EAG trains new assessors for its mutual evaluations

From 24-28 September 2018, EAG, jointly with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism of the Council of Europe (MONEYVAL), held an assessor training workshop in Moscow, Russian Federation. 43 prospective assessors (17 from EAG Member States) received training on the 2012 FATF Recommendations and the 2013 FATF Methodology.

Welcoming remarks to the participants came from Vladimir Nechayev, EAG Executive Secretary; Matthias Kloth, MONEYVAL Executive Secretary; Sergey Teterukov, FATF Secretariat Administrator; and Vladimir Glotov, Rosfinmonitoring Deputy Director.

Vladimir Glotov:

"The use of the new methodology for assessment purposes has been practiced for five years now, contributing to the accumulation of considerable experience. I'm very pleased that this workshop, organized jointly by the FATF, EAG and MONEYVAL, will be conducted with the use of the latest techniques and technologies, allowing you to acquire the most essential and important knowledge and skills.

I want to thank the International Training and Methodology Center for Financial Monitoring, which, as always, has made a significant contribution to the preparation and holding of the event. I also want to thank the trainers and teachers who found the time to make it to Moscow to make sure you get the most out of this workshop."

During the workshop, participants – through the use of various training formats, including teamwork and business games – shared experiences and best practices in preparing for the mutual evaluation.

After the workshop, international assessor Yehuda Schaffe (Israel) shared his experience with the Financial Security magazine. 

Yehuda Schaffer:

"The first thing one should pay attention to in preparing for the assessment is the collection and preparation of appropriate statistics. Typically, statistics, if collected, tend to fall short in terms of both depth and volume, often lacking input from required categories, etc.

Second, the preparation of all competent authorities for the mutual evaluation, in particular, training in standards and methodology. Each department should have 2-3 persons who are experts in these fields.  

Third, where it is not possible to provide statistics, one needs to prepare several examples of successful investigations, including from supervisors, etc., in support of the country's arguments about the effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime. In other words, collect as much material as possible of demonstrative and illustrative nature."

EAG would like to thank the Russian Federal Financial Monitoring Service (Rosfinmonitoring) and the International Training and Methodology Centre for Financial Monitoring (ITMCFM) for hosting the training. Moreover, EAG wishes to extend its gratitude to trainers, Mr. Matthias Kloth, Mr. Yehuda Shaffer, Mr. Richard Walker and Mr. Michael Stellini for their invaluable input.