Course Outline
Overview of the Common Reporting Standard and International Tax Transparency
- The evolution and objectives of the CRS and the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) framework
- Entities subject to reporting requirements: Reporting Financial Institutions and the boundaries of reportable accounts
- The relationship between the CRS and FATCA, highlighting areas of convergence and divergence in regulatory obligations
Legal & Regulatory Framework
- Models for jurisdictional adoption and governing instruments, including the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) and domestic law
- Updates to consolidated texts and amendments that influence due diligence protocols and reporting scope
- Regulatory requirements, compliance deadlines, and consequences for non-compliance
Due Diligence Fundamentals: Establishing Tax Residency
- Necessary records: self-certification forms and verifiable documentary evidence
- Procedures for searching indicia in both new and pre-existing accounts
- Enhanced due diligence methodologies and the utilization of Anti-Money Laundering/Know Your Customer (AML/KYC) data to ascertain tax residence
Implementing CRS: Client Onboarding, Data Management, and Infrastructure
- Incorporating CRS verification into client intake procedures and periodic review cycles
- Required reporting data elements and strategies for ensuring data integrity and retention standards
- Evaluating automation and third-party tools against manual processes; key considerations for service providers
FATCA Parallels and Comparative Best Practices
- Shared principles with FATCA regarding entity classification, reporting mechanisms, and the treatment of beneficiaries
- Distinctions to address, including scope variations, multilateral versus bilateral implementation structures, and jurisdictional differences
- Strategic alignment exercises: adapting existing FATCA controls to meet CRS compliance standards
Reporting, Information Exchange, and Audit Preparedness
- Standardized formats and transmission protocols for CRS reports, aligned with jurisdictional submission mandates
- Audit preparation and regulatory examination readiness: maintaining documentation, traceability, and proof of due diligence efforts
- Illustrative reporting workflows and reconciliation procedures
Risk Management, Governance, and Internal Controls
- Establishing governance structures, policy frameworks, and segregation of duties to support CRS compliance
- Staff training, quality assurance measures, and protocols for managing complex entities or exceptional account scenarios
- Corrective action plans and cross-jurisdictional coordination for addressing legacy account issues
Applied Workshops and Case Studies
- Workshop: Evaluating sample account documentation and self-certifications to determine reportability
- Workshop: Designing a data extraction and reporting checklist; generating a simulated CRS XML file
- Case study: Addressing complex entity structures, trusts, and controlling persons in accordance with CRS regulations
Conclusion and Future Actions
Requirements
- Proficiency in financial services or compliance operations
- Working knowledge of fundamental tax principles and customer intake procedures
- Previous exposure to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols is advantageous but not mandatory
Target Audience
- Compliance officers and legal counsel
- Personnel responsible for onboarding, KYC, and client due diligence
- Tax reporting and operational staff within financial institutions serving government mandates
Testimonials (4)
How to manage business financials
surprise mtileni - Hatima Holdings (Pty) ltd
Course - Learning Xero
Good communication, open for discussion, kept it interesting and engaging
Ahmet Keyman - Keytrade AG
Course - Management Accounting and Finance for Non-Finance Professionals
Experience of the trainer and his way of conveying the content
Roggli Marc - Bechtle Schweiz AG
Course - FinOps
The trainer did not leave a single minute unexploited! He was up a storm throughout every lesson and provided much material for whatever he dealt with.