Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation Training Course

Introduction

Overview of FATF

• History and objectives of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
• Structure and membership, including key stakeholders for government
• Role in establishing global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) standards

Understanding FATF Recommendations

• Detailed review of the 40 FATF Recommendations
• Key concepts: Risk-Based Approach, Technical Compliance, and Effectiveness for government operations

Introduction to Mutual Evaluations

• Purpose and importance of mutual evaluations in ensuring compliance with AML/CFT standards for government entities
• Key stages in the mutual evaluation process, from preparation to final reporting

Preparing for a Mutual Evaluation

• Pre-evaluation activities and national coordination efforts
• Role of the national assessment team in coordinating and preparing for the evaluation
• Collecting and organizing relevant data and documentation for review

Assessing Technical Compliance

• Detailed explanation of technical compliance criteria and their application for government agencies
• Gathering evidence to support compliance assessment, including documentation and interviews

Effectiveness Assessment

• Understanding effectiveness ratings and their significance for government operations
• Evaluating outcomes: immediate outcomes and core issues related to AML/CFT measures

Planning and Conducting On-Site Visits

• Developing a comprehensive on-site visit plan, including scheduling and logistics
• Techniques for conducting effective interviews and data collection during visits
• Role-playing exercises and mock interviews to prepare evaluators and stakeholders

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engaging with government agencies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders for government compliance
• Ensuring cooperation and transparency throughout the evaluation process
• Addressing challenges and conflicts that may arise during stakeholder interactions

Drafting the Mutual Evaluation Report

• Structure and components of the mutual evaluation report, including executive summary, findings, and recommendations for government improvement
• Writing clear and concise findings to ensure actionable insights for government agencies

Review and Feedback Process

• FATF Plenary and the formal review process for government evaluations
• Addressing feedback and making necessary revisions to the report
• Ensuring the quality and accuracy of the final report through rigorous review

Follow-Up and Monitoring

• Understanding the follow-up process for addressing identified issues and recommendations for government entities
• Preparing for follow-up assessments and progress reports to demonstrate ongoing improvement
• Implementing recommendations and making strategic improvements in AML/CFT practices for government agencies

Continuous Improvement and Best Practices

• Learning from past evaluations to enhance future compliance efforts for government operations
• Sharing best practices and experiences among government agencies and international partners
• Developing action plans for ongoing compliance and effectiveness in AML/CFT measures for government entities

Advanced Analytical Techniques

• Data analysis and interpretation techniques for mutual evaluations, including statistical methods and qualitative assessments
• Using technology and tools for data management and reporting to enhance efficiency and accuracy for government agencies

Summary and Next Steps