Money Laundering and Financial Crime
The Money Laundering and Market Analysis section is the FINMA centre of competence for the prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorism. It serves as the point of contact for all areas of supervision. The section is responsible for the ongoing analysis of applicable anti-money laundering regulations and taking appropriate steps to amend these where necessary. It is also active internationally, for instance, participating in the work of the Swiss FATF delegation. The section is also responsible within FINMA for dealing with issues relating to financial crime, such as the financing of terrorism, organised crime, corruption, proliferation financing and embargo provisions. This may include participating in national coordinating committees.
In addition to its cross-cutting tasks, the Money Laundering and Market Analysis section also has supervisory functions. It is responsible for recognising and supervising self-regulatory organisations in accordance with Article 24 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. More specifically, this involves approval of any changes in the regulations and ongoing communication with self-regulatory organisations with regard to audits of affiliated financial intermediaries. The section is also responsible for authorising and supervising the remaining financial intermediaries (DSFIs) that are directly subject to FINMA supervision under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Market Analysis
Apart from its activities in combating money laundering, the Money Laundering and Market Analysis section consistently follows national and international regulatory developments in the Markets division, particularly in the collective investment schemes and asset management sectors. Specialists in this section assist the work being carried out on these areas at national and international level. The section thus participates in the work of the IOSCO Standing Committee 5 regarding investment management issues (hedge funds, ETF, etc.). In addition, this section is also responsible for preparing publications on the supervisory practices of the Markets division.