THE DEALER AS A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION 10.

When is a Dealer a Financial Institution?

11.

Vulnerabilities Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones IV SUPERVISORY FRAMEWORK OF THE COMMISSION 12.
The Commission ……………………………………………………………………  Establishment of the Commission ………………………………………..  Functions of the Commission ……………………………………………..  Powers of the Commission ………………………………………………..  Supervision by the Commission ………………………………………….

13.

Registration of Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones 14.

Commission Awareness and Training Programmes for Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones 15.
Beneficial Ownership © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 1 | P a g e 5 9 10 10 11 12 13 13 15 16 16 16 18 20 20 23 25 25 25 25 25 26 26 27 28 16.

Fit & Proper Tests 17.

Risk-Based Examination Process  On-site …………………………………………………………….

 Off-site …………………………………………………………….


 Types of Examination …………………………………………… o Routine …………………………………………………… o Follow-up ………………………………………………… o Random ………………………………………………….. o Special …………………………………………………… C V INTERNAL AML PROCEDURES PERIODIC INTERNAL REVIEW OF AML SYSTEMS 18.

Internal Compliance Reviews  Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure VI RISK- BASED FRAMEWORK 19.
Obligations under the Law to Develop a Risk-Based Framework Overview of Five Stages of a ML/TF Risk Assessment Process  Risk Identification  Risk Analysis  Risk Matrix  Risk Management/Control & Mitigation  Risk Monitoring and Review VII CLIENT IDENTIFICATION / VERIFICATION (KYC) PROCEDURES 20.
Verification Details and Documentary Evidence Procedures  Verification of identity of individuals  Verification of corporate entity Ascertain Customer Identity – Know your customer  When must identification and verification take place?

 High Risk Customer/Transactions  Politically Exposed Persons (PEP’s) 21.

Customer Due Diligence  Enhanced Due Diligence  What is Enhanced Due Diligence?

 When must Enhanced Due Diligence be carried out?


© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved | P a g e 22.

23.

 Customer acting for a Third Party  Outsourcing of Material Functions VIII INFORMATION SHARING 24.

Group Level Information Sharing IX COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM & PROLIFERATION 25.
 Targeted Financial Sanctions related to Terrorism and Terrorist Financing  Targeted Financial Sanctions related to Proliferation X RECORD KEEPING PROCEDURES 26.

Statutory requirements to maintain records  Retention period to maintain verification records  Transaction records  Format of records  When records need not required to be kept  Mandatory destruction of records  Record keeping offences XI  PROCEDURES FOR THE RECOGNITION AND REPORTING OF SUSPICIOUS TRANSACTIONS 27.
The Financial Intelligence Unit (the FIU)  Mandatory requirement to appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)  The Role of the MLRO  Mandatory requirement to appoint a Compliance Officer  Responsibilities of the Compliance Officer  Recognition of suspicious transactions  Internal reporting of suspicious transactions  Procedure for reporting suspicious transactions  Tipping Off XII  STAFF RECRUITMENT, EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROCEDURES 28.

29.
29.

 Know Your Employee (KYE) Procedures  Staff Awareness Programmes 30.

Staff Education and Training Programmes  New employees 58 59 60 60 61 61 62 63 66 66 66 67 68 68 69 70 71 72 74 74 75 76  Frontline staff that deal directly with the public for the purpose of receiving © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 3 | P a g e and making payments, deposits etc.
such as cashiers/ accounts officers  Administration/operations supervisors and managers MLROs/Compliance Officers APPENDICES Summary of Existing AML/CFT Laws of The Bahamas Schedule of Administrative Monetary Penalties Via the Financial Transactions reporting Act 2018 Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stone Typologies PAGE 78 80 83 Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism Suspicious Indicators (Red 87 Flags) for Dealers Sample STR to FIU References FIGURES Regulatory Structure for AML in The Bahamas Graphic illustration of Ministerial Council Overview of ML/TF Risk Assessment Process Risk Analysis (Likelihood & Impact) The Level of Susceptibility to ML/TF Risk 89 95 PAGE 16 19 45 48 50 A B C D E F 1.
2.

3.

4.

5.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 4 | P a g e A. DEFINITIONS “AML” means Anti-Money Laundering.

(As indicated earlier, all references in this document to AML will include obligations for Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), Countering Proliferation Financing (CPF) and Other Identified Risks unless the context requires otherwise).
“AML/CFT” means Anti-Money Laundering / Countering the Financing of Terrorism (also used for Combatting the Financing of Terrorism).

“AML Laws” means The Proceeds of Crime Act, 2018, The Financial Transactions Reporting Act, 2018, The Financial Intelligence Unit Act, 2000 (as amended) the Anti- Terrorism Act, 2018, Financial Transactions Reporting (Wire Transfers) Regulation, 2018 and all Regulations, Guidelines, Codes and other subordinate instruments made under these Acts.
For a complete list of the legislation and “ATA” “BICA” citations see Appendix A. means the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2018. means The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants.
“Beneficial owner” means: (a) the natural person(s) who ultimately owns or controls a customer/client; (b) the natural person on whose behalf a transaction is being conducted; (c) a natural person who exercises ultimate effective control over a legal person or legal arrangement; and (d) where no natural person is identified under subparagraphs (a), (b) or (c) above, the identity of the natural person who holds the position of senior managing official.
“Cash” means notes and coins in any currency and includes, postal money orders, travelers’ cheques, bankers’ drafts, bearer-type negotiable instruments, virtual currency.

“CFATF” means the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force.

“CFT” means Combating the Financing of Terrorism (also used for Countering the Finance of Terrorism).

“CO” means Compliance Officer.


© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 5 | P a g e “Commission” means the Compliance Commission of The Bahamas, established under section 39 of the FTRA (Ch.

368) and continued under section 31 of the new FTRA, 2018.
“CDD” or “Customer due means that part of the KYC process where information that comprises facts about diligence” a client is gathered by the dealer to assess the extent to which the client exposes the dealer to a range of risks.

“Designated entities” means individuals or entities and their associates designated as terrorist entities by the Security Council of United Nations.
The National Identified Risk Framework Coordinator shall be responsible for maintaining a list of designated entities, among other things.

“Dealer, or company” refers to a dealer in his capacity as a financial institution pursuant to sections 4(c) of the FTRA i.e., when providing prescribed financial services, unless the context otherwise requires.
“DNFBP” means a designated non-financial businesses and professionals in accordance with Recommendation 28 of the FATF 40 Recommendations and section 4 of the FTRA.

“FATF” means the Financial Action Task Force.

“Financial institution” means a person or entity described in section 3 & 4 of the FTRA who or which provides prescribed financial services and on which, have been imposed, AML obligations pursuant to the AML laws.
“FI(TR)R” means the Financial Intelligence (Transactions Reporting) Regulations, 2001 (as “FIU” “FIUA” “FTRA” “FTRR” “Funds” amended).

means the Financial Intelligence Unit.
means the Financial Intelligence Unit Act, 2000. means the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, 2018. means the Financial Transactions Reporting Regulations, 2018. means any assets or property of any kind, however acquired, including but not limited to currency, bank credits, deposits and other financial resources, travelers’ cheques, bank cheques, money orders, promissory notes, shares, non- shareholding interests, securities, bonds, drafts, and letters of credit (Refer to FTRA definition on funds for more details).
“Identified Risks” means corruption, cybercrime, human trafficking, money laundering, proliferation or financing of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism or financing of terrorism or © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 6 | P a g e such other risk as the Minister may prescribe by regulations.
“Inherent Risks” means the vulnerabilities within the company (for example, the customer base, an activity, or industry) that is susceptible to exploitation to launder proceeds of crime or to fund terrorism.
“International organization” means an entity established by formal political agreements between member countries that have the status of international treaties, whose existence is recognized by law in member countries and which is not treated as a resident institutional unit of the country in which it is located.
“KYC” or “Know your means the process that allows Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones client/customer” to know and understand their clients thereby ensuring that they are doing business legally with legitimate entities and individuals before and during the relationship.

The combination of the Customer Identification Process (CIP) and the Customer/Enhanced Due Diligence (C/EDD) constitutes the KYC process.

“ML” “ML/TF” “MLRO” “NRA” means Money Laundering.


means Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.

means Money Laundering Reporting Officer.

means National Risk Assessment is the process by which a country Identifies and assesses the ML/TF risks for the country.

“Para.” means paragraph.

“PEPs” or “Politically means:- an individual who is or has been entrusted:- exposed persons” (a) with a domestic prominent public function, inclusive of a head of state or government.
Legislator, politician, senior government, judicial or military official, senior executive of a state-owned corporation, or important political party official; (b) with a prominent public function by a foreign jurisdiction, inclusive of a head of state or government, legislator, senior politician, senior government, judicial or military official, senior executive of a state- owned corporation, or senior political party official; and (c) with senior position at an international organization or branch thereof, domestic or foreign, and includes a family member or close associate of a politically exposed person.
“Prescribed financial means those services defined in sections 4 of the FTRA which make a person or services” entity, in relation to those services, a financial institution for AML purposes.
In the case of a dealer under sections 4(c), those services are where he/she engages © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 7 | P a g e in, or carry out transactions for a client concerning matters stipulated in section “POCA” means the Proceed of Crime Act, 2018.

4(c) of the FTRA.

“Proliferation” means the transfer and export of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons; their means of delivery and related materials.
This could include, inter alia, technology, goods, software, services or expertise.

“PF” or “Proliferation means providing funds or financial services for the transfer and export of nuclear, Financing” chemical or biological weapons; their means of delivery and related materials.
“Registrants” means the financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions identified in sections 3 & 4 of the FTRA in particular, Lawyers, accountants, real estate brokers and developers, designated government agencies, jewelers dealing in precious metals and precious stones for which the Commission has AML supervisory responsibility.

“Risk” All references to risk refer to the risk of money laundering and/or terrorist “RBA” “SAR” “STR” “TF” “UN” financing.
means Risk-Based Approach.

means Suspicious Activity Report (used interchangeably with STR).

means a suspicious transaction report.

means terrorism financing - the financing of terrorist acts, and of terrorists and terrorist organizations.

means United Nations.

“UNSCR” means the United Nations Security Council Resolution(s).

“WMD” or “Weapons of means a nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons able to cause widespread mass destruction” devastation and loss of life.
Note: Some definitions are drawn from the FATF Recommendations.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 8 | P a g e B.
BACKGROUND Part B of this document describes the fundamental aspects of money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing, other identified risks and provides some general introductory remarks on the international and regional organizations involved in the global fight against money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
Brief comments are also given on the obligations placed on countries to comply with international best practices and to ensure the effectiveness of a country’s AML/CFT compliance regime.
The establishment of a National ML/TF Identified Risk Framework (NIRF) is central to the identification of money laundering and terrorist financing methods across the jurisdiction and to determine how often those methods are used, how effective they are in moving illicit funds and whether there are gaps in the AML/CFT systems and controls.

The legislative and regulatory frameworks for AML in The Bahamas have also been outlined for general reference.
Part B also explains the circumstances in which a dealer in precious metals and precious stones, by law, is deemed to be a financial institution along with citing their vulnerabilities; the supervisory framework of the Commission, inclusive of the mandatory registration procedure for all Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones; the transparency of beneficial ownership; the characteristics of the fit and proper test for sound supervisory practices and the risk-based examination process.
Part C of this document highlights the requirements for periodic internal review of AML/CFT systems; the importance of upgrading technological systems, as well as covers the guidelines and procedures for conducting a risk assessment; client identification and verification (KYC); targeted financial sanctions; record keeping; reporting of suspicious transactions; and the Commission’s awareness, educational and training programmes.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 9 | P a g e 1.

MONEY LAUNDERING, TERRORISM FINANCING, PROLIFERATION FINANCING AND OTHER IDENTIFIED RISKS 1 1.1 MONEY LAUNDERING Money laundering is the process by which criminals attempt to conceal the true origin and ownership of the proceeds of their criminal activities.
Its purpose is to allow them to maintain control over those proceeds and, ultimately, provide a legitimate cover for the source of their income.

1.2 There is no one single method of laundering money.

Methods range from the purchase and resale of real property and luxury items (e.g., cars or jewelry) to passing money through a complex international web of legitimate businesses and “shell” companies.
Initially, however, in the case of drug trafficking and some other serious crimes, the proceeds usually take the form of cash, which needs to enter the financial system by some means.
1.3 Despite the variety of methods employed, the laundering process is accomplished in three stages, which may comprise numerous transactions, and which could alert a financial institution to criminal activity: These stages are: (1) placement, which is the physical disposal of cash proceeds derived from illegal activity; (2) layering, which involves the separation of illicit proceeds from their source by creating complex layers of financial transactions designed to disguise the audit trail and provide anonymity; and (3) integration, which is the provision of apparent legitimacy to criminally derived wealth.
If the layering process has succeeded, integration schemes place the laundered proceeds back into the economy in such a way that they re-enter the financial system appearing as normal business funds.

1.4 The three basic steps may occur as separate and distinct phases; they may occur simultaneously or; more commonly, they may overlap.

How the basic steps are used depend on the available laundering mechanisms and the requirements of the criminal or his organization.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 10 | P a g e 2.

TERRORISM FINANCING 2.1 Unlike money laundering, which focuses on the origin of the funds in question, terrorism financing looks at the destination of the funds, which may in fact originate from a legitimate source.
2.2 Terrorism financing is the method by which “directly or indirectly, unlawfully and willfully, persons provide or collect funds with the intention that the funds should be used or in the knowledge that the funds are to be used, in full or in part, in order to carry out (a) an act which constitutes an offence within the scope of and as defined in one of the treaties listed in the Schedule to the ATA1; or (b) any other act intended to cause death or serious bodily injuries to a civilian or to any other person not taking an active part in the hostilities in a situation of armed conflict, when the purpose of such act, by its nature or context, is to intimidate a population, or to compel a government or an international organization to do or to refrain from doing any act.”2 2.3 The United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 12673(UNSCR) and its subsequent resolutions has produced a list of designated persons/countries with known or suspected terrorist connections.
The Resolutions require countries to freeze, without delay, the funds or other assets and to ensure that no funds or other assets are made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of any person or entity designated by or under the authority of the UNSCR.

This list is updated periodically and is forwarded to the UN’s contact in each jurisdiction.
The National Identified Risk Framework Coordinator (NIRF) shall be responsible for maintaining a list of designated entities as provided by the UN; ensuring that the list remains current; circulating the list without delay upon receipt to financial institutions; requesting information on whether any designated entity on the list has funds in The Bahamas; and maintaining a consolidated list of all orders issued by the court and circulating the same to all financial institutions.
Further, the FIU shall be responsible for furnishing the Attorney General with the information required to facilitate an application under section 45 of the ATA where anyone, as designated on the list, has funds in The Bahamas.

Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones should refer to section 44 of the ATA for specific details regarding the reporting obligation in accordance with the law.

1 Please refer to website.

2 UN 1999 International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.
3 www.un.org/sc/committees/1267/sgreports.html www.un.org/en/sc/ctc/resources/1373.html and any other subsequent Resolutions © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 11 | P a g e 3 3.1 PROLIFERATION & PROLIFERATION FINANCING Proliferation financing is providing funds or financial services for the transfer and export of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons; their means of delivery and related materials.
It involves, in particular, the financing of trade in proliferation sensitive goods, but could also include other financial support to individuals or entities engaged in proliferation.

3.2 Countries, entities and terrorists, seeking to develop weapons of mass destruction (WMD), often try to conceal the fact that the goods, technology and knowledge being procured are intended for the production of weapons.
3.3 The United Nations (UN) under UNSCRs on WMD has also produced a list of designated persons, countries and entities known or suspected in connection with WMD.

The Resolutions require countries to freeze without delay, the funds or other assets, and to ensure that no funds or other assets are made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of any person or entity designated by, or under the authority of the UNSC.
This list is updated periodically and forwarded to the UN’s contact in each jurisdiction.

Reference 2.3 above for details regarding how the UN’s designated “watch list” is disseminated to the regulated entities.

3.4 The objectives of UNSCRs on proliferation of WMD concerning persons and entities designated is to ensure they are identified, deprived of economic resources and prevented from raising, moving and using funds or other assets for the financing or proliferation.
3.5 The dealer should immediately report to the Commission or relevant competent authorities any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements of the relevant UNSCRs, including attempted transactions.

See section IX below on targeted financial sanctions for proliferation.
3.6 The dealer must ensure customer/client(s) are not from a nation that is subject to sanctions by the UN or similar prohibition from any other official body that would prohibit the conducting of a transaction.

OTHER IDENTIFIED RISKS In addition to the above-mentioned predicate offences, other identified risks may include 4 4.1 © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 12 | P a g e corruption, cyber-crime and human trafficking as outlined in POCA.
Corruption refers to any criminal conduct related to bribery, extortion, or misconduct in public office committed by or on behalf of a public officer.

Cyber-crime poses a very significant risk to individuals and organizations as it involves the compromise of computer systems such as internet, emails, ransomware and mobile devices etc.
Other forms of cyber-crime include hacking, phishing, denial of service attacks, creating and distributing malware, unauthorized data access, corruption, deletion and interception of data and false advertising of products and services on victims’ computers.

It is worth noting that cyber criminals are constantly working to find innovative and effective means to steal information, data and ultimately money by any means possible.
Therefore, an updated computer system and software to safeguard against these types of unauthorized access as well as awareness of online criminal threats and techniques are the best mitigation strategies.

4.2 Human trafficking means trafficking in persons as defined in the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention and Suppression) Act (Ch.

106).
106).

According to the FATF report on financial flows from human trafficking published July 2018, it states that human trafficking is estimated to be one of the most profitable proceeds generating crime in the world, with the International Labour Organization estimating that forced labour generates US$150.2 billion per year.

It is also stated that human trafficking is one of the fastest growing forms of international crimes.

5.
5.

5.1 THE GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) 5.1.1.

The FATF was founded by the Governments of the G7 leading industrialized nations in 1989.

The FATF is the international standard setting body for addressing money laundering and terrorist financing.

As an inter-governmental body, it develops and promotes global standards and policies, to combat money laundering.
Further information on the FATF can be found at www.fatf-gafi.org 5.1.2 The FATF has developed forty (40) Recommendations (Recommendations) to address money laundering and combat terrorist financing, as well as the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The Recommendations set out a comprehensive and consistent framework of measures for AML/CFT and PF initiatives and are designed for universal application.
They provide a complete set of counter-measures against money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing covering the criminal justice © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 13 | P a g e system and law enforcement, the financial system and its regulation, and international co- operation.
5.1.3 Recommendations 22 and 23 require countries to establish an AML supervisory framework to regulate designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs).

Under Recommendation 22 (c), as well as 23 (b) Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones have been identified as DNFBPs where they offer certain prescribed financial services.

5.1.4 Under Bahamian law the implementation of Recommendations 22 and 23 have been implemented through section 4 (c) of the FTRA.
5.1.5 The FATF has also promoted the concept of regional organizations in line with its own structure, whose goals would be to raise awareness of money laundering and terrorism financing and introduce regional evaluation programmes to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the Recommendations, amongst other things.

One such organization is the CFATF as outlined below.
5.2 The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) 5.2.1 The CFATF is an inter-governmental task force, organized as part of the efforts of the FATF to establish regional style bodies patterned after the FATF.

The CFATF came into existence as a result of three regional meetings of Governments in 1990, 1992 and 1993.
The main objective of the CFATF is to achieve effective implementation of, and compliance with the FATF recommendations to prevent and control money laundering and to combat the financing of terrorism.

5.2.2 At the 1992 meeting the Kingston Declaration called for the establishment of a Regional Secretariat.

The Secretariat was established during early 1994, in Trinidad and Tobago, and funded by the FATF donor countries.

The Chair of CFATF is rotated annually amongst its members.
Further information on the CFATF and its work can be viewed on its website at www.cfatf@cfatf.org 5.2.3 The Bahamas is one of the founding members of CFATF.

The Bahamas’ AML regime is evaluated every four years by CFATF.

The last CFATF Mutual Evaluation (MER) of The Bahamas was conducted December 2015.

The Report was published in July 2017.


A copy of the report may be seen at www.cfatf-gafic.org/index.php/documents/mutual-evaluation- reports © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 14 | P a g e 6.

NATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT SUMMARY 6.1 FATF (Recommendation 1) places an obligation on countries to conduct a National Risk Assessment (NRA) to identify, assess and understand its money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks.
The purpose of this assessment is to identify any potential gaps or vulnerabilities in the country’s AML regime, which may require the need to amend laws, regulations or policy measures.

The assessment also assists government agencies, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, regulators and financial institutions, in allocating and prioritizing AML resources to mitigate risks.

6.2 The Bahamas conducted its first NRA in 2015/2016.
The review was a joint effort involving all relevant public and private sector organizations.

It required the collection and analysis of ML/TF data to produce a comprehensive report, the results of which are the foundation of the Bahamas’ National AML Strategy.

The results of the NRA are published on the website of each financial services regulator.

6.3 The NRA impacts the operations of all Financial Institutions in the Bahamas.
Financial Institutions are obligated by section 5(1) of the FTRA to conduct a risk assessment for its customers, countries or geographic areas; and products, services, transactions or delivery channels.

The assessment should evaluate the impact of the ML/TF risks identified in the Bahamas’ NRA, and any regulatory guidance issued by its Supervisory Authority, on its business.
6.4 Following the completion of the first NRA in 2015/2016, the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2018 established an Identified Risk Framework Steering Committee which is responsible for conducting all future NRAs in The Bahamas.

More information about this Committee and The Bahamas’ National Identified Risk Framework can be found in Section II of this Code.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 15 | P a g e II.
THE LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR AML IN THE BAHAMAS 7 THE LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 7.1 The substantive laws relating to AML in The Bahamas are contained in:       the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2018 the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, 2018 the Financial Transactions Reporting Regulations, 2018 the Financial Intelligence Unit Act, 2000; the Financial Intelligence (Transactions Reporting) Regulations, 2001; and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2018 7.2 A summary overview of the laws can be found in Appendix A.
These laws, as well as others referred to in this Code, can be viewed in full and downloaded from http://laws.bahamas.gov.bs.
7.3 The legislation, which includes all subsequent amendments and subordinate legislative measures sets out procedures which are designed to achieve two purposes: firstly, to enable suspicious transactions to be recognized as such and reported to the authorities; and secondly, to ensure that if a customer comes under investigation in the future, a financial institution can effectively contribute to the audit trail.

8.
8.

8.1 THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK An organizational chart of the AML regulatory framework, specifically identifying Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones, is found below at Fig.

1.
1.

The Central Bank regulates the banks and trust company’s industry; the Securities Commission regulates the securities and investment funds industry; the Insurance Commission regulates the insurance industry; the Inspector of Financial and Corporate Services regulates financial and corporate service providers and the Gaming Board regulates casinos.
The authority for the Commission to supervise the financial institutions within its remit, including designated © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 16 | P a g e Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones, is found in section 33 (1) of the FTRA.

8.2 The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is the agency charged with, amongst other things, receiving and analyzing suspicious transactions reports from financial institutions (See paragraphs.
27.1 to 27.1.4) for more details about the FIU).

Fig.
1: Regulatory Framework for AML in The Bahamas MINISTERIAL LEVEL (To view a version of the organizational chart which incorporates the most current ministerial portfolio responsibility for each regulator, please visit the Commission’s website at www.bahamas.gov.bs/compliance) REGULATORS’ LEVEL SECURITIES COMMISSION COMPLIANCE COMMISSION REGISTRAR OF INSURANCE COMPANIES CENTRAL BANK GAMING BOARD INSPECTOR FINANCIAL & CORPORATE SERVICES  Investment Funds & Securities Industry Financial Intelligence Unit  Financial & Corporate Service Providers  Insurance Industry      Accountants Lawyers Real Estate Brokers & Developers Designated Government Agencies Dealers in Precious Metals, Stones & Pawn Brokers  Banks & Trust Companies  Credit Unions  Money Transmission  Casinos  Gaming Houses Legend AML Regulator Licensing or registration (primary) Regulator © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 17 | P a g e 9.
THE BAHAMAS NATIONAL IDENTIFIED RISK FRAMEWORK 9.1 The Bahamas National Identified Risk Framework (NIRF) consists of a Ministerial Council, a National Identified Risk Framework Coordinator and an Identified Risk Framework Steering Committee.
Together they are charged with the responsibility of coordinating actions to assess risks, and apply resources, aimed at ensuring the risks identified are mitigated effectively (See sections 4, 5 & 6 of the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2018) © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 18 | P a g e Fig.2: Below illustrates the Framework of the Ministerial Council MINISTERIAL COUNCIL The Ministerial Council shall be responsible to:   determine an identified risk as defined under section 2 (Interpretation) of the FTRA; and assess and make necessary recommendations from time to time to ensure the effective implementation of the Identified Risk Framework to minimize or eliminate identified risks.
NATIONAL IDENTIFIED RISK FRAMEWORK COORDINATOR The Identified Risk Framework Steering Committee is mandated to: IDENTIFIED RISK FRAMEWORK STEERING COMMITTEE The National Identified Risk Framework Coordinator shall be responsible for: (a) chairing meetings of the Identified Risk Framework Steering Committee as established under section 6 of POCA (hereinafter referred to as the “IRF Steering Committee”); (b) liaising with regulators and maintaining an on-going review of their adherence to the IRF; (c) directing public training on identified risk matters and public outreach; (d) attending technical meetings of the CFATF, FATF and other recognised international agencies; and (e) preparing summary reports of the activities of the IRF Steering Committee.
(a) coordinate a national risk assessment periodically to identify, assess and understand the identified risks and ensure that such assessments are updated and relevant; (b) maintain surveillance of FATF pronouncements regarding country risk application of enhanced due diligence; (c) have regards of reports by FI/DNFBPs of persistent regulatory failures by a jurisdiction or foreign financial institution and to prepare lists of such jurisdictions; (d) advise financial institutions of obligations to apply enhanced due diligence to transactions emanating from such named jurisdictions or foreign institutions named by IRFSC and the FATF; (e) coordinate the development, review and implementation of national policies and activities designed to mitigate identified risks; regular (f) collect and analyse statistics and other information from competent authorities to assess the effectiveness of the IRF; (g) coordinate measures to identify, assess and understand the impact of Parts IV,V and VI of the Act; (h) report to the Ministerial Council; and (i) establish appropriate mechanisms to provide information on identified risks to relevant financial institutions, self- regulatory bodies and professional associations.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 19 | P a g e III.

THE DEALER AS A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION 10.

WHEN IS A DEALER A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION?

10.1 Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones in The Bahamas are subject to the money laundering laws on two levels.
On the first level, all Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones are subject to the provisions of the Proceed of Crime Act (POCA) 2018 in common with all citizens and others affected by this Act.
10.1.1 On the second level, all Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones who offer prescribed financial services under section 4 (c) of the FTRA, in addition to being subject to the POCA, also subject to the AML regime contained in the FTRA, the FIUA, all Regulations and Guidelines made pursuant to these Acts and this Code.

When offering prescribed financial services pursuant to the FTRA, the dealer is deemed to be a financial institution under the FTRA.
10.2 When providing prescribed financial services under section 4 (c) of the FTRA.
10.2.1 A dealer is a financial institution for AML purposes in any situation when he engages in, or carries out transactions for a client concerning: (i) Buying for the purpose of trade, sale, exchange, or otherwise dealing in any previously owned precious metals or precious stones, whether altering the same after acquisition or not; or (ii) Lending of cash on the security of previously owned precious metals or precious stones of which the person takes possession, but not ownership, in expectation of profit, gain or reward.
10.2.2 Precious metals are defined as any article made of or containing gold, silver or platinum and such other precious metal as may be prescribed and precious stones, includes diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds as per section 2 of the FTRA.
Therefore, a person whose business or any part of whose business consist of providing services in the © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 20 | P a g e circumstances specified in section 4(c)(i) and (ii) of the FTRA, they are designated as a financial institution and are required to be registered with the Commission.
10.2.3 Dealers in precious metals and stones (DPMS) must fulfill specific obligations under the Financial Transactions Reporting Act (FTRA 2018) and associated Laws to help combat money laundering, and terrorist financing in The Bahamas.

10.2.4 Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones/ Pawn Shops must meet the obligations of the FTRA including registering with the CC, implementing an AML compliance program, and are subject to risk- based examinations as defined in Section 17 (see below).
10.2.5 Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones/ Pawn Shops are subject to Customer Due Diligence (CDD) obligations, as specified in Section VII, whenever the company engages in transactions for a client as in a single transaction, equal to or above or linked transactions in the amount of B$15,000.

(B$15,000 threshold transaction amount for CDD) 10.2.6 Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones/Pawn Shops must conduct simplified due diligence on transactions below $15,000.
The simplified due diligence requirement is to identify the customers (I.e.

name of customer & contact information e.g.

phone number & address).

There is no requirement to verify the customer’s identity.

However, the business relationship should be continually monitored for trigger events which may create a requirement for further due diligence in future.
10.2.7 Dealers must perform CDD where it suspects money laundering or terrorism financing, and where it has reason to doubt the veracity or adequacy of information obtained from earlier CDD.

10.2.8 Dealers must also perform any prescribed measures relating to anti-terrorism sanctions, ministerial directives or to give effect to recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 21 | P a g e A dealers’ main obligations under the AML/CFT laws are summarized below: i.

Register with the CC; ii.

Submit Reports to the FIU; iii.

No “Tipping-off”; iv.

Keep Records; v. Ascertain customer identity; vi.

Ascertain whether the customer is acting for a Third Party; vii.

Appoint a Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer; viii.
Develop and implement an effective AML Compliance Programme © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 22 | P a g e 11 VULNERABILITIES OF DEALERS IN PRECIOUS METALS AND STONES 11.1 The key risks and vulnerabilities identified by The Bahamas ML/TF National Risk Assessment4 within the Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones, for which dealers should observe and seek to mitigate the various operational risks of their businesses are noted below:  This sector which is highly cash intensive can attract criminals to launder money due to the high value items sold which can provide a way for criminals to place large amounts of illicit funds into the financial system.
Criminals can also have an avenue to disguise the origin of funds.

 Liquidity of products in precious metals and stones, particularly gold and diamond, offer the advantage of having a high intrinsic value in a relatively compact form.

They can be “cashed” easily in most areas of the world.

Hence, they are vulnerable to be used in money laundering for their ease to be hidden and transported.

 Precious stones and metals are portable, highly valuable, and can be easily bought and sold.
These characteristics make it easier for criminals (including terrorists) to exploit them to launder their illicit funds.

Criminals are also known to use funds obtained from their illegal activity to buy precious metals and stones, and subsequently convert them back to cash.

Such precious commodities could also be used directly to support criminal activities.

The risk increases when the transaction is conducted in cash where it is more difficult to trace the origin of the funds.
 Precious metals and precious stones are easily transportable, highly liquid and a highly concentrated bearer form of wealth.

They serve as international mediums of exchange and can be converted into cash anywhere in the world.

In addition, precious metals, especially gold, silver and platinum, have a readily and actively traded market, and can be melted into various forms, thereby obliterating refinery marks and leaving them virtually untraceable.
4 Reference the Commonwealth of The Bahamas National Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment Summary 2015/2016 via the Compliance website at www.compliancecommission@bahamas.gov.bs © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 23 | P a g e 11.2 OTHER VULNERABILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH DEALERS5:  The regulatory characteristics of the gold market makes it attractive for organized crime groups to own cash-for-gold businesses in order to place and integrate illicit proceeds.
Given the limited level of industry oversight and licensing requirements, cash-for-gold businesses have the potential to provide criminal groups with a continuous supply of untraceable gold commodities from various sources.

Furthermore, this supply is purchased at below market cost, directly from the general public—who do not have to prove that they own the second-hand gold presented for sale.
The high-volume, low value transactions conducted through these cash-intensive businesses can be easily falsified or co-mingled with the proceeds of crime, while the purchased gold can be used to make untraceable gold-based payments for illicit goods and services.

Because much of the recycled material is purchased in cash, large numbers of transactions are undertaken anonymously.
Individuals who have a need to launder cash, especially those involved in organized crime, are very willing to participate in the cash-for-gold business because there is a high propensity to make a profit and in most jurisdictions, there is little governance or oversight of this type of activity.

People with no criminal history are also prepared to undertake this activity even if they suspect that the purpose of the activity is ML.
Trade in recycled gold, both legal and illegal, requires little start-up capital and therefore operations can be very itinerant, opening and closing with little difficulty.

This adds to the difficulty for regulators to monitor these activities.
11.3 As cash is the most common form of money laundering, Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones should be aware that money laundering risks posed by transactions, particularly where there are no direct contact with a client, should also be an area of concern and should be closely monitored with proper procedures in place to mitigate any potential risks.

(See Appendix D for a summary of related red flags) Please note that the above lists are not an exhausted listing.
5 FATF Report /June 2013 Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Vulnerabilities of Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 24 | P a g e IV.

SUPERVISORY FRAMEWORK OF THE COMMISSION 12.


12.1 THE COMMISSION The Establishment of the Commission 12.1.1 Section 31(1-3) and section 32 (1-2) of the FTRA establishes the continuation and functions (as noted below) of the Commission as a body corporate for the purpose of ensuring that financial institutions within its constituency (as set out in sections 4 (c) of the FTRA, comply with the provisions of the Act.
Sections 33-37 provides for the registration, powers, confidentiality requirements and other matters relative to the Commission.

The Commission consists of three members appointed by the Governor-General.
12.2 Functions of the Commission 12.2.1 The Commission has a two-fold function, namely:-  to maintain a general review of financial institutions for which it has supervisory responsibility, in relation to the conduct of financial transactions and to ensure compliance with the provisions of the FTRA, the FI(TR)R, POCA and guidelines issued by the FIU; and  whenever the Commission deems such to be necessary, to conduct on-site examinations of the business of its constituent financial institutions for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the provisions of the AML laws and regulations.
The Commission can appoint an auditor, at the expense of the dealer, who will conduct such examination and report thereon to the Commission.
12.3 Powers of the Commission 12.3.1 The Commission has powers to:  do all things necessary for the performance of its functions including entering into contracts;  require production of records and the supply of information/explanation; © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 25 | P a g e  require, at all reasonable times, a financial institution to produce transaction records, verification records and any other records prescribed by Regulations that must be kept under the FTRA;  require financial institutions to provide such information or explanation, as it may reasonably require, for the purpose of enabling the Commission to perform its functions under the FTRA; and  periodically issue Codes of Practice, particularly to provide guidance as to the duties, requirements and standards to be complied with and the procedures (whether as to verification, record-keeping, reporting of suspicious transactions or otherwise) and best practices to be observed by its constituent financial institutions in meeting their obligations under the FTRA and other AML laws.
12.4 Supervision of the Commission 12.4.1 The Commission supervises its constituents, which includes Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones, through a combination of registration, risk assessments, on-site and off-site examinations, follow up processes of all remedial actions, education, training and awareness programmes.

The Commission however, is not obligated to provide training as it is the dealers responsibility to meet this obligation.
In addition, periodic directions intended to supplement the Codes are issued when necessary.

12.4.2 The Commission also has an established annual programme of engagements with the representative bodies of the financial institutions that it regulates.

Separate consultative meetings are held each year with the owners and senior management to discuss plans for the ensuing year.
12.4.3 As part of an industry awareness inititative, The Commission also particpates in joint Industry briefings with other regulators on an annual basis or whenever necessary.

13 REGISTRATION OF DEALERS IN PRECIOUS METALS AND PRECIOUS STONES WITH THE COMMISSION 13.1 It is mandated by law, in accordance with section 33(1) of the FTRA for Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones carrying out business pursuant to section 4(c) of the FTRA to register with the Commission.
The registration process is simple and free of © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 26 | P a g e charge.

Mandatory Registration forms are available on-line via the Commission’s website at www.bahamas.gov.bs/compliance.

13.2 Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones registered with the Commission are required to confirm their status via the Commission’s website by December 31st of each year.
Notwithstanding the above, the Commission is at liberty to adopt supplementary measures that it deems necessary to achieve or enhance effective supervision.

13.4 Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones that fail to comply with the provisions of section 33(2) of the FTRA commits an offence and is liable to a penalty of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each day that the FI remains unregistered.
Further, where a FI fails to notify the Commission as required under section 33(3), the FI commits an offence and is liable to a penalty of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each failure to notify the Commission.

13.5 N.B.

The Commission does not license or regulate the business activities of the financial institutions for which it has AML supervisory responsibility.

Licensing of these activities, if required by law, is regulated by the statutory authority charged with this responsibility.

14.
14.

COMMISSION AWARENESS AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR DEALERS IN PRECIOUS METALS AND PRECIOUS STONES 14.1 Though not obligated to do so, The Commission organises annual training programmes for Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones.

In addition, officers of the Commission are available to offer specific training programmes for individual companies upon request.
The annual training provided by the Commission does not preclude the dealer from participating in other forms of training and development in the AML space, independent of what the Commission provides.

In fact, it is encouraged since it is the responsibility of the dealer.
14.2 Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones may engage in self-directed learning (for example, by subscribing to free subscriptions to publications and newsletters from think © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 27 | P a g e tanks and professional bodies or by participating in webinars) as well as attending other independently sponsored and organized forms of training and development initiatives.
14.3 As a tool of supervision, the Commission also convenes a meeting at the beginning of each year with owners and executives of the sector.

The purpose of these meetings is to collaborate and to discuss any AML concerns of the profession, as well as the Commission and to convey the Commission’s strategic plans for the year.
These meetings are extremely beneficial for both parties, in that, the Commission can appreciate the concerns in the industry and the profession appreciates that the Commission welcomes dialogue.

The Commission also uses the opportunity to update the profession on any current trends, as well as legislative changes, including those being contemplated, etc.
15 BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP 15.1 The transparency of beneficial ownership of legal persons and legal arrangements is a requirement by statute law and in accordance with FATF standards to deter and prevent the misuse of corporate vehicles.6 Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones are therefore required to put in place adequate measures to: a) prevent legal persons and legal arrangements from being used for criminal purposes; b) make legal persons and arrangements sufficiently transparent; and c) ensure that accurate, up-to-date basic information and beneficial ownership information are available and can be accessed by the Commission in a timely fashion.
15.2 Beneficial owner refers to the natural person(s) who ultimately7 owns or controls a client and/or the natural person on whose behalf a transaction is being conducted.

It also includes a person who exercises ultimate effective control over a legal person or legal arrangement.
15.3 From the company’s perspective, the term beneficial ownership, when used to refer to beneficial ownership of a transaction in AML context is conventionally understood as 6 Refer to the FATF Recommendations 24 & 25, coupled with their Interpretive Notes.

7 Reference to “ultimately owns or controls” and “ultimate effective control” refer to situations in which ownership/control is exercised through a chain of ownership or by means of control other than direct control.
Definition taken from the Glossary to the FATF Recommendations.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 28 | P a g e equating to ultimate control over funds in such account, whether through ownership or other means.

A key task is to identify and verify your customers' beneficial ownership arrangements.
It is crucial to know who the beneficial owner(s) is so that you can make appropriate decisions about the level of money laundering and terrorist financing risk associated with your customer.
16 FIT & PROPER TESTS 16.1 The Commission, via its endorsement of the FATF Standards, in particular recommendation 28.4 (b), requires that dealers under its remit ensure full compliance to fit and proper best practices of its key persons namely, beneficial owners and the individuals involved in the management and control of the company, as well as those who exercise significant power or discharge significant responsibilities in relation to the day-to-day operations.
16.1.1 The fit and proper assessment is both an initial process undertaken during the registration and a continuous and cumulative process, where factors such as honesty, integrity and reputation; competence and capability; and financial soundness, as well as previous disciplinary records are assessed.

These factors, which are universally accepted, constitute a framework of minimum standards for sound supervisory practices.
However, regulators are free to adopt supplementary measures that they deem necessary to achieve and/or enhance effective supervision in their jurisdiction.

For example, they may assess the ongoing conduct of business, and the history of compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and codes.
16.1.2 The Commission, pursuant to section 37 of the FTRA, has the authority to assess and take all necessary measures to prevent criminals or their associates from being professionally accredited, or holding (or being the beneficial owner of) a significant or controlling interest, or holding a management function within the company that provides financial services in accordance with sections 4(c) of the FTRA .
16.2 The Commission, during its mandatory registration process of all constituents, pursuant to section 33(1) of the FTRA, will consider universally accepted factors when assessing the fitness and propriety of beneficial owners and individuals involved in the management and control of the company.

These key factors are outlined in some detail below.

16.2.1 Honesty, Integrity and Reputation – an examination of the person’s character; moral soundness; and ethical compass.
In determining the honesty, integrity and reputation of © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 29 | P a g e key persons holding interest in the company or key managerial positions, the Commission will take into account, among other things, whether the person is absence of criminal convictions in any country which render one unfit to be a dealer; an undischarged bankrupt; disqualification as a dealer in any other country or has been convicted, on indictment, of dishonesty, fraud, narcotics and human trafficking, money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing; other identified risks offences; theft or financial crime within the past ten (10) years.
Older convictions or indictments will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

16.2.2 The Commission will not accept for registration, a company where persons (i.e., beneficial owners, senior management or individual with significant power or authority) are under the age of twenty-one; legally declared to be of an unsound mind; or who is certified to be suffering from a mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act; outdated police record or convicted of any of the offenses outlined above.
The Commission will examine each applicant on a case-by-case basis taking into account the seriousness of, and circumstances surrounding the offence, the explanation offered by the convicted person, the relevance of the offence to the proposed role, the passage of time since the offence was committed and evidence of the individual’s rehabilitation.
16.2.3 Competence and Reliability – demonstration through their experience and training that they are suitable to perform, operate and manage the company’s affairs and possess the educational background, work experience or expertise in the nature of the business being conducted and/or continued professional development in relation to the job functions.

16.2.4 Financial Soundness – an examination of their fiscal responsibility and financial integrity.
In determining the financial soundness of the key person (natural or corporate) the Commission will examine, among other things, whether there are any indicators that the key person will not be able to meet its debts as they become due; subject to any court judgement and/or have financial obligations that have not been satisfied within a reasonable period.
16.2.5 Previous disciplinary record - general compliance history and whether the Commission or any other regulatory authority has imposed a disciplinary sanction or administrative fine on the dealer.
16.3 All individuals with the responsibility for the management and control of the company and key persons within the company must prove to, and assure the Commission that they © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 30 | P a g e comply with fit and proper requirements.

For Non-Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones, this can be accomplished through the Know Your Employee (KYE) process.
Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones are hereby made aware that the Commission will take all measures necessary to ensure that fitness, propriety or other qualification tests are adhered to on a continuous basis.

16.4 Failure to adhere to any of the above criteria may lead to the non-registration or de- registration of the company.
Further, a person who commits an offence of money laundering or any identified risk activity knowingly or un-knowingly, will be liable on summary conviction, to imprisonment pursuant to section 15 of the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2018.

(See Appendix B for penalties) POLICY ON ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES FOR CONSTITUENTS OF THE COMPLIANCE COMMISSION OF THE BAHAMAS UNDER THE FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS REPORTING ACT 2018 1.
Pursuant to section 57 of the FTRA, notwithstanding any penalties under the FTRA, the Commission as a Supervisory Authority8 may impose administrative penalties to financial institutions and individuals of financial institutions for failure to comply with provisions of the FTRA and Proceeds of Crime Act 2018 (POCA).

2.

Administrative penalties are monetary penalties imposed by the Commission via legislative authority without the commencement of legal proceedings.
The imposition of administrative penalties provides an alternative reprimand which is less costly and time consuming.

3.

Penalties are imposed as a mechanism to enforce compliance with regulatory legislation and dissuade financial institutions and individuals from breaching their obligations under the FTRA or POCA.

4.

This policy sets out the process that the Commission will usually follow when a financial institution or individual of a financial institution fails to comply with the FTRA or POCA.
The Commission may become aware of non-compliance based on examinations, evaluation, 8 Section 2 of the FTRA defines Supervisory Authority as “the agency designated by law for ensuring compliance with the requirements of this Act and any other Anti-Money Laundering laws of The Bahamas, and includes the Central Bank of The Bahamas, the Securities Commission of the Bahamas, the Insurance Commission of The Bahamas, the Inspector of Financial and Corporate Services, the Gaming Board and the Compliance Commission.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 31 | P a g e complaints or market intelligence.

Constituents must familiarize themselves with the penalties and obligations under the FTRA and POCA.

17.

RISK-BASED EXAMINATION PROCESS 17.1 The Commission carries out its supervisory oversight by means of a risk assessment exercise, as well as an on-site and off-site examination programmes.
Companys are required to complete a Risk Assessment Questionnaire issued by the Commission for an initial assessment of the inherent risks to the Company.

The purpose of the risk assessment questionnaire is to gather information on the salient features of the company’s overall structure, clients (including geographical location and beneficial owners), products, tranactions, delivery channels, and oversight and governance.
The outcome of the risk assessment along with the latest on-site examination evaluation, will determine the frequency and intensity of the Commission’s examination program of the company.

The risk assessment will be followed by an on-site or off-site examination of the company.

17.1.1 The Commission will not conduct an on-site examination in the absence of the company’s documented risk-based policies and procedures manual.

17.1.2 Risks, once assessed, are not static – risks may increase or decrease.
Therefore, events which may cause changes to the risk profile of the company, must, without delay, be communicated to the Commission by the company.

This allows the Commission to know the signficant activity that is driving the change and to understand the risks of the entity so that the Commission may properly align its resources for monitoring and examination purposes.
17.1.3 The Commission administers four (4) types of examinations, as outlined below:  routine (on-site only);  follow-up (on-site or off-site examination);  random (on-site only); and  special (on-site only).
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 32 | P a g e 17.1.4 The most important of these four examinations is the routine examination as it provides an in-depth assessment of the company’s risk profile, policies and procedures, and tests the adequacy, effectiveness and control measures implemented to mitigate risks by a company to satisfy its AML obligations.
17.1.5 The examination focuses on procedures and systems to examine the company’s obligation to comply with AML laws and guidelines and to implement an AML Compliance Program.
The Bahamian AML laws and applicable guidelines require DNFBPs to implement an AML Compliance Program as outlined below:  Conduct and document a risk assessment of the company’s inherent risks to determine the level of exposure to the risks of money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing;  Establish written risk-based policies and procedures that comply with the provisions of AML laws and guidelines;  Identify and verify customers and their source of funds;  Appoint a CO and a MLRO;  Keep transaction, identification and vertification records;  Conduct on-going monitoring of customer transactions;  Report suspicious transactions to the FIU;  Ensure the management and appropriate staff receive AML training annually;  Conduct internal AML compliance reviews of its operations at least once per year; and  Submit to AML examination by the Commission and its appointed agents.
17.2 On-Site Examinations 17.2.1 Section 32(1)(b) of the FTRA authorises the Commission to conduct on-site examinations (OSEs) of the prescribed financial services performed by dealers, when deemed necessary.

17.2.2 N.B.

: The OSE is not an audit of the business activities.

It is simply a process to determine the dealers’ level of risks, the measures in place to mitigate the risks and the company’s compliance with the AML requirements.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 33 | P a g e 17.2.3 With the exception of the routine examination, which must be conducted by a licensed public accountant, duly appointed by the Commission, all other types of on-site examinations are conducted by the Commission’s Inspection Unit.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 34 | P a g e 17.3 Off-Site Examinations 17.3.1 The off-site examination of the dealer will only be carried out by the Commission’s Inspection Unit during a follow-up of a routine examination or during a risk assessment of the company.

The follow-up precedures can be found in para.

17.6 and the risk assessment in para.

19.


17.4 Types of examinations: 17.4.1 Routine Examination 17.4.1-1 The routine examination is conducted on-site and must be performed by a licensed public accountant or accounting company approved by the Commission.

The approved list of Accountants is issued annually and posted on the Commission’s website.

17.4.2 N.B.
17.4.2 N.B.

The routine examination takes the form of an “agreed upon procedure” designed to test the adequacy of AML systems that have been implemented by a dealer for the purpose of meeting its obligations under the AML laws and regulations.

The “agreed upon procedure” was developed in conjunction with BICA.
17.4.3 The Commission determines, on a risk-sensitive basis, when a supervised financial institution should be required to undergo an on-site examination, having due regard for the adequacy of its policies and procedures for AML purposes and risk assessment.

17.4.4 The Commission’s examination year for the routine examination runs from 1st January to 31st December of each year.
However, the risk rating assigned to the company by the Commission will determine the examination cycle of the dealers that provide prescribed financial services.

As previously stated, the routine examination must be an on-site examination.

The on-site examination report, must be completed and submitted to the Commission on or before the 30th June of each year following the period covered by the examination.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 35 | P a g e 17.4.5 The licensed public accountant, engaged in conducting a routine on-site examination, must first undergo the relevant training by the Commision prior to obtaining a Letter of Appointment9, which gives him or her the authorization to commence an examination.
17.4.6 A dealer may select the licensed public accountant of its choice, however, the examining accountant must be independent of the company and the company should satisfy itself that the examiner has a current and valid Letter of Appointment.

17.4.7 A routine examination assesses the dealer’s compliance with the AML laws i.e.

the FTRA, FTRR, the FI(TR)R, this Code and the FIU Guidelines.
The examination ensures evidence of requisite documentation and reviews the policies, procedures and practices in place for the under-noted operational areas of the dealer’s financial intermediary activities: (1) the verification/identification of clients; (2) maintenance of clients verification and transaction records; (3) reporting of suspicious transactions to the FIU; (4) appointment of a CO and MLRO; (5) the internal procedures for money laundering, detection and prevention as required by the FI(TR)R inclusive of personnel training; and 17.4.8 In the case of a routine on-site examination, once completed, the examining accountant should have an exit meeting with the company to discuss the examination findings.
Within 10 days of completing the examination form the examining accountant must submit the completed examination form to the Commission to be evaluated.

Those dealers that receive an adverse rating on the routine on-site examination will be scheduled for a follow- up examination.
17.5 Frequency of the routine on-site examination 17.5.1 The Commission’s frequency and intensity of the on-site examination of the dealer is on a risk sensitive basis, taking into account: 9 A Letter of Appointment is a document issued to licensed accountants by the Commission authorizing them to conduct on-site examinations as its agents.

This document indemnifies the accountant from any action which may arise in the course of or as a result of the examination.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 36 | P a g e  the risk rating assigned (i.e., low, medium or high) to the company by the Commission;  the risk rating score of the last on-site examination conducted;  the Commission’s understanding of the ML/TF risks profile of the dealer, its characteristics and in particular its diversity;  the identified ML/TF risks, the policies, procedures and internal controls associated with the dealer, as identified by the Commission’s assessment of the dealer’s risk profile; and  the ML/TF risks present in The Bahamas; NB: Companys will also be subject to follow up off-site examination during the interim period of the risk-based examination cycle.
17.5.2 The Commission will advise the company regarding the next date for a routine on-site examination taking into account the following considerations:  the Commission’s risk assessment of the company’s prescribed financial services;  an evaluation of the company’s risk-based policies and procedures for combating money laundering and terrorist financing to determine their adequacy; and  an evaluation by the Commission of the latest examination completed in relation to the company to determine the company’s level of compliance with its statutory obligations under the AML laws and the Commission’s Codes of Practice.
17.6 Follow-up Examinations 17.6.1 Follow-up examinations are conducted solely for the purpose of addressing the deficiencies of the AML compliance program of dealers that have been identified through a risk assessment and the routine on-site examination.

The examination can be conducted on-site or off-site depending on the severity of the case.

Such examinations are specific in scope and will focus on the identified weaknesses.
Follow-up examinations are conducted by Examiners of the Commission’s Inspection Unit.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 37 | P a g e 17.6.2 Procedures for on-site Follow-up visits 17.6.2(a) Where an adverse rating is given, a Notice is issued advising the company of a follow-up examination to take place within fourteen (14) working days.
Further, the Commission will advise the company of the specific timeline to rectify all deficiencies discussed during the follow-up visit.

17.6.2(b) Steps for Follow-up on-site Examinations: Step 1.

The Commission contacts the dealer to arrange a meeting with Senior Management and/or the CO/MLRO Officer(s) within fourteen working (14) days.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the results of the routine examination.

Step 2.
Step 2.

During the meeting, the inadequacies of the AML compliance program are clearly identified, and a strategy is devised for addressing them.

Step 3.

The Commission will in turn issue a final letter outlining the deficiencies and set a deadline for the company to satisfactorily address all issues.

Failure to adhere to the set deadline, may result in the Commission invoking administrative penalties.
17.6.2(c) Where sufficient progress is evident, no further follow-up visit is required regarding those issues and a report to this effect is made and the company is advised that all deficiencies have been satisfactorily addressed.

17.6.3 Procedures for off-site Follow-up 17.6.3(a) If the follow-up is to be conducted off-site, this means that there were deficiencies identified that can be resolved without a follow up on-site examination.
The Commission will request additional information and make the necessary assessment.

Pending no further action, the company will be advised accordingly.

17.6.3(b) However, if a dealer does not adhere to the strategy outlined for resolving the deficiencies within their AML compliance program, the following steps below are taken: Step 1.
A warning letter is forwarded to the dealer highlighting the details of previous discussions and/or communications and reminding the company of the agreed-upon strategy for addressing the deficiencies.

A maximum © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 38 | P a g e period of three (3) months will be given for the dealer to rectify all deficiencies.

Step 2.
Step 2.

The Examiner will follow up in the interim to determine the company’s progress in adequately addressing the deficiencies.

However, the company has an obligation to inform the Commission that the deficiencies have been addressed and the recommendations implemented.

Step 3 Where the AML compliance program’s examination is found to be adequate, a final report is written to this effect.
If there is insufficient progress, a report is written on the non-compliance of the law and The Compliance Commission will determine whether or not legal action is to be pursued.

17.7 Random Examination 17.7.1 In addition to the routine examination, dealers are also subject to random on-site examinations by the Inspection Unit of the Commission.

The primary purpose of the random examination is to test the routine examination process.
The random examination, whenever selected, will override the risk based approach examination cycle.

17.7.2 The assessment process to be followed for a random examination is the same as that for the routine examination process (see section 17.4 to 17.5).

17.7.3 In the case of a random examination, a Notice will be sent to the dealer at least two (2) weeks prior to the examination.

This Notice will be forwarded to the MLRO/CO or the Senior Management of the dealer.
17.8 Special Examination 17.8.1 The Commission will conduct an on-site examination of a dealer in “special” circumstances, to determine if there has been any infraction of the AML laws and the extent of any such violations.
Such an examination will usually take place where a dealer has violated any provisions of the AML laws, or where information comes to the attention of the Commission that a statutorily dealer is providing prescribed financial services despite having advised the Commission to the contrary.
Depending on the nature of the circumstances, which give rise to invoking this approach, the procedure may be either a © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 39 | P a g e full examination as in the case of a routine examination, or an investigation directed towards a specific issue.
C. INTERNAL AML PROCEDURES This part provides some guidance on implementing the internal AML procedures to give effect to the obligations in:  Part II (sections 6-9, 13-14) of the FTRA and Part lll (regulations 4-13) of the FTRR that deal respectively with customer due diligence, verification requirements, Record- keeping (section 15-18) of the FTRA, Suspicious Transactions and Reporting (section 25-30) of the FTRA; and  Regulation 3-6 of the FI(TR)R which requires the implementation of internal reporting procedures for identification, record keeping, suspicious transaction reporting and staff awareness, education and training10.
The Commission has implemented a risk-based supervisory framework for addressing AML vulnerabilities posed to the entire company.

The process of implementing such a framework involves putting in place procedures for identifying the money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing risks facing the company, given its clientele, products, transactions, geographical regions and delivery channels.
Companies should have regard to all available information, including published money laundering typologies11 and terrorist lists, to assist with identifying potential risks.

For Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones to have effective risk-based approaches, the risk-based process must be imbedded within the internal controls of the company.

The success of internal policies and procedures will depend largely on the internal control systems.
Two (2) key factors that will assist in achieving this objective are: 10 These procedures are mandated by Recommendations 10-11, 18, 20, 22-23, of the FATF’s 40 Recommendations 11 See FATF Money Laundering Typologies, http://www1.oecd.org/fatf/FATDocs_en.htm#Trends © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 40 | P a g e 1.
Culture of Compliance Compliance must be embedded within the very fabric of an organization, if the goal of the organization is to adhere to the legislative laws of the country.

The culture of compliance must be a part of the everyday workflow and sets the foundation and expectation for individual behavior across the organization.

Without a commitment to compliance, even the best policies and procedures will be useless.
This should encompass:  developing, delivering, and maintaining a training program for all Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones as well as Non-Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones with responsibility for any aspect of the company’s AML compliance program;  monitoring for any government regulatory changes; and  undertaking a regularly scheduled review of applicable compliance policies and procedures within legal practices, which will help foster a culture of compliance in the company.
2.

Senior Management Responsibility and Support Senior management is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the dealer maintains an effective AML internal control structure, including suspicious activity monitoring and reporting.

Strong senior management leadership and engagement in AML is an important aspect of the application of the risk-based approach.
Senior management must create a culture of compliance by setting the tone at the top, and ensuring that staff adheres to the policies, procedures and processes designed to limit and control risks.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 41 | P a g e V. PERIODIC INTERNAL REVIEW OF AML SYSTEMS 18.
INTERNAL COMPLIANCE REVIEWS 18.1 Dealers are required to perform internal compliance reviews (at least on an annual basis), the results of which should be accessible for review both by examining independent accountants and the Commission’s Examiners.

18.2 In addition to the examination programmes, periodic testing and auditing of the AML policies, procedures and controls should be undertaken.

This can be a useful tool in apprising the Commission of any changes which may have occurred between examinations.
Such changes may include number of transactions, staff movements, and verification of compliance with policies, procedures, and controls to counter AML activities in relation to all their prescribed financial services.

Larger dealers may wish to assign this role to their Internal Audit or Compliance Department.
Smaller dealers may accomplish the same objective by introducing a regular review by their management personnel, taking into consideration that those involved must be independent of the decisions and execution related to the AML compliance programme.
18.3 Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure 18.3.1 Dealers are required to have policies in place and take such measures as may be needed to identify and assess the ML/TF risks that may arise in relation to:- (a) the development of new products and new business practices, including new delivery mechanisms, and (b) the use of new or developing technologies for both new and pre-existing products.
18.3.2 Dealers must undertake the risk assessments prior to the launch or use of such practices and technologies; and take appropriate measures to manage and mitigate the risks.

Periodic reviews and updates of all technology must also be undertaken to ensure that © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 42 | P a g e Management Information Systems (MIS) are adequate and up-to-date to avoid penetration of ML/TF within the system.
18.3.3 The MIS is required to provide the company with timely information on a regular basis to enable the company to detect irregularity and/or any suspicious activity.

The MIS shall be adequate, in that, it is commensurate with the nature, scale, and complexity of the dealer’s activities and ML/TF risk profile.

18.3.4 It is worth noting that cyber- criminals are constantly working to find innovative and effective means to steal information, data and ultimately money by any means possible.
Therefore, awareness of cyber-criminal threats and techniques are the best defence.

Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones should initiate an awareness program to ensure that their employees are trained and well informed to recognize when cyber criminals are conducting fraudulent transactions, downloading malware or compromising sensitive data.
Some mitigating measures include: (i) upgrade of IT systems periodically (as mentioned earlier) and put in place mechanism to avoid computer systems (email, email server, internet) from being compromised, intercepted or altered by cyber-criminals; (ii) establish a sound and robust technology risk management framework; (iii) strengthen system security, reliability, availability and recoverability; and (iv) emphasize the benefit of using appropriate technologies and control mechanisms that protect customer data and transactions.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 43 | P a g e VII.

RISK–BASED FRAMEWORK 19.

Obligations under the Law to Develop a Risk-Based Framework 19.1 In recognition of The Bahamas National Risk Assessment (NRA), the direction of the country in its efforts to combating AML, the FATF standards of Recommendation and in keeping with international best practices, the Commission has adopted and implemented a risk-based AML/CFT supervisory regime.
The primary goal is to ensure that dealers under the supervision of the Commission have adequate controls and resources in place to manage and mitigate the inherent risks identified.
19.1.1 Every financial institution pursuant to section 5 of the FTRA is required to:  take appropriate measures to identify, assess and understand the identified or inherent risks in relation to its customer/clients and the countries or jurisdictions of their origin; the countries or jurisdictions of its operations; its products, transactions and delivery channels;  develop and implement a comprehensive risk management system approved by the financial institution's senior management and commensurate with the scope of its activities, incorporating continuous identification, measurement, monitoring and controlling of identified risks;   take appropriate measures to manage and mitigate the inherent risks identified; take account of any risk assessment carried out at a national level and any regulatory guidance issued by its Supervisory Authority; and  upon request, provide the Supervisory Authority with a copy of its risk assessment.
19.1.2 Every financial institution shall carry out a risk assessment:   prior to the launch of new business practices; prior to the use of new or developing technologies; © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 44 | P a g e  when there is a major event or development in the management and operation of the group, to identify and assess the identified risks that may arise in relation to such products, business practices or technology for both new and pre-existing products and such assessment shall consider:  the customer/client’s geographic area, product, transaction and means of delivery risk factors, which shall be proportionate to the nature and size of the financial institution's business; and  the outcome of any risk assessment carried out at a national level, and any regulatory guidance issued.
19.1.3 Every financial institution shall document in writing the outcome of a risk assessment and shall keep the same up to date and make it available to relevant competent authorities and regulatory bodies upon request.

19.1.4 Every dealer, regardless of its size and complexity is expected to develop and implement an adequate risk assessment and management system for AML.
A risk assessment enables the company to focus its AML efforts and to adopt appropriate measures to optimally allocate the available resources.

This process is necessary for managing the risks of ML/TF to which the company may be vulnerable.

It involves the identification, analysis, management and mitigation of such risks, inclusive of the on-going monitoring of the risks.

19.1.5 Terrorism financing describes the activities that provide financial support to terrorists or terrorist organizations.
The objective is to suppress terrorism by depleting the resources of the financers to the terrorist or terrorist cells.

Unlike ML where the funding source is from illicit activities, TF can be derived from both legitimate (example, by individuals and organizations through donations and investment in legitimate businesses) and illegitimate sources.

The global effort to curb TF, drove the terrorist to illegal sources through organized crime such as exploitation, trafficking, kidnapping etc.
– which differs from the placement, layering and integration stages used in ML.

However, both ML and TF threats seeks to exploit the same set of vulnerable features and characteristics of products offered by companies to launder proceeds of crime or fund terrorism.

Therefore, the risk assessment related to money laundering is also applicable to terrorism financing.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 45 | P a g e Fig.
4 - OVERVIEW OF FIVE (5) STAGES OF A ML/TF RISK ASSESSMENT ROCESS12: 1.

RISK IDENTIFICATION •Customers •Products and Services •Transactions •Delivery Channels •Countries 2.

RISK ANALYSIS •Likelihood & Impact •Chance of Risk Occuring •Cost or Damage, if risk occured 3.

RISK MATRIX Method for Assessing Risk (Low, Medium or High) 4.

RISK MANAGEMENT & MITIGATION • Policies and Procedures • Systems and Controls 5.
Risk Monitoring & Review • Compliance Monitoring & Audit Program • Review Risk Assessment Program 19.2 STAGE 1 - RISK IDENTIFICATION 19.2.1 In adherence to the obligations highlighted in 19.1.1 to 19.1.5 above, it is imperative that Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones take the appropriate steps to identify, assess and understand the ML /TF inherent risks posed to the company via its clients, products; transactions, delivery channels and countries or geographical areas.
Depending on the nature of the company’s business the inherent risks categories may be expanded.

The objective is to ensure that reasonable measures are taken to satisfy the company that all new and existing client relationships, products, activities and processes are properly assessed to determine the level of risk associated with all aspects of the business to avoid the company being used as a conduit for laundering or funding terrorism.
12 Refer to Appendix F for more reference reading on how to conduct a risk assessment.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 46 | P a g e 19.2.2 Proper scrutiny should be extended to the under-noted key factors:  What is the size and nature of the business?

 Who is the beneficial owner(s)?

 What type of clients and products does the company have?

 Are funds derived from legitimate sources in every transaction?
 What kind of delivery channels are used for the products?

 What jurisdiction does the company operate from?

19.2.3 It is important to categorize the key risks and vulnerabilities based on the degree of money laundering and terrorist financing risks they pose to the company.

The type of inherent risks and vulnerabilities should be documented and placed in the company’s policies and procedures manual.
Further the type, volume and value of the transactions should also be documented along with the control measures.

Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones should ensure that they are satisfied with the following details for the various categories of inherent risk indicators outlined below to be able to make a determination regarding the AML risks each pose.
This is not an exhaustive list and should only be used as a guide: Risk Categories Risk Indicators Business Operation   Is the operating structure complex?

Is it integrated with other sectors, plus the scope and accessibility of the operation?

 Does the company have a comprehensive risk management system approved by senior management and commensurate with the scope of its activities, incorporating continuous identification, measurement, monitoring and controlling of identified risks?
 Does the company have effective policies, procedures and systems in place to mitigate inherent risks?

 Does the company take measures to manage and mitigate the inherent risks?

 Does the company take account of any risk assessment carried out at a national level and any regulatory guidance issued by the Commission?

The Client  Is the client a Politically Exposed Person (PEP)?
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 47 | P a g e  Is the client a cash intensive business (i.e., money service business, casinos or money transfer agents etc.)?

 Is it difficult to determine the beneficial owner or hard to determine the legal persons?
 Is there public (verifiable and open source) information that is adverse - that associates the client with any known money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing activities?

 Is the client’s occupation or business activities commonly linked to money laundering or terrorist financing activities?

 Does the client use intermediaries that are not subject to adequate AML/CFT laws and measures?
 Does the client change settlement or execution instructions without appropriate explanation?

Products  Do the products provided to the client offer the anonymity and movement of funds commonly linked to money laundering and terrorist financing activities?

What is the nature of the products and the extent of their vulnerability?

Are the products offered deemed high risk by the Commission or other credible sources like the IMF or   WB?
Transactions  Are there large volumes of transactions with high risk clients and businesses?

 Are there frequent movement of funds to or from high risk countries?

 Does the company engage in high volume of cash transactions?

Delivery Channels  Are the delivery channels complex?

 Are the delivery channels face-to-face, via a third party, electronic devices, postal mail, telephone, fax or email?
Geographical Reach  Does the client’s jurisdiction apply globally acceptable AML standards or is the jurisdiction identified as being commonly linked to money laundering or terrorist © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 48 | P a g e financing activities by the Bahamas or other credible sources like the IMF, FATF, World Bank?

 What is the exposure to high risk jurisdictions and other locations of concern?
 Is the jurisdiction subject to sanctions, embargoes or similar measures issued by the United Nations?

 Is dictatorship promoted whereby the rule of law is at the mercy of the dictator?

 Is the client jurisdiction identified by credible sources as having significant levels of corruption or other criminal activity?
19.3 STAGE 2 - RISK ANALYSIS 19.3.1 Once the company has identified the areas of the business operations that are susceptible to ML/TF, it is imperative to conduct an analysis in order to assess the likelihood of the occurrence of risk events and impact of ML/TF risks.

An effective process of ML/TF risk analysis serves as a basis for establishing an adequate system of risk management and control, and consequently, for reaching the ultimate goal of minimising possible adverse effects arising from that risk.
19.3.2 The likelihood of occurrence is a combination of threat and vulnerability, or in other words, risk events occur when a threat exploits vulnerability.

For example: Fig.

5 Risk Analysis (Likehood & Impact) 19.3.3 The level of risk can be mitigated by reducing the size of the threats, vulnerabilities, or their impact.

Please refer to section 11 above which highlights some of the vulnerabilities of the Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones.
It should be noted that this is not an exhausted list.

Every segment of the business operations where ML/TF threats and © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 49 | P a g e vulnerabilities to those threats may emerge must be analysed continuously to determine the exposure to ML/TF and to ensure that same is properly managed.
19.4 STAGE 3 - RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX 19.4.1 As it is required by law for every FI and DNFBPs to conduct a risk assessment as outlined above in sections 19.1.1 to 19.1.4, the company should establish whether all identified categories of risks pose a low, medium or high risk to the business operations.
The company must review different factors such as the establishment and maintenance of a client relationship, number and scope of transactions, geographical location and nature of the business relationship etc.

At the beginning of any client relationship, a risk rating designation should be determined, based on the information contained in the client profile and relationship documentation.
Hence, companies should develop a risk matrix to:  ascertain which inherent risk factors (all identified categories of risks) pose a low, medium or high ML/TF risks;  establish whether the delivery channels pose an additional higher ML/TF risk factor; and  establish whether the country risk is an overall higher ML/TF risk factor.

The matrix should also include all other risk factors identified.
19.4.2 The timing to review the risk rating should be predicated on the overall/composite risk rating (for example, high risk to be reassessed every twelve (12) months, medium every eighteen (18) months and low risk every twenty-four (24) months).

19.4.3 The criteria for the risk designation should be reviewed by the Compliance Officer annually, as part of the company’s annual risk assessment.
19.4.4 LEVEL OF ML/TF RISK RATING The level of ML/TF risk will generally be affected by both internal and external factors.

For example, internal risk factors may increase due to inadequate compliance resources, weak risk controls and insufficient senior management involvement.

External level risks may rise due to factors such as the action of third parties and/or political and public developments.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 50 | P a g e Fig.

6 – THE RATING BELOW SIGNIFIES THE LEVEL OF SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ML/TF RISK.

The Level of Definition / Likelihood Susceptibility to ML/TF Risk HIGH Probably occurs several times per year.

Assessment on the risk (Almost Certain) factors indicates that the company is highly vulnerable and there is a high chance of ML/TF occurring in this area of business operations.
MEDIUM Probably occurs once per year.

Assessment on the risk factor (Possible) indicates that the company is moderately/fairly vulnerable and there is a possibility of ML/TF occurring in this area of business operations.

LOW Unlikely to occur but not impossible.

Assessment on the risk factor (Unlikely) indicates that the company is less vulnerable and there is a low chance of ML/TF occurring in this area of business operations.

19.4.6.
19.4.6.

The Commission requires dealers, at a minimum, to place clients, products, transactions, delivery channels and client geographical location into one of three risk categories i.e., Low Risk, Medium Risk or High Risk13 19.5 STAGE 4 - RISK MANAGEMENT/CONTROL & MITIGATION 19.5.1 Based on the analysis, the company should set the overall AML/CFT strategy and ensure that it concurs with the risk appetite and risk culture.
Dealers shall develop adequate policies and procedures to control and mitigate the ML/TF risks that have been identified.

19.5.2 The risk control and mitigation shall be tailored according to the identified ML/TF risk level and seek to:  Ensure that management clearly promotes the AML strategy and sets the tone at the top;  Develop an AML policy, procedures and mitigating measures; 13 It should be noted that the number of risk categories, i.e.

three (3), required by the Commission is a minimum number.
Some financial institutions may have more categories, but the rationale for the number of categories and the criteria for each should be clearly documented and available for review during the course of an examination.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 51 | P a g e  Determine which measures will be taken for which risk categories;  Ensure that management sets transaction limit for higher risk customer/transaction;  Ensure sufficient training in AML policies and procedures for staff; and  Provide appropriate tools and adequate resources to implement the AML systems.
19.5.3 An adequate system of ML/TF risk management should include:  A risk assessment of ML/TF risks of the business;  Policies and procedures to control ML/TF risks;  An organizational structure to execute these risk management controls; and  A process to systematically check and assess the adequacy of the control systems.
19.5.4 Adequate and effective risk mitigation strategies should be designed, developed and implemented to lessen or reduce, if not totally eliminate, the adverse impact of the known or perceived risks inherent in a particular undertaking before any damage or disaster takes place.

Senior management’s ability and willingness to take necessary corrective action is also a critical determining factor to this process of mitigating the adverse risks.

Mitigation plans should be documented.


19.5.5 Companies must also ensure that their procedures include mechanisms for appropriate risk mitigation which involves identifying and applying client due diligence/KYC policies and procedures to effectively mitigate the money laundering risk of particular clients and products identified during the risk assessment process.
19.5.6 The company should document the risks assessment, consider all relevant risk factors to determine the level of risk and the appropriate type of mitigation plan to be applied, update risks assessments and to have in place mechanisms to provide information to relevant competent authorities.
A senior officer should be responsible for documenting all risks assessments of the dealer and the assessments should be kept in such a way that it is stored on microfiche, computer disk or in other electronic form.
19.5.7 This process includes being able to: (a) Document the outcome of the company’s risks assessments; © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 52 | P a g e (b) Consider all the relevant risk factors before determining what is the level of overall risks and the appropriate level and type of mitigation to be applied; Keep these assessments up to date; and Have appropriate mechanisms to provide risk assessment information to (c) (d) competent authorities and self-regulatory bodies upon request.
19.6 STAGE 5 - RISK MONITORING AND REVIEW 19.6.1 Management should adequately and effectively manage ML/TF risks, to verify the level of implementation and effective functioning of the ML/FT risk controls, and to determine whether the risk management measures correspond to the company’s risk analysis.
The company should set up compliance monitoring and audit program, which should encompass regular testing to ensure that procedures and measures are working correctly and the production of compliance and audit reports.

Monitoring should be on-going as the risks may change significantly at any time and to the extent that the mitigation strategies become ineffective and require revision.

Monitoring should be a standard part of the management review program.
19.6.2 Senior management of the company should ensure the allocation of adequate resources, taking into account the risks posed to the company.

It should establish an appropriate and continuing process for monitoring the risks, in particular, those activities assessed to be of a higher risk of ML/TF.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 53 | P a g e VlI.

CLIENT IDENTIFICATION/VERIFICATION (KYC14) PROCEDURES 20.
VERIFICATION DETAILS AND DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE PROCEDURES 20.1.1 Dealers have a statutory obligation to undertake customer due diligence measures when establishing a business relationship with a customer/client.

The true identity of each client and beneficial owner must be determined.
A summary of the identification and verification triggers required by the law include (Please refer FTRA sections 6-9, 11-14):  where a customer/client seeks to conduct a cash transaction involving $15,000 or more either for himself or on someone else’s behalf; 20.2 Verification of identity of individuals 20.2.1 Where a dealer is required to verify the identity of any individual pursuant to section 7 of the FTRA the following information is required:-    the full, correct and legal name of the individual; contact information15 and; date and place of birth; 20.2.2 In addition to the requirements above, the following information and documentation may be required (based on the company’s risk-rating procedures) to verify the identity of an individual:-     evidence of the source of funds and source of wealth; a specimen signature; telephone and fax number, if any; occupation, name of employer, and where self-employed, the nature of 14“ KYC” is the shortened form for “know your customer” or “know your client”.
In the AML realm, this, knowing your customer, is achieved through the process of conducting a due diligence exercise to gather, verify and assess pertinent information on the client.

15 Points of contact may include - mobile phone number, business mobile phone, personal landline number, personal mailing address, business mailing address, residential mailing address and any other means of contact that the Commission may specify.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 54 | P a g e the self-employment; or  a copy of the relevant identification pages of the passport; a driver’s license; a voter’s card; national identity card; or such other identification document bearing a photographic likeness of the individual as is reasonably capable of establishing the identity of the individual.
20.3 Verification of corporate entity 20.3.1 Where a dealer is required to verify the existence of a corporate entity, the dealer must require the corporate entity to submit the under-noted documents:- a) a certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation; b) a certified copy of the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association16 of the entity; c) a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the corporate entity authorizing the opening of the account and conferring authority on the natural person who will conduct the transaction; d) documentary evidence as is required under regulation 6 of the FTRR for the verification of the natural person who will conduct the transaction; e) documentary evidence to satisfy the requirements for the identification and verification of the identity of all beneficial owners of the corporate entity.
The obligation to verify the identity of beneficial owners shall only extend to those with at least 10% or more controlling interest in the corporate entity.
Further, to the extent that there is doubt under the above obligation as to whether the person with the controlling interest is the beneficial owner or where no natural person exerts control via ownership interest, the identity of the natural person, if any, exercising control of the legal person or arrangement via other means; or where no natural person is identified above, the identity of the relevant natural person who holds the position of senior managing official shall be obtained; 16 In the case of a Bahamian incorporated company, if the law company has, as part of the files, the documents of incorporation (e.g.
certificate, Memorandum and Articles of Association) bearing an original seal of the Registrar General this would be sufficient to meet this obligation.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 55 | P a g e f) a certificate of good standing; the location of the registered office and if different, the location of the principal place of business; g) a description of the nature of the business, including the date of commencement of the business, h) a description of the products provided by the business and the location/address of principal business; and i) such other official documentary and other information as is reasonably capable of establishing information on the client’s ownership and control structural of the corporate entity.
20.3.2 In addition to the requirements above, the following information and documents may also be relied upon to support verification of a corporate entity:    the names and addresses of all officers and directors of the corporate entity; the purpose of the transaction; and the potential parameters of the transaction.

20.4 ASCERTAIN CUSTOMER IDENTITY – KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER 20.4.1 When must identification and verification take place?
If you cannot satisfactorily apply your due diligence measures in relation to a Customer, e.g., you are unable to identify and verify a Customer’s identity or obtain sufficient information about the nature and purpose of a transaction, you must NOT carry out a transaction for that Customer or enter into a business relationship with the Customer and you must terminate any business relationship already established.

You should also consider submitting a STR/SAR to the FIU.
a) All Customers You must identify who is the prospective customer and verify the person’s identity by reference to independent and reliable source materials.

Such material should include documentary identification issued by the Government departments or agencies.

You must also ask the source of funds for the transaction.
Customer’s identification, also called CDD or Know Your Customer–KYC, must be obtained for customers who are © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 56 | P a g e individuals as well as companies.

You must obtain satisfactory evidence of the Customer’s identity before establishing a business relationship or completing a transaction for occasional customers.
b) High Risk Customers/Transactions There are customers and types of transactions and products which may pose higher risk to your business and you are required to take additional measures in those cases.

The AML/CFT laws have identified certain high risks customers and require you to conduct Enhanced Due Diligence (“EDD”) on these customers.

You may also determine that certain customers, transactions and products pose a higher risk to your business and apply EDD.
You must take specific measures to identify and verify the identity of the following individuals or entities: i.

Any individual or entity who conducts business transactions with persons and financial institutions in or from other countries which do not or which insufficiently comply with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (“the FATF”); ii.
Any individual or entity who conducts a complex or unusual transaction, (whether completed or not), unusual patterns of transactions and insignificant but periodic transactions which have no apparent economic or visible lawful purpose; iii.

iv.
iv.

Domestic and Foreign Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) who are PEPs; Any individual or entity for whom you have to send a suspicious transaction report to the FIU (reasonable measures and exceptions apply e.g., to avoid tipping-off); v. Any customer or transaction, product type that you have identified as posing a higher risk to your business; e.g.

pawn-broking transactions, cash transactions over $15,000.00.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 57 | P a g e 20.5 Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) 20.5.1 Caution must be taken when dealing with PEPs; a special category of High-Risk clients17.
At the out-set of the client/business relationship, the company should:  Identify all PEPs within the client data base;  Identify the Country that each PEP is associated;  Determine the type of PEP (i.e., foreign, domestic or person entrusted with a prominent function by an international organization);  Identify the type of business, industry, personal financial situation of each PEP;  Identify each PEPs affiliation, employment, association, etc;  Develop a profile of each PEPs transactions;  Determine each PEPs expected vs actual transactions; and  Identify and investigate transactions that are outside the norm, or which are high risk.
20.5.2 Dealers are cautioned that PEPs may expose their businesses to significant risks.

These risks, whether reputational, legal etc.

can be extremely detrimental and costly.

Such incidences usually occur when these persons abuse their public office.

Hence, systems should be in place to ensure ongoing monitoring of PEPs.
Due to the continual evolution of the sanctions lists and PEPs databases (additions as well as deletions), these lists should be consulted as a part of the company’s on-going monitoring of its clients 21.

What is Enhanced Due Diligence?

21.1.1 Enhanced due diligence (EDD) is an in-depth and extensive investigation of a client’s particular characteristics, risk factors and other available information and documentation.
EDD procedures must be considered for clients designated as high risk, politically exposed persons (PEPs), cash intensive business and trusts, charities and complex organizations.

EDD should be conducted on clients deemed to pose high risks for money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of proliferation.

EDD records/files or alerted transactions are subject to a higher, more frequent level of scrutiny.
21.1.2 New or existing clients that pose higher money laundering or terrorist financing risks tend to increase the overall risk profile to the financial institution.

To this end, it is 17 Refer to Appendix F for FATF Guidance on Politically Exposed Persons (Recommendations 12 and 22).

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 58 | P a g e imperative that the financial institution mitigate and manage these risks.
As such, the company must have well-defined escalation and EDD processes and procedures in place.
21.1.3 EDD measures to apply to high risk customers include but is not limited to:  Verification of identity using independent sources e.g., additional form of Government issued identification;  Obtaining details of the source of the customer’s funds and the purpose of the transaction;  Obtaining approval from the senior officer to conduct the transaction;  Applying supplementary measures to verify or certify the documents supplied or requiring certification by a financial institution;  Imposing a cash threshold limit for transactions after which a senior officer’s approval is needed to conduct the transaction;  Verifying the source of funds for the transaction e.g., if Customer states the money is from his bank account, ask for proof.
 Ongoing monitoring (e.g., monthly, quarterly or on a transaction basis) of the Customer’s account through the relationship; or  Obtaining details about the source of items in pawn-broking transactions.

22.

Is the Customer acting for a Third Party?

22.1 You must take reasonable measures to determine whether the Customer is acting on behalf of a third party especially where you have to conduct EDD.
Such cases will include where the Customer is an agent of the third party who is the beneficiary and who is providing the funds for the transaction.

In cases where a third party is involved, you must obtain information on the identity of the third party and their relationship with the Customer.
In deciding who the beneficial owner is in relation to a Customer who is not a private individual, (e.g., a company) you should identify those who has ultimate control over the business and the company’s assets such as the shareholders.

Particular care should be taken to ensure that any person purporting to act on behalf of the company is fully authorized to do so.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 59 | P a g e 23.
OUTSOURCING OF MATERIAL FUNCTIONS 23.1 The Commission is aware that the size, nature, complexity and resources of various dealers may warrant the need to outsource certain material functions of the company.

While AML compliance functions may be performed by third parties, the ultimate responsibility for complying with AML, CDD or EDD rest with the company.

23.2 Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones must ensure that the outsourcing agreement is in writing and signed off by all considered parties.
The outsourcing agreement with a third party should be reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure that it continues to address accurately the outsourced function and the role of the third party to whom the outsourced function has been designated.

23.3 Specific task such as the Compliance function may be outsourced, but they must remain subject to appropriate oversight by the Head of Compliance and/or the Compliance Committee.
Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones should ensure that any arrangements of an outsourced function do not impede the effective on-site examination by the Commission or its representative.

Regardless of the extent to which specific tasks of the compliance function are outsourced, senior management remains responsible for full compliance with all AML laws, guidelines and regulations.

The outsourced functions should also remain within the jurisdiction.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 60 | P a g e VIII INFORMATION SHARING 24 Group Level Information Sharing 24.1 From a regulatory perspective, while there are international requirements and obligations for mutual legal assistance and international co-operation vis-à-vis the exchange of information in keeping with Recommendations 37 - 40, the Commission executes its obligations while being cognizant of its powers, and commitment in accordance with the laws of The Bahamas.
24.2 From a dealer’s perspective, branches should be required to implement company-wide programmes against ML/TF, which should be applicable, and appropriate to, all branches.
These should include the measures taken against ML/TF risks already established in these Codes, in addition to the under-noted measures: (i) policies and procedures for sharing information required for the purposes of CDD and ML/TF risk management; (ii) the provision, at company-wide compliance, audit, and/or AML functions, of customer, account, and transaction information from branches when necessary for AML purposes; and (iii) adequate safeguards on the confidentiality and use of information exchanged.
24.3 Dealers are required to ensure that their foreign branches apply adequate AML measures consistent with home country requirements where the minimum AML requirements of the host country are less strict than those of the home country, to the extent that the host country laws and regulations permit.
If the host country does not permit the proper implementation of AML measures consistent with the home country requirements, companies should be required to apply appropriate additional measures to manage the ML/TF risks and inform their home supervisors.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 61 | P a g e IX COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM & PROLIFERATION 25.
Targeted Financial Sanctions Related to Terrorism and Terrorist Financing 25.1 FATF Interpretive Note to Recommendation 6.6 (c) stipulates that countries should have mechanisms for communicating designations to financial institutions and DNFBPs – immediately upon taking such action, and providing clear guidance to financial institutions and other persons or entities, including DNFBPs, that may be holding targeted funds or other assets, on their obligations in taking action under freezing mechanisms.
To this end, the Commission, following the procedures established in law, reference section 2.3 of this Code, will notify its constituents immediately upon any such actions being taken from a national perspective.
Further, FATF Interpretive Note to Recommendation 6.6 (d) states that financial institutions, including DNFBPs, are required to report to competent authorities any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements of the relevant Security Council resolutions, including attempted transactions, and ensure effective utilization of the information by the competent authorities.

Dealers are advised to take note of FATF Recommendations 27 and 35.
25.2 Targeted Financial Sanctions Related to Proliferation 25.2.1 FATF Interpretive Note to Recommendation 7.1 requires countries to implement targeted financial sanctions to comply with the UNSC resolutions that requires countries to freeze, without delay, the funds or other assets of, as well as to ensure that no funds and other assets are made available to, and for the benefit of, any person or entity designated by the UNSC under Chapter VII.
This is in accordance with the Security Council resolutions that relate to the prevention and disruption of the financing of proliferation of mass destruction.
25.2.2 The Bahamas, in order to discharge its responsibilities in keeping with FATF Interpretive Note to Recommendation 7.1, depends on financial institutions that come in contact with clients or funds (including attempted transactions) suspected or linked to proliferation financing, to report to the competent authorities, without delay, actions taken or funds frozen in compliance with the prohibition requirements of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
This will facilitate and ensure timely and effective utilization of the information by the competent authorities Reference section 3 of this Code).

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 62 | P a g e X.

RECORD KEEPING PROCEDURES 26.

Statutory requirements to maintain records 26.1 Dealers shall maintain all books and records18 concerning customer identification and transactions for use as evidence in any investigation into AML.
This is an essential component of the audit trail procedures.

Often, the only significant role a financial institution can play in an investigation is through the provision of relevant records, particularly where the money launderer or person financing terrorism or proliferation has used a complex web of transactions, specifically for the purpose of confusing the audit trail.
The objective of the statutory requirements detailed in the following paragraphs is to ensure that the dealer can, as part of its audit trail, provide the authorities with such records and supporting information on a timely basis when required to be disclosed by law.

26.1.2 Where an obligation exists to keep records, copies of the relevant documentation are sufficient, unless the law specifically requires otherwise.
It is important that the dealer satisfies itself that copies are reproductions of the original documentation.

The files should also indicate, in relevant circumstances, where the original can be located.
26.1.3 The records prepared and maintained by any dealer on its customer relationships and transactions should be such that:     requirements of legislation are fully met; competent third parties will be able to assess the company’s observance of AML policies and procedures; any transactions effected via the company can be reconstructed; and the company can satisfy within a reasonable time any enquiries or court orders from the appropriate authorities for disclosure of relevant 26.2 Retention period to maintain verification records information.
18 See sections 15-18 of the FTRA with regards to Record Keeping.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 63 | P a g e 26.2.1 Records relating to the verification of the identity of customer/client, including account files, business correspondence, and copies of all documents evidencing the identity of customer/client and beneficial owners, and the results of any analysis undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the FTRA, all of which shall be maintained for a period of five (5) years after the person ceases to be a client.
In keeping with best practices, the date when a person ceases to be a customer/client is the date of: i) the carrying out of a one-off transaction or the last in the series of transactions; or ii) the ending of the business relationship, i.e.

the closing of an account; or iii) the commencement of proceedings to recover debts payable on insolvency.
26.2.2 Where formalities to end a business relationship have not been undertaken, but a period of five (5) years has elapsed since the date when the last transaction was carried out, then the five-year retention period commences on the date of the completion of the last transaction.

26.3 Transaction records 26.3.1.


Records of transactions, both domestic and international, that are sufficient to permit reconstruction of each individual transaction for both account holders and non-account holder, shall be maintained for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date of the transaction.

26.3.2 Records of any findings pursuant to section 15 of the FTRA and related transaction information shall be maintained for at least five years from the date of the transaction.

26.3.3.
26.3.3.

Records relating to on-going investigations, must be retained until it is confirmed by the FIU or local law enforcement agency that the case has been closed.

26.3.4 The investigating authorities also need to be able to establish a financial profile of any suspect transaction.
For example, in addition to information on the beneficial owner of the transaction and any intermediaries involved, the volume of funds may be sought also as part of an investigation into money laundering or terrorist financing.

Further, in the case of selected transactions, information may be required on the origin of the funds (if known); the form in which the funds were offered or withdrawn, i.e.
cash, cheques, etc., the identity of © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 64 | P a g e the person undertaking the transaction, the destination of the funds, and the form of instruction and authority.
26.3.5 The transaction records which must be kept must include the following information:   the nature of the transaction; the amount of the transaction, and the currency in which it was denominated;    the date on which the transaction was conducted; the parties to the transaction; and all other files and business correspondence and records connected to the transaction.
26.4 Format of records 26.4.1 Retention of verification and transaction records may be by way of original documents, or copied, stored on microfiche, computer disk or in other electronic form in keeping with the evolution of technology.

Records required to be kept by the dealers pursuant to section 15 of the FTRA, shall be in written form in the English language, or in a form readily accessible and convertible in written form in the English language.
26.5 When records are not required to be kept 26.5.1 Special considerations for record retention on the liquidation of a financial institution.

26.5.2 Where a financial institution enters liquidation, the liquidator of the financial institution shall maintain for five (5) years from the date of the dissolution, such records that would otherwise have been required to be kept by the financial institution but for the liquidation.
26.6 Mandatory destruction of records 26.6.1 Books and records and any copies thereof, pursuant to section 15(2) of the FTRA shall be maintained for not less than five (5) years after the business relationship has ended.
Notwithstanding this requirement, such records pursuant to section 17 of the FTRA shall be destroyed as soon as practicable after the expiration of the retention period, unless © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 65 | P a g e required to be maintained beyond this period by any other written law, for the business purposes of the dealer, or for the detection, investigation or prosecution of any offence.
26.7 Record keeping offences 26.7.1 Dealers in contravention of section 15 of the FTRA, without reasonable excuse, to retain or properly keep records, commits an offence under section 18 of the FTRA.

As such, dealers will be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding twenty (20) thousand dollars in the case of an individual and one hundred (100) thousand dollars in the case of a body corporate.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 66 | P a g e XI.

PROCEDURES FOR THE RECOGNITION AND REPORTING OF SUSPICIOUS TRANSACTIONS 27 THE FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT (FIU) 27.1 The national agency for receiving suspicious transaction reports (STRs) is the Financial Intelligence Unit (a sample copy of the STR is shown at Appendix E).
27.1.2 The FIU has power to compel production of information (except information subject to legal professional privilege), which it considers relevant to fulfill its functions.

27.1.3 It is an offence to fail or refuse to provide the information requested by the FIU.

Such offence is punishable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
27.1.4 The FIU is empowered by the FIUA to issue Guidelines, from time to time to assist financial institutions with observance and implementation of STR procedures.

Copies of these Guidelines, which supplement and add to these Codes, are available from the FIU’s office and electronically from the FIU’s website.
27.2 Mandatory requirement to appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer 27.2.1 All dealers engaged in prescribed financial services are required by law19 to appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) as a point of contact with the FIU, to handle reports of money laundering suspicions by their staff.

DPMS are instructed to pay close attention to the criteria outlined in these Codes when appointing the individual to hold the position of MLRO of the company.
27.3 The MLRO must be registered with the FIU.

Dealers should ensure that any changes in this post are immediately communicated to the FIU and the Commission.

19 Reg.
19 Reg.

5 of the FI(TR)R © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 67 | P a g e 27.3.1 The Role of the MLRO The person appointed as the MLRO has significant responsibility to the company and should be sufficiently senior to exercise the necessary authority, competent and familiar with statue laws governing the company.

The size and nature of the company should be a determining factor in selecting the individual to hold the position.
Larger companies may choose to appoint, as appropriate to the circumstances, a senior member of their compliance department.

In small companies, it may be appropriate to designate the sole practitioner or one of the partners.

When several subsidiaries operate closely together within a group, designating a single MLRO at group level is an option.
27.3.2 The MLRO should exercise independence when determining whether the information or other matters contained in the transaction report he/she has received, give rise to a knowledge or suspicion that someone is engaged in money laundering, terrorist and/or proliferation financing.

27.3.3 In making this judgment, the MLRO should consider all other relevant information available within the dealer concerning the person or business to whom the initial report relates.
This may include a review of other transaction patterns and volumes through the account(s) in the same name, the length of the business relationship, and referral to identification records held.

If, after completing this review, he decides that the initial report gives rise to a knowledge or suspicion of money laundering, then he must disclose this information to the FIU.
It is therefore imperative that the MLRO be granted timely access to customer verification and related due diligence information, transaction records and other relevant information.

27.3.4 The “determination” by the MLRO implies a process with at least some formality attached to it, however minimal that formality might be.
It does not necessarily imply that he must give his reasons for negating, and therefore not reporting any particular matter, but it clearly would be prudent, for his own protection, for internal procedures to require that only written reports are submitted to him and that he should record his determination in writing, and the underlying reasons therefore.

27.3.5 The MLRO will be expected to act honestly and reasonably and to make his determinations in good faith.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 68 | P a g e 27.4 APPOINT A COMPLIANCE OFFICER 27.4.1 You must appoint a senior employee at managerial level as Compliance Officer (CO).

The individual you appoint will be responsible for the implementation of your compliance regime.

27.4.2 You must obtain the approval of the FIU for the person you have chosen as your CO.
If you change your CO you must inform the FIU immediately and get the FIU’s approval for the new CO. 27.4.3 If you are a small business, employing five (5) persons or less, the CO must be the person in the most senior position.

If you are the owner or operator of the business and do not employ anyone, you can appoint yourself as CO to implement a compliance regime.
27.4.4 In the case of a large business (employing over five [5] persons), the CO should be from senior management and have direct access to senior management and the board of directors.

Further, as a good governance practice, the appointed CO in a large business should not be directly involved in the receipt, transfer or payment of funds.

27.4.5 Your CO should have the authority and the resources necessary to discharge his or her responsibilities effectively.
The CO must: a) have full responsibility for overseeing, developing, updating and enforcing the AML/CFT Programme; b) have sufficient authority to oversee, develop, update and enforce AML/CFT policies and procedures throughout the company; and c) be competent and knowledgeable regarding money laundering issues and risks and the anti-money laundering legal framework.
27.4.6 Depending on your type of business, your CO should report, on a regular basis, to the board of directors or senior management, or to the owner or chief operator of the business.

The identity of the CO must be treated with the strictest confidence by you and your staff.

27.4.7 The CO’s responsibilities include: i. ii.


Submitting STRs/SARs and TFRs to the FIU and keeping relevant records; Acting as Liaison officer between your business and the FIU; © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 69 | P a g e iii.

iv.

v. vi.
iv.

v. vi.

Implementing your AML Compliance Programme; Directing and enforcing your AML Compliance Programme; Ensuring the training of employees on the AML/CFT; and Ensuring independent audits of your AML Compliance Programme.

27.4.8 For consistency and on-going attention to the compliance regime, your appointed CO may choose to delegate certain duties to other employees.
For example, the officer may delegate an individual in a local office or branch to ensure that compliance procedures are properly implemented at that location.

However, where such a delegation is made, the CO retains full responsibility for the implementation of the compliance regime.

27.4.9 Best practice: You should appoint an alternate CO to perform the CO’s functions in the event the CO is absent for any reason.
You will need to obtain the FIU’s approval for the person to act as alternate CO. 27.5 Recognition of Suspicious Transactions 27.5.1 A suspicious transaction will often be one which is inconsistent with a customer’s known, legitimate business or personal activities or with the normal business.

Therefore, the first key to recognition is knowing enough about the customer’s business to recognize that a transaction, or series of transactions, is unusual.
Efforts to recognize suspicious circumstances should commence with the request to execute the initial transaction.

27.5.2 Section 12 (2) of the POCA requires that any person who knows, suspects or reasonably ought to have known or suspected that another person is engaged in money laundering or committing an offence related to an identified risk; proceeds of drug trafficking or any related crime and fails to report such knowledge or suspicion is guilty of an offence.
27.5.3 Under the FTRA section 25 where any person conducts or seeks to conduct any transaction by, through or with a financial institution (whether or not the transaction or proposed transaction involves cash), and the financial institution knows, suspects or has reasonable grounds to suspect that the transaction or the proposed transaction involves proceeds of criminal conduct as defined in the POCA, or any offence under the POCA, the financial institution MLRO shall, as soon as practical after forming that suspicion, report that transaction or proposed transaction to the FIU.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 70 | P a g e 27.5.4 Whistleblowing is an important mechanism in the prevention and detection of improper conduct, fraud and corruption.

The company should implement an appropriate policy, which shall raise awareness of the whistleblowing process and raise concerns about improper conduct within in the company.
The policy shall outline the mechanisms for the protection of employees who make such disclosure and the strategies implemented to address such matters as reporting, responsibility and confidentiality.

27.7 Internal Reporting of Suspicious Transactions 27.7.1 The FI(TR)R requires dealers to establish clear responsibilities and accountabilities to ensure that policies, procedures, and controls which deter criminals from using their facilities for money laundering, are implemented and maintained.
27.7.2 All dealers offering prescribed financial services operating within or from The Bahamas are required to: i. introduce procedures for the prompt investigation of suspicions and subsequent reporting of same to the FIU; ii.

provide the MLRO with the necessary access to systems and records to fulfill this requirement; and iii.

establish close co-operation and liaison with the FIU and the Commission.
27.7.3 There is a statutory obligation on all staff to report suspicions of money laundering to the MLRO in accordance with internal procedures.

However, in line with accepted practice some dealers may choose to require that such unusual or suspicious transactions be drawn simultaneously to the attention of supervisory management to ensure that there are no known facts that will negate the suspicion.
27.7.4 All dealers have a clear obligation to ensure:  that each relevant employee knows to which person he should report suspicions; and,  that there is a clear reporting chain under which those suspicions will be passed without delay to the MLRO.

27.7.5 Once an employee has reported his suspicion to the MLRO, he has fully satisfied his statutory obligation.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 71 | P a g e 27.8 Procedure for reporting suspicious transactions to the FIU 27.8.1 The Form at Appendix E should be used for reporting suspicious transactions to the FIU.

The report shall be in prescribed form20 (if any); contain the details specified in the First Schedule of the FTRA; contain a statement of the grounds on which the dealer holds the suspicion according to the Act.
The disclosure can be forwarded to the FIU in writing, by hand, by way of facsimile message or by electronic mail, and in cases of urgency, reports may be made orally.

However, this should still be followed by a written report.

27.8.2 Sufficient information should be disclosed which indicates the nature of and reason for the suspicion.

Where the dealer has additional relevant evidence that could be made available, the nature of this evidence should also be clearly indicated.
27.8.3 The receipt of a disclosure will be acknowledged by the FIU.

Normally, completion of a transaction will not be interrupted.

However, in exceptional circumstances, such as the imminent arrest of a client and consequential restraint of assets, the dealer may be required by the FIU to discontinue the transaction or cease activity related to the client’s transaction.
27.8.4 Following receipt of a disclosure and initial research by the FIU, if appropriate, the information disclosed is allocated to financial investigation officers in the FIU for further investigation.

This is likely to include seeking supplementary information from the dealer making the disclosure, and from other sources.

Discrete enquiries are then made to confirm the basis for suspicion.
The client is not approached in the initial stages of investigating a disclosure and will not be approached unless criminal conduct is identified.

27.8.5 Access to the disclosure is restricted to financial analysts and other officers within the FIU.

It is also recognised that as a result of a disclosure, a dealer may leave itself open to risks as a constructive trustee if moneys are paid away other than to the true owner.
The dealer must therefore make a commercial decision as to whether funds which are the subject of any suspicious report (made either internally or to the FIU) should be paid away under instruction from the customer/client.

27.8.6 Dealers are reminded that reporting to the Commission, the Central Bank, the Commissioner of Police and any duly authorized employee of the dealer will be accorded similar protection against breach of confidentiality.
It is therefore recommended that, to 20 A electronic copy of the Form is available on the FIU’s website.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 72 | P a g e reduce the risk of constructive trusteeship when fraudulent activity is suspected, and to obtain the fastest possible FIU response, disclosure should be notified by telephone and the disclosure form forwarded to the FIU.
Where timing is believed to be critical, a dealer should prepare a backup package of evidence for rapid release on the granting of a Court Order, search warrant, or a freezing order pursuant to the Section 4(2)(c) of the FIUA.
27.8.7 Following the submission of a disclosure report, a dealer is not precluded from subsequently terminating its relationship with the client provided it does so for commercial or risk containment reasons and does not alert the client to the fact of the disclosure which would constitute the offence of tipping off under the FTRA.
However, it is recommended that, before terminating a relationship in these circumstances, the reporting institution should liaise directly with the investigation officer in the FIU to ensure that the termination does not tip off the customer or prejudice the investigation in any way.
27.8.8 The adequacy of the dealer’s AML program to identify and properly report suspicious activity should be periodically reviewed 27.9 TIPPING OFF 27.9.1 Preliminary enquiries of a client in order to verify his identity or to ascertain the source of funds or the precise nature of the transaction being undertaken will not trigger a tipping off offence before an STR has been submitted in respect of that client unless the enquirer knows that an investigation is underway or the enquires are likely to prejudice and investigation.
27.9.2 In cases where the dealer forms a suspicion of ML/TF, and it is reasonably believed that performing a CDD process will tip-off the client, the company should proceed to file an STR with the FIU.

Hence, it should be noted that failure to satisfactorily complete the CDD process, the commencement of the business relationship or performance of the transaction should cease.
27.9.3 Pursuant to section 14 of the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2018, a person commits an offence if he knowns or suspects that an STR has already been filed with the FIU, the police or other authorized agency and it becomes necessary to make further enquires, such individual tips off the client(s) that their names have been brought to the attention of the authorities and or an investigation is being carried out.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 73 | P a g e 27.9.4 Pursuant to section 16 & 18 of POCA, dealers and their partners, offices and employees are protected by law from both criminal and civil liability for breach of any restriction on disclosure of information imposed by contract or by any legislative, regulatory or administrative provision, if they report their suspicions in good faith to the FIU.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 74 | P a g e XII.

PROCEDURES STAFF RECRUITMENT, EDUCATION AND TRAINING 28.

KNOW YOUR EMPLOYEE (KYE) PROCEDURES 28.1 The financial services industry in The Bahamas, as in any other jurisdiction, is challenged with managing a diverse range of risks such as reputational, legal, operational etc.
Consequently, in addition to financial institutions implementing proper procedures to mitigate risk from external forces, attention should also be placed on potential risks posed to financial institutions from internal forces such as from their employees.

Appropriate procedures, including those for screening, should be implemented and documented for the hiring of employees.
In this regard, the Commission offers some guidance to its constituent financial institutions which may be useful in managing the related risks.

28.2 The screening process for hiring new employees should seek to ensure that employees do not perform any function that causes harm in relation to the execution of their function for the company.
To this end, the company’s screening process, for the employees, must allow the company to be comfortable with the employee’s:  personal character (honesty, integrity and reputation)  competence (able to effectively execute the functions of the position)  qualifications (the required experience, knowledge and training)  The screening process should include, but is not limited to:  background and employment historical checks;  police record;  reference checks, including character and financial references (or equivalent); and  Qualification verification (as applicable, e.g.
degrees, certifications).

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 75 | P a g e 28.3 For all employees, continued monitoring is encouraged to ensure they remain fit for employment.
Employers should consider monitoring employees who are suspected of being linked to:  unusual transaction activities;  unusual increases in business activities; and  persons known to be involved in illegal activities or associated with individuals of known questionable character.

28.4 The most effective KYE programme should be complemented by a sound on-going training programme which includes staff awareness.

29.
29.

STAFF AWARENESS PROGRAMMES 29.1 Dealers must take appropriate measures to familiarize their employees with: i. policies and procedures designed to detect and prevent money laundering including those for identification, record keeping and internal reporting, and any legal requirements in respect thereof; and ii training programmes which incorporates the recognition and handling of suspicious transactions.
29.2 Staff must be aware of their own personal AML statutory obligations including the fact that they can be personally liable for failure to report information in accordance with internal procedures.

All staff should be encouraged to co-operate fully and to provide a prompt report of any suspicious transactions without fear of reprisal.

29.3 It is important that all dealers covered by this Code introduce adequate measures to ensure that staff members are fully aware of their responsibilities.
To strengthen the company’s position, the Commission strongly recommends that employees are requested to sign a confirmation document to indicate that they have read the Codes of Practice and any other requisite manual that the employee is expected to be familiar with etc.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 76 | P a g e 30.
STAFF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES 30.1 Timing and content of training for various sectors of staff will need to be adapted by individual companies suitable for their own needs.

It will also be necessary to make arrangements for refresher training at regular intervals, i.e.

at least annually to ensure that staff members remain current with their responsibilities.

30.2 The Commission hosts a number of AML training seminars each year for its registrants.
The following training guideline is recommended: 30.2.1 New employees 30.2.1-1 A basic training course on money laundering and terrorist financing, including relevant typologies and the subsequent need for reporting any suspicious transactions to the MLRO should be provided to all new employees within the first month of their employment.

This is particularly critical for persons who will be dealing with clients or their transactions, irrespective of the level of seniority.
They should be made aware that there is a legal requirement to report suspicion and that there is a personal statutory obligation in this respect.

They should also be provided with a copy of the written policies and procedures in place in the company for the reporting of suspicious transactions.
30.2.2 Frontline Staff that deal directly with the public for the purpose of receiving and making payments, deposits etc., such as cashiers/ accounts officers 30.2.2-1 Members of staff who are dealing directly with the public are the first point of contact with potential money launderers and their efforts are therefore vital to the organization’s reporting system for such transactions.
Training should be provided on factors that may give rise to suspicions and the procedures to be adopted when a transaction is deemed to be suspicious.

30.2.2-2 All frontline staff should be made aware of their financial institution’s policy for dealing with non-clients, including those that wish to conduct a transaction in relation to a client customer/client, particularly where large cash transactions, travelers’ cheques or postal money orders are involved.
They should be reminded of the need for extra vigilance in these instances.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 77 | P a g e 30.2.2-3 In addition to the above, further training should be provided regarding the need to verify a customer’s identity and client verification procedures.

All employees should be familiarized with the company’s suspicious transaction reporting procedures.
30.2.3 Administration/operations supervisors and managers 30.2.3-1 A higher level of instruction covering all aspects of money laundering procedures should be provided to those with the responsibility for supervising or managing staff in the foregoing categories.
This will include the offences and penalties arising from the POCA and the FTRA for non-reporting and for assisting money launderers; procedures relating to the service of production and restraint orders; internal reporting procedures; the requirements for verification of identity; the retention of records and disclosure of suspicious transaction reports under the FIUA (See website for a summary of these offences).
30.2.4 Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLRO) / Compliance Officers (CO) 30.2.4-1 In-depth training concerning all aspects of the legislation and internal policies will be required for the MLRO and the CO.

In addition, these officers will require extensive initial and on-going instruction on the validation, investigation and reporting of suspicious transactions and on the feedback arrangements as well as on new trends and patterns of criminal activity.
The Commission further recommends that companies should encourage holders of these positions to pursue and maintain domestic and/or international certification.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 78 | P a g e APPENDIX A SUMMARY OF AML/CFT LAWS OF THE BAHAMAS The Proceeds of Crime Act, 2018 The Proceeds of Crime Act (“POCA”) criminalizes money laundering related to the proceeds of drug trafficking and other serious crimes.
This Act also provides for the confiscation of the proceeds of drug trafficking or any relevant offence as described in the Schedule to the Act; the enforcement of confiscation orders and investigations into drug trafficking, ancillary offences related to drug trafficking and all other relevant offences.

The law requires persons to inform the FIU, the Police and other relevant agencies of any suspicious transactions that come to light during the course of their employment, trade or business activities.
The Act provides immunity to such persons from legal action by clients aggrieved by the breach of confidentiality.

It should be noted that the reporting of suspicious transactions is mandatory and a person who fails to report a suspicious transaction is liable to prosecution.
The Financial Transactions Reporting Act, 2018 The Financial Transactions Reporting Act (“FTRA”) imposes mandatory obligations on designated financial institutions to: verify the identity of existing and prospective customers and clients; maintain verification and transaction records for prescribed periods; and to report suspicious transactions, which involve the proceeds of criminal conduct as defined by the Proceed of Crime Act to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
This Act also establishes the Compliance Commission, an independent statutory authority which has responsibility for ensuring that designated financial institutions that are not otherwise regulated, comply with the provisions of the Act.

These are outlined in Section 32(2) of the Act.

The Act also provides for the Minister to designate a self- regulatory organization (SRO) for a profession, as the AML supervisor, on the recommendation of the Commission.
The Financial Transactions Reporting Regulations, 2018 The Financial Transactions Reporting Regulations, 2018 inter alia, sets out the evidence that financial institutions must obtain in satisfaction of any obligation to verify the identity of a client or customer.

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 79 | P a g e The Financial Intelligence Unit Act, 2000 The Financial Intelligence Unit Act, Ch.
367 establishes the FIU of The Bahamas which has power, inter alia, to receive, analyze and disseminate information which relates to or may relate to the proceeds of offences under the Proceed of Crime Act.

The Financial Intelligence (Transactions Reporting) Regulations, 2001 The Financial Intelligence (Transactions Reporting) Regulations, Ch.
367 requires financial institutions to establish and maintain identification, record-keeping, and internal reporting procedures, including the appointment of a MLRO and Compliance Officer.

These Regulations also require financial institutions to provide appropriate training for relevant employees to make them aware of the statutory provisions relating to money laundering and impose sanctions for failure to comply with Guidelines and Codes issued by the Regulators or the FIU.
The Anti-Terrorism Act, 2018 The Anti-Terrorism Act (“ATA”), criminalizes terrorist activities and the financing of terrorism and punishes offenders in or outside The Bahamas.

It also prohibits the collecting of funds for terrorist/criminal purposes.

Further, it makes persons responsible for the management or control of a legal entity that are involved with terrorist actions liable.
The Act imposes a duty to report any suspicion to the Commissioner of Police regarding funds to be used to facilitate terrorism.

The freezing of funds, forfeiture orders, sharing of forfeited funds and extradition that are related to terrorist movements are prescribed under the Act.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 80 | P a g e APPENDIX B SCHEDULE OF ADMINISTRATIVE MONETARY PENALTIES VIA THE FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS REPORTING ACT 2018 Offence Section Classification Amount of Amount of of Offence Penalty for Penalty for Financial Institution Individual Failure to conduct, document, update 5 Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.

or provide a risk assessment upon request to the Supervisory Authority.
Failure to identify a customer/client or 6 - 10 Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.

obtain any other requirements of the customer/client and beneficial owners for customer due diligence.

Establishing or maintaining an 6(4) Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.

anonymous account or an account in a fictious name.

Failure to fulfil the requirements of 11 Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.
Up to $50,000.

sections 5 – 9 and 14 and either opens an account or establishes a business relationship; carries out a transaction; or fails to terminate a business relationship.

Failure to apply enhanced customer 13 Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.

due diligence obligations with respect to customer/clients, beneficial owner.

Failure to establish a risk management 14 Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.
Up to $50,000.

system to determine whether a © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 81 | P a g e customer/client or beneficial owner is a politically exposed person.

Failure to maintain records with 15 Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.

respect to customer/clients or failure to provide such records in a timely basis when required by law.

Failure to maintain records in the 16 Minor Up to $50,000.

Up to $20,000.

manner as required.


Failure to destroy records after the 17 Serious Up to $125,000.

Up to $35,000.

expiry of 5 years from the date of the last transaction without reasonable cause.

Failure to develop and implement 19 Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.

procedures to prevent activities related to identified risks.

Failure to designate a compliance 20 Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.

officer.

Failure to implement internal controls 21 Very Serious Up to $200,000.
Up to $50,000.

with respect to a group of entities.

Failure to ensure compliance by a 23 Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.

foreign subsidiary or branch with respect to obligations and/or the application of appropriate additional measures.

Failure to adhere to the prohibition with 24 Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.

respect to establishing, operating or dealing with a shell bank domestically or internationally.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 82 | P a g e Failure to report suspicious 25 - 26 Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.

transaction(s).

Failure to register with the Compliance 33(1) Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.

Commission.

Failure to notify the Compliance 33(3)(a) Serious Up to $125,000.

Up to $35,000.

Commission of changes in registered office or principal place of business.
Failure to notify the Compliance 33(3)(b) Serious Up to $125,000.

Up to $35,000.

Commission of changes in beneficial ownership, director, partner, compliance officer or money laundering reporting officer.

Failure to produce any record, 34 Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.

information or explanation as required by the Compliance Commission.

Failure to comply with the Codes of 37 Very Serious Up to $200,000.

Up to $50,000.

Practice.


© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 83 | P a g e APPENDIX C DEALERS IN PRECIOUS METALS AND PRECIOUS STONES - TYPOLOGIES Source: APG Typologies Report 2018 - Japan Money launderers purchased precious metals by cash derived from theft.
They have conducted anonymous transactions and gave false information on customer identification (pretending to be another person or providing falsified identification documents when concluding sales contracts).

Source: APG Typologies Report 2010 - CHINESE TAIPEI Purchase of gold bullion from proceeds of fraud Mr. C withdrew cash from his account at Bank A in the sum of $43 million and $4.9 million in two days.
An investigation found that Mr. C used a forged land ownership certificate to sell a piece of land to Developer A and received three cheques of Bank A in the sum of $5.5 million, $60 million and $80 million respectively.

Mr. C deposited those cheques in an account at Bank A opened on the same day.

Besides making cash withdrawals, Mr. C wired $100 million into his account at Bank B and used the money to buy 110 kg in gold bullion.
Source: APG Typologies Report 2018 – United States Former Jeweler Faces Federal Money Laundering Charges for Pawning Diamonds Falsely Reported Stolen in 2004 U.S. Attorney’s Office October 03, 2014 Northern District of Alabama (205) 244-2001 BIRMINGHAM—Federal prosecutors today charged a Vestavia Hills man with money laundering for pawning a 3-carat diamond in 2013 that was among a cache of jewels he collected $2.6 million in insurance money on in 2004 after reporting them stolen in a Mountain Brook Jewelry store robbery.
U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Schwein Jr., U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Craig Caldwell, Vestavia Hills Police Chief Dan Rary and Mountain Brook Police Chief Ted Cook announced the charges against JOSEPH HAROLD GANDY.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office charged Gandy, 64, with one count of money laundering for pawning property worth more than $10,000 that he obtained through a criminal act, wire fraud, which he committed when he submitted an insurance claim on diamonds that had not been stolen.
Prosecutors also charged Gandy with © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 84 | P a g e one count of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms for the 99 weapons seized at his Vestavia Hills home in November 2013.

Gandy is prohibited from possessing weapons because of a 1989 federal mail fraud conviction.
The FBI recovered jewelry during the search of Gandy’s home and, as part of a plea agreement with the government, he also turned over a portion of the approximate $1.5 million worth of diamonds and jewelry he falsely reported stolen in 2004.

Among those jewels is a rare Blue Diamond worth at least $620,000.

“This defendant revealed decade-old criminal acts, and committed a new crime when he brought forth valuable, but fraudulently obtained diamonds to pawn,” Vance said.
“Thanks to the committed and cooperative efforts of the Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills police departments, the FBI and the Secret Service, Mr. Gandy avoided, but did not escape justice.” “This case illustrates the great cooperation among law enforcement at all levels,” Schwein said.

“I want to extend my personal appreciation to the Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook police departments, the U.S. Secret Service, and my agents for their outstanding work.
It was their diligent investigative efforts that brought this case to where it is today,” he said.

“I commend the cooperative between the FBI and our investigators,” Rary said.

“Interagency cooperation is essential in today’s environment, especially in complex investigations such as these.” Prosecutors filed the charges and the plea agreement with Gandy in U.S. District Court.
According to the plea agreement, Gandy’s crime unfolded as follows: Gandy was an owner and the operator of Denman-Crosby Jewelry Store in Mountain Brook in 2004.

In December of that year, he reported that two unidentified men robbed the store at gunpoint.

At the time, Denman-Crosby was promoting a loose diamond sale for Christmas.

It had many diamonds and other jewelry in on consignment from jewelers in New York and elsewhere.

The store carried a $2.6 million insurance policy.


Gandy had increased the coverage amount with XL Specialty Insurance Company a few weeks before the robbery.

In January and March of 2005, Gandy used interstate wire transmissions to submit insurance claims from the robbery.

He included a detailed inventory of jewelry worth about $2.8 million that he reported stolen.

XL Specialty paid the policy’s limit of $2.6 million.
In July 2013, Gandy began sending a friend to jewelry stores in Jefferson County to pawn diamonds he had reported stolen in 2004.

The first effort ended when the jeweler requested documentation on a 1.59-carat diamond, mounted in a platinum setting, and attempted to examine the stone closely.

The concern was that © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 85 | P a g e the diamond might bear a laser inscription useful in tracing its history.
Subsequently, Gandy examined 10 to 12 diamonds under a microscope and selected stones that bore no inscription.

On July 26, 2013, Gandy sent his friend to a Birmingham jewelry store to pawn a 3.01-carat emerald cut diamond he said was worth about $43,000.

Gandy said he wanted at least $15,000 for the stone.

The store accepted the diamond in exchange for a $12,000 loan.

The diamond was one Gandy reported stolen in the Denman-Crosby robbery.

He gave his friend $2,000 for making the transaction.
Between August and November of 2013, Gandy’s friend pawned two more diamonds: a 3.45-carat cushion- cut diamond for $8,000; and a 2.16-carat round diamond for $2,000.

Both stones were on the stolen inventory list Gandy provided the insurance company in 2005.

Gandy gave his friend $1,880 after receiving the $8,000 for the 3.45-carat diamond.

Gandy’s plea agreement is a “binding plea agreement” in which the government and Gandy stipulate that a 45-month prison sentence is appropriate.
If the court rejects the plea agreement, either party may declare it null and void.

As part of the agreement, the government would recommend Gandy be required to pay $20,000 in restitution to the jewelers where he pawned the diamonds, and that he forfeit to the U.S. government all the jewels seized and recovered in the case.

Vestavia Hills Police seized the 99 weapons at Gandy’s house and has state charges pending against him.

The city police are handling forfeiture of the firearms.
The government acknowledges in the plea agreement that it has no evidence or information to suggest Gandy is violent or has been engaged in previous violent behavior.

The agreement notes that Gandy, through his lawyer, related that, except for older firearms he bought before his 1989 conviction or that were passed down from his father and grandfather, the firearms at his house belonged to his son who died in 2004.
The FBI, Secret Service, Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook police departments investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney George A. Martin Jr. is prosecuting the case.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 86 | P a g e Source: APG Typologies Report 2013 - THAILAND Thai baht currency exchanged for foreign currencies used to buy gold The case involved the proceeds of drug trafficking in Thai baht being exchanged for foreign currency with money changers who also conducted a currency distribution business.
Steps in the laundering process included: 1) The money derived from drug trafficking was exchanged for foreign currency before being smuggled out of Thailand.

(Foreign currency can be taken out of Thailand, but must be declared at customs.)

2) The foreign currency originating from the drug trade deals was later used to buy gold.

3) When the gold was sold, the proceeds from the sale were treated as business income ‘in good faith’.
Source: AUSTRAC Typologies Report 2008 – Australia Bullion purchased with cash An investigation into money laundering and structuring offences was initiated by a STR received by AUSTRAC and subsequently forwarded to a law enforcement agency.

The primary suspect of the investigation was engaged in the purchase of approximately AUD180, 000 worth of silver, using cash in amounts under AUD10, 000.

The individual had also employed five other people to purchase silver in structured amounts on his behalf.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 87 | P a g e Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism Suspicious Indicators (Red Flags) for Dealers Customer and customer behavior: APPENDIX D  Checking identity is proving difficult  The customer is reluctant to provide details of their identity  There are no genuine reasons for paying large sums of money in cash.
 Cash payment is only mentioned by the customer at the conclusion of the transaction.

 Instruction on the form of payment changes suddenly just before the transaction goes through.

 The goods purchased and/or the payment arrangements are not consistent with normal practice for the type of customer concerned.

 A cash transaction is unusually large  The customer will not disclose the source of the cash.

 The explanation by the business and/or the amounts involved is not credible.
 The customer is buying from an unusual location in comparison to their locations.

 A series of transactions are structured just below the regulatory threshold for due diligence identity checks.

 The method of delivery is unusual, for example, a request for immediate delivery, delivery to an address other than the customers address or the loading of high volume / bulky goods immediately into the customers own transport.
 Transactions having no apparent purpose or which makes no obvious financial sense, or which seems to involve unnecessary complexity.

 Unnecessary routing of funds through third parties.

 Enquires about the business’s refund policy.

 Seeks a refund for spurious reasons.

 Seeks the repayment in the form of a cheque.

 Customer indiscriminately purchases merchandise without regard for value, size, or color.

 Purchases or sales that is unusual for client or supplier.
 Unusual payment methods, such as large amounts of cash, multiple or sequentially numbered money orders, traveler’s checks, or cashier's cheques, or payment from third parties.

 Attempts by client or supplier to maintain high degree of secrecy with respect to the transaction, such as request that normal business records not be kept.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 88 | P a g e  Customer is reluctant to provide adequate identification information when making a purchase.

 Transactions that appear to be structured to avoid reporting requirements.

 A customer orders item, pays for them in cash, cancels the order and then receives a large refund.
 A customer asking about the possibility of returning goods and obtaining a cheque (especially if the customer requests that cheque be written to a third party).

 Purchase appears to be beyond the means of the client based on his stated or known occupation or income.

 Customer may attempt to use a third party cheque or a third party credit card.

 Transaction lacks business sense.

 Purchases or sales that are not in conformity with standard industry practice.
© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 89 | P a g e APPENDIX E SUSPICIOUS TRANSACTION REPORT Completed forms should be forwarded by hand, facsimile or courier to the Financial Intelligence Unit, 3rd Floor Norfolk House, Frederick Street, P.O.

Box SB-50086 Nassau, The Bahamas.

Telephone No.

: (242) 356-9808 or (242) 356-6327, Facsimile No.


: (242) 322-5551 For Official Use Only FIU Reference Number: ...................................................................................... To: Financial Intelligence Unit – Fax: (242) 322-5551 Date: No.
of Pages: NB: Persons who report suspicious transactions are required, pursuant to section 25 of the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, 2018 to provide the Financial Intelligence Unit with the following information: [A] Disclosing Institution Disclosure Type: Proceeds of Crime  Report No.
: ......................................................................... Drug Trafficking Other   Type of Transaction: ........................................................... ............................................................................................ © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 90 | P a g e Name of Disclosing Institution: ................................................................................................................... Full Address: ..............................................................................................................................................
Sort Code: .................................................................................................................................................. Name of Person Handling Transaction: ..................................................................................................... Name of Money Laundering Reporting Officer/Contact Person: ................................................................
Direct Telephone No: ...................................... Fax: .................................................................................... E-mail Address: .......................................................................................................................................... [B] Subject(s) of Disclosure - Individual Full Name (Individual): .................................................................................................................... ……… Date and Place of Birth: .............................................................................................................................
Occupation:………………………………………… Full Address: ............................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................... ………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Telephone No.

(Work): .................................... Telephone No.
(Home): ..................................................... Fax: .................................................................. E-mail Address: ................................................................. © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 91 | P a g e [C] Subject(s) of Disclosure - Company Company Name:.........................................................................................................................................
Type of Business: ....................................................................................................................................... Full Address: ............................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... Telephone No.
: ................................................ Fax No.

: ............................................................................. E-mail Address: ..........................................................................................................................................

Identification Documents (e.g., certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, etc.
if available): ................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... [D] Beneficial Owner(s) (of the assets being the subject(s) of disclosure – if different from the subject(s) of disclosure above) Full Name: ..................................................................................................................................................
Date and Place of Birth (Individual): ...........................................................................................................
Type of Business/Occupation: .................................................................................................................... Full Address: ............................................................................................................................................... © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 92 | P a g e .................................................................................................................................................................... ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….


Telephone No.

(Work): .................................... Telephone No.

(Home): ..................................................... Fax: .................................................................. E-mail Address: ................................................................. [E] Authorised Signatories Information on authorised signatories and/or persons with power of attorney.
(List further persons in an annex in the same manner as required below) Full Name (Individual): ...............................................................................................................................

Date and Place of Birth (Individual): ...........................................................................................................
Occupation:: .................................................... ........................................................................................... Full Address: ............................................................................................................................................... …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. .................................................................................................................................................................... ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Telephone No.

(Work): .................................... Telephone No.
(Home): ..................................................... Fax: .................................................................. E-mail Address: ................................................................. © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 93 | P a g e [F] Intermediaries Full Name (Individual): ...............................................................................................................................
Occupation: ..................................................... ........................................................................................... Full Address: ............................................................................................................................................... Telephone No.

(Work): .................................... Telephone No.
(Home): ..................................................... Fax: .................................................................. E-mail Address: ................................................................. [G] Account Information/Activity Type of Account: (e.g., individual/joint, trust, loan, etc.):...........................................................................
Account number: ........................................................................................................................................
Date Opened: ............................................................................................................................................. Assets Held: ............................................................................................................................................... Other Accounts Held by any of the Parties Involved: ................................................................................. REASONS FOR SUSPICION Details of Sums Amount Debit or Credit Date Source Currency Arousing Suspicion Indicating Debit or Credit Source and Currency Used © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 94 | P a g e Please describe the details of the transaction(s) and the activity that promoted the report, giving reason for your suspicion and any steps that have already been taken (e.g., own investigations).
Include information on any third party(s) involved (e.g., payee, payer, deliverer of checks, stocks, guarantee beneficiary, guarantee surety, third party security creditors).

Please add continuation sheets as necessary.
Submitted By: _________________________________ Signature: _________________________________ You are asked to assist with completing the attached statistical analysis, which will help us to give you feedback – Thank you!

© 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 95 | P a g e APPENDIX F REFERENCES: 1.

The Wolfsberg Group Articles on Risk Assessment for Money Laundering https://www.wolfsberg-principles.com/publications/wolfsberg-standards 2.
FATF Guidance on the Risk-Based Approach for Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones http://www.fatf-gafi.org/ 3.

FATF Guidance on Politically Exposed Persons (Recommendations 12 and 22) http://www.fatf-gafi.org/ 4.

FATF listing of High-Risk Countries of Money Laundering or Terrorist Financing & Other Monitored jurisdictions http://www.fatf-gafi.org/ 5.
FATF Report /June 2013 Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Vulnerabilities of Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones http://www.fatf-gafi.org/ © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 96 | P a g e 1st Floor, Poinciana House, East Bay Street, P.O.

Box N-3017, Nassau, The Bahamas.

Telephone No: (242) 397- 4198 or (242) 604 - 4331 Fax No.
(242) 322-6968 © 2019 Compliance Commission- Dealers in Precious Metals and Precious Stones – All Rights Reserved 97 | P a g e