2023-08-08
The Central Bank of Kuwait issues comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) instructions requiring local banks, financing companies, and exchange companies to implement risk-based customer due diligence, appoint senior compliance officers, and report suspicious transactions to the Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit. These directives mandate board-approved internal policies, continuous staff training, and strict adherence to UN Security Council resolutions on terrorism and weapons of mass destruction proliferation financing. By superseding prior circulars, the framework standardizes identity verification, safe deposit box leasing procedures, virtual asset transactions, and high-risk jurisdiction management across all regulated financial entities.
16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT) A) Circular regarding the method of verifying the identities of the persons, who make deposit transactions into customers’ accounts with banks. B) Circular No. (2/BS, IBS/240/2009) concerning the procedures to be adopted when a customer applies for leasing, or renewing the contract of safe deposit boxes. C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. E) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies accompanying a copy of the Resolution No. (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws on Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. F) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies accompanying the Guidelines issued to the Entities concerned with Implementation of the Resolution No. (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws on Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. G) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies concerning the Form of Notification to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of the suspicious Transactions, and the Guide for filling in the Form, and the Paper of Guidelines that help identify the suspicious Translations. H) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies requiring them to post all Circular issued by Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) on their Websites. I) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies concerning the Approval by the Committee concerned with Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism of an electronic mail for the official Correspondence.
J) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies concerning the high-risk and non-cooperative Jurisdictions that Financial Action Task Force (FATF) identifies and provide updated data thereon, and the Way to deal with them. K) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies concerning a Typing Error in the Website Name of Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) in the Circular issued on 04/10/2015. L) Circular No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019 to all Local Banks concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) coming into effect from 16/06/2019 to replace the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 8/04/2014. N) Circular to all Local Banks dated 28/08/2019 further to the Circular dated 14/05/2019 regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) obligating banks to form a committee assigned to decide on reporting any suspicious transaction of money laundry/terror finance to Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU). O) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies issued 28/10/2019 attaching the mechanism to be followed for follow up on the Resolutions issued by Sanctions Committees in line with the Provisions of the Resolutions issued under No. (35) of 2019 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. Q) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies” issued 17/7/2023 concerning Virtual-Assets Transactions Procedures.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). A) Circular regarding the method of verifying the identities of the persons, who make deposit transactions into customers’ accounts with banks 1 THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR Thulqe’dah 01, 1424 H December 24, 2003 The Chairman, Circular to All Local Banks and Kuwait Finance House Further to Central Bank’s instructions No. (2/BS/92/2002) regarding the Combat of Money Laundering and Terror Financing Transactions, specifically the rules of article No. (7) thereof, and since we have come to know that some local banks do not verify the identities of the persons, who make deposit transactions into customers’ accounts, your bank is required to take the following actions in respect of all deposit transactions made to customers’ accounts with your bank:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). B) Circular No. (2/BS, IBS/240/2009) concerning the procedures to be adopted when a customer applies for leasing, or renewing the contract of safe deposit boxes. 2 THE GOVERNOR Rabi Al-Awal 19, 1430 H March 16, 2009 The Chairman, Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/240/2009) In line with the constant endeavor to cope with the developments relating to AML/CFT areas, we hereby emphasize that it is essential to comply with the Central Bank of Kuwait’s instructions regarding AML/CFT No. (2/BS/92/2002) dated 22/10/2002, and to Islamic banks No. (2/IBS/103/2003) dated 15/6/2003, concerning the services extended to customers, including the safe deposit boxes with your bank. In this context, your bank should take the following measures when any of the customers’ requests the lease of safe deposit boxes, or when existing customers request renewal of the safe deposit boxes lease agreements with you:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 3 THE GOVERNOR Ramadhan 14, 1434 H July 13, 2013 The Chairman, Circular to all Local Banks In light of law No. 106 of 2013(1) concerning Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) and its executive regulations, CBK board of directors in its meeting dated 23/07/2013 approved the attached instructions No. 2/BS/ IBS/308/2013 concerning Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism which shall come into force from 18/08/2013. These instructions shall supersede instructions No. 2/BS/92/2002 issued on 22/10/2002 to local traditional banks and instructions No. 2/IBS/ 103/2003 issued on 15/6/2003 to Islamic banks concerning anti money laundering and the financing of terrorism and amendments thereto. We would like to draw the attention that due diligence should be paid to all attached instructions and in particular the following pillars:
Conventional banks, Islamic banks and branches of the foreign banks. (1) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) dated 14.05.2019 under Item (L) hereof regarding Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) have been issued to replace the instructions previously issued on 32.07.2013 effective from 16.06.2019.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 4 Instructions issued to Local Banks under No. 2/BS/IBS/308/2013 concerning Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)(1) Introduction In light of the major changes and developments the world has witnessed recently which have material impacts on the regional and international economic conditions as well as the vast improvement in communication industry enabling swift money transfer and giving rise to new conditions for capital moves among various countries, financial crimes have become severe risks for all countries. The greatest of these financial crimes are the risks of Money laundering and Financing of Terrorism. All countries seek to apply policies and procedures that will enable them combat such crimes by all possible means due to the extremely severe impacts on their economies. Combating Money laundering and Financing of Terrorism is an international requirement called on all countries through the international community. This is because the damaging effects are not only on economic aspects but also on social and political arenas. For urging countries to exert more efforts and enhance required combating controls, Financial Activity Task Force “FATF” has recently issued amendment to international standards on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism to curb the developments of associated crimes and ensure compliance with any issued UN conventions for combating the financing of terrorism and fighting corruption and their impacts on institutions, individuals and organizations in any country. In light of the above, the State of Kuwait always tries to adopt policies and procedures to ensure serous and ongoing combat of the crimes associated with AML and terror financing and fighting corruption through laws, ministerial decisions and instructions issued in this regard. Accordingly Law No.(106) of 2013 concerning Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) and its executive regulations were issued. For the efforts exerted by CBK to confront these crimes and its belief in the significance of its role to protect the financial and banking system from risks of exposure to these crimes, within the framework of its ongoing follow up for confronting this phenomena with its highly adverse impacts and serious implications on the banking system since financial institutions and particularly banks are the most targeted by money launderers and terrorism financiers,
(1) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) dated 14.05.2019 under Item (L) hereof regarding Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) have been issued to replace the instructions previously issued on 32.07.2013 effective from 16.06.2019.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 5 and In light of implementing the provisions of law No. 106 of 2013 concerning Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) and its executive regulations and relevant ministerial resolutions, CBK has updated and amended the instructions thoroughly so that the instruction shall be based on weakness of the risks associated with money laundering and financing of terrorism and the significance of determining the appropriate procedures that must be complied with to ensure implementation of the appropriate instrument to fight and limit the adverse impacts resulting from thee operations. Therefore, local banks shall comply with the following: In implementing the stipulations of these instructions, the definitions stated in AML/CFT Law Article (1) as well as the definitions stated in the executive regulations of the said law shall be applied. First: Policies and Procedures
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 6 2. The policies, procedures and internal controls must be aligned with the size, nature and scope of the bank business and activities and must be approved by the board of directors. All local and foreign branches and subsidiaries of the banking group shall comply with these policies, procedures and internal controls. Mechanisms to exchange information and maintain its confidentiality must be put in place at the level of the banking group. Second: Risk Assessment
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 7 • Established business relationships with or in the countries stated in Item 3 B hereunder; • Politically exposed persons or his/ her connections; • Customers who possess huge assets or whose sources of income or properties are unclear. B. Country or geographic risk factors: • Countries identified by credible sources, such as mutual evaluation or detailed assessment reports or published follow-up reports, as not having adequate AML/CFT systems. • Countries identified by Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit as high risk countries; • Countries subject to sanctions, embargos or similar measures issued by, for example, the United Nations. • Countries identified by credible sources as having significant levels of Corruption or other criminal activity. • Countries or geographic areas identified by credible sources as providing funding or support for terrorist activities, or that have designated terrorist organizations operating within their country. C. Product, service, transaction or delivery channel risk factors: • Private banking. • Anonymous transactions (which may include cash). • Non-face-to-face business relationships or transactions for personal identification purposes. • Payment received from unknown or un-associated third parties 4. Simplified customer due diligence “CDD” measures may be applied in line with the results of risk assessment study provided that CBK prior approval is obtained while dealing, for example, with the following: A. Customer risk factors: • Financial institutions and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs)– where they are subject to requirements to combat money laundering and terrorist financing consistent with the FATF Recommendations, have effectively implemented those requirements, and are effectively supervised or monitored to ensure compliance with those requirements.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 8 • Companies listed on a stock exchange and subject to disclosure requirements (either by law or through stock exchange rules or enforceable means), which impose requirements to ensure adequate transparency of beneficial ownership. • Public administrations or enterprises. B. Product, service, transaction or delivery channel risk factors: • Financial products or services that provide appropriately defined and limited services to certain types of customers, so as to increase access for financial inclusion purposes. C. Country risk factors: • Countries identified by credible sources, such as mutual evaluation or detailed assessment reports, as having effective AML/CFT systems. • Countries identified by credible sources as having a low level of corruption or other criminal activity. 5. In identifying the basis of risk assessment under Item Second (1), banks should adopt the following measures to manage risks: A. Assessment of risk factors including:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 9 Third: Customer identification Requirements
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 10 A. Ask for information relevant to the customer; B. Refer to the available information on the customer; C. Refer to e-commerce databases for Politically Exposed Persons if available; 2. In case a bank finds that the beneficial owner is a politically exposed person, the bank shall apply the following additional due diligence measures: A. For foreign politically exposed person: • obtain senior management approval for establishing (or continuing, for existing customers) such business relationships; • take reasonable measures to establish the source of wealth and source of funds; and • conduct enhanced ongoing monitoring of the business relationship. B. For domestic politically exposed person or a person who is or has been entrusted with a prominent function by an international organization, the same measures referred to in (A) above are applied in cases of a higher risk business relationship with such persons. Fifth: Enhanced due diligence measures for high risk customers
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 11 C. obtaining Additional Information on the customer’s sources of wealth and funds; D. Reasoning the rationale behind the transactions executed or expected to be executed ; E. obtaining senior management approval for establishing (or continuing, for existing customers) such business relationships; F. Conducting enhanced ongoing monitoring of the customer transactions through enhancing monitoring measures and regularity as well as identifying transactions patterns that require additional examination. G. Taking into account that the first amount deposited for opening the customer account is transferred from another account opened under the customer’s name in a bank subject to similar enhanced due diligence measures. 4. Conducting ongoing enhanced due diligence measures on each stage; 5. Enhanced due diligence measures should include the following for business relationships that does not deal face to face for customer identification purposes: A. Authenticating the document as per relevant laws and procedures; B. Requesting any additional documents, setting the procedures that enable banks verify the customer identity or communicate with the customer;. Sixth: Simplified Due Diligence Measures for Low Risk Customers
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 12 2. Banks may not apply Simplified customers due diligence measures whenever there is a suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing, or where the customer is linked with businesses relationship in or with countries as stated in Para B of Item Second (3) above. Seventh: Identifying the beneficial owner
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 13 Eighth: Postponing verification process of the customer identity
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 14 Thirteenth: Outsourcing functions by a third party
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 15 3. In case the bank provides the service of “payable-through accounts”, the bank must be satisfied that the respondent bank has conducted CDD on the customers having direct access to accounts of the correspondent bank, and that it is able to provide relevant CDD information upon request to the correspondent bank. 4. All the requirements stated in Item XIV Para (2) above must be documented and applied to all cross- border correspondent banking relationships and similar relationships entered into before the enforcement of the law, the executive regulations and these instructions. Fifteenth: Approved policies and procedures for electronic transfer
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 16 6. Banks should take care not to bundle the cross-border wire transfers that are not routine in a batch file for transmission in cases where risks of money laundering and terrorism financing increase; 7. For cross-border wire transfers, banks processing an intermediary element of payment chains should retain wire transfer information including all originator and beneficiary information; 8. Where technical limitations prevent the required originator or beneficiary information accompanying a cross-border wire transfer from remaining with a related domestic wire transfer, a record should be kept, for at least five years, by the receiving intermediary bank of all the information received from the ordering bank or another intermediary bank. 9. Banks shall set effective risk-based policies and procedures for determining: A. Cases when to execute, reject, or suspend a wire transfer lacking required originator or required beneficiary information and consider reporting them to Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit; B. The appropriate follow-up action that may include restricting or terminating the business relationship. 10. For wire transfers, the responding bank should verify the identity of the beneficiary, if the identity has not been previously verified, and maintain this information in accordance with these instructions. Sixteenth: Suspicious Transactions Reporting
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 17 A. Developing products and new business practices including the technologies of providing new products and services. B. Using new or developing technologies for current and new products. Eighteenth: Business procedures and internal controls
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 18 obligations imposed under Law No. (106) of 2013 concerning Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, its executive regulations and these instructions; 7. On appointing their staff, banks shall identify integrity, experience and efficiency requirements and set the rules and measures for appropriate selection and qualifications to ensure that: A. Staff should have high efficiency level required for performing their functions. B. Staffshould have the proper integrity to undertake the activities of the bank. C. Potential conflict of interest, including the employee’s financial and technical background, should be considered. D. Persons, who have been accused or condemned of crimes including fraud, dishonesty or the like, must not be recruited. 8. The provisions of Item (7) above should be observed upon nominating the board members and recruiting the members of the executive and supervisory management and managers. Nineteenth: Record Keeping Requirements Banks shall maintain the following records: A. All documents obtained through the customer due diligence process (e.g., copies or records of official identification documents of the customer and beneficial owner, accounting files and business correspondence for at least five years after the business relationship is ended or the date of executing the transaction for a customer that has no business relationship with the bank. B. All records of domestic and international transactions already executed or attempted to be executed for a period of at least five years. Such records should are sufficiently detailed to verify enable reproducing the steps of each transaction. C. Copies of the reports/notices sent as well as related documents for a period of at least five years from the date of submitting the notices to Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit. D. Risk assessment study and any related information, if so required by CBK, for five years from the date of conducting or updating the assessment.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). C) Instructions No. (2/BS, IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). 19 Twentieth: Compliance with other decisions Banks should set the policies, procedures, rules and internal controls to ensure compliance with any decisions issued and related to Article 25 of Anti money laundering law No. 106 of 2013. Twenty First: Penalties and legal actions Penalties stipulated under Article 15 of Law No. 106 /2013 concerning anti money laundering and Financing of terrorism shall be applied to any bank that violates these instructions. 23/07/2013
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 20 THE MANAGER Shaban 22, 1435 H June 19, 2014 The General Manager, Circular to all Local Banks In the light of the provisions of Articles (12), (13) and (35) of the Law No. (106) of 2013 concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), Article (16) of the Executive Bylaws No. (37) of 2013 of the said law, and Item (Sixteen) of the Central Bank of Kuwait’s instructions No. (2BS, IBS/308/2013) on 23.07.2013, And whereas Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) initiated receiving reports of suspicious transactions, banks should provide their reports on the identified suspicious transactions to KFIU in sealed envelope of each report to ensure information confidentiality through the following address: Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit Complex of Ministries, Block 7, 3rd Floor State of Kuwait Kindly find attached the letter received from KFIU dated 12.06.2014 accompanying:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 21 Date: 12 June 2014 His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel The Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait Dear Sir, The provisions of Article (12) of the Law No. (106) of 2013 concerning AntiMoney Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) states that financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions shall report to Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) without delay any transaction or attempted transaction, regardless of the value thereof, if they suspect or have reasonable grounds to suspect that such transaction involves proceeds of crime or funds related or linked to or to be used for money laundering or terrorism financing. Article (13) of the said law states that financial institutions and designated nonfinancial businesses and professions, their directors and employees are prohibited from disclosing to a customer or any other person the fact that a report under the previous Article or any information related to the unit or to any money laundering or terrorism financing investigation. This shall not preclude disclosures or communications between and among directors and employees of the financial institution or designated non-financial business and profession, in addition to lawyers, competent authorities, and the public prosecution. Article (35) of the said law states that whoever deliberately or by gross negligence: A. fails to make a report under Article 12 or presents false statements of facts or conceals facts which should be disclosed; or B. discloses information to a third party in violation of Article (13), shall be punished by imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of no less than 5,000 Dinars and up to 500,000 Dinars, or by one of these two penalties. In the case where a legal person commits any of the offenses stated in (1) and (2), a fine of no less than 5,000 Dinars and up to 1 million Dinars shall be imposed The KFIU has developed a Suspicious Transaction Report Form to be used to file reports with the KFIU, along with a guide that assists financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions in filling out the form, and stipulates the manner and timing in which reports are to be filed. For each specific area identified in the form the guide elaborates on the type of information sought.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 22 KFIU also provided indicators that help the financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions identify the suspicious transactions. Therefore, kindly find attached the following for your information:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 23 Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit Suspicious Transaction Report Form for Banks The President of the Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit Address: Complex of Ministries, Block 7, 3rd Floor, State of Kuwait Please refer to the KFIU guide to complete suspicious transaction reports forms for banks when filling out this form. For KFIU use only Date of Receipt of Report KFIU Reference Number : I. Reporting Bank Name of the Bank: Branch: Address: Date of Disclosure: Name of the Compliance Officer: Direct Telephone Number: Mobile Number: Compliance Officer Email Address: Information about the substituting officer when the compliance officer is absent : Name: Direct Telephone Number: Mobile Number: Email: Position: Was a suspicious transaction report previously filed? Yes : Please provide KFIU reference number: No :
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 24 II. Suspicious Transaction Information Information about the Main Subject of the Report A. Subject is a natural person: Full Name: Other names: Date of Birth: Place of Birth: Gender: Male Female Marital Status: Married Unmarried Nationality: Occupation: Employer: Politically Exposed Person? Yes No Start date of the business relationship: Business Address: Residential Address: Telephone Number: Mobile phone Number: Email: Identification Number: Type of Identification: Identification Card : Please provide details: Passport/Travel Document : Please provide details: Other : Please provide details: B. Subject is a legal person: Company Name: Company Form: Type of Business: Country of Incorporation: Date of Incorporation: Commercial Registration Number: Start date of the business relationship: Address: Telephone Number: Email: Managing Entity Information: Name: Person's Name (if other names exist): Gender: Male Female Marital Status: Married Unmarried Date of Birth:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 25 Place of Birth: Nationality: Occupation: Employer: Politically Exposed Person? Yes No Business Address: Residential Address: Telephone Number: Email: Identification Number: Type of Identification: Identification Card : Please provide details Passport/Travel Document : Please provide details Other : Please provide details C. Information about subject with signing authority: Name: Person's Name (if other names exist): Gender: Male Female Marital Status: Married Unmarried Date of Birth: Place of Birth: Nationality: Occupation: Employer: Politically Exposed Person? Yes No Business Address: Residential Address: Telephone Number: Email: Identification Number: Type of Identification: Identification Card : Please provide details Passport/Travel Document : Please provide details Other : Please provide details D. Beneficial Owner Information: Name: Person's Name (if other names exist): Gender: Male Female
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 26 Marital Status: Married Unmarried Date of Birth: Place of Birth: Nationality: Occupation: Employer: Politically Exposed Person? Yes No Business Address: Residential Address: Telephone Number: Email: Identification Number: Type of Identification: Identification Card : Please provide details Passport/Travel Document : Please provide details Other : Please provide details Details of Account 1: Name of the accountholder: Account Number: Account Type: Date Account was Opened: Date Account was Closed: Balance of Account: Balance Date: Total Debit Activity during Suspicion Period: Total Credit Activity during Suspicion Period: General Description of Account Use: Main Economic Partners dealing with the Subject Account:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 27 Details of Account 2: Name of the accountholder: Account Number: Account Type: Date Account was Opened: Date Account was Closed: Balance of Account: Balance Date: Total Debit Activity during Suspicion Period: Total Credit Activity during Suspicion Period: General Description of Account Use: Main Economic Partners dealing with the Subject Account: Details of Account 3: Name of the accountholder: Account Number: Account Type: Date Account was Opened: Date Account was Closed: Balance of Account: Balance Date: Total Debit Activity during Suspicion Period: Total Credit Activity during Suspicion Period: General Description of Account Use: Main Economic Partners dealing with the Subject Account:
III. Suspicious Transaction Details Transaction 1: Transaction Type: Transaction Date: Transaction Status: Transaction Purpose: Currency in which transaction was carried out: Amount transacted: Name of Originator: Originator Account Number or Transaction Number: Name of the Beneficial Owner:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 28 Beneficial Owner Account Number (if available): Name of Receiver: Receiver’s Account Number: Country of the Receiver: Transaction 2: Transaction Type: Transaction Date: Transaction Status: Transaction Purpose: Currency in which transaction was carried out: Amount transacted: Name of Originator: Originator Account Number or Transaction Number: Name of the Beneficial Owner: Beneficial Owner Account Number (if available): Name of Receiver: Receiver’s Account Number: Country of the Receiver: Transaction 3: Transaction Type: Transaction Date: Transaction Status: Transaction Purpose: Currency in which transaction was carried out: Amount transacted: Name of Originator: Originator Account Number or Transaction Number: Name of the Beneficial Owner: Beneficial Owner Account Number (if available): Name of Receiver: Receiver’s Account Number: Country of the Receiver:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 29 IV. Detailed Description of Reason for Reporting V. Measures taken by the Entity Circumstances surrounding the detection of the suspicious transaction: Internal procedures taken before reporting: Measures taken in relation to the client after reporting: VI. Documents Annexed to the Report
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 30 Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit KFIU Guide to Complete Suspicious Transaction Report Form for Financial Institutions and Designated Non-financial Businesses and Professions Article 12 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Law No. (106) of 2013 (AML/CFT Law) requires financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions to report to the KFIU transactions or attempted transactions, irrespective of their value, in relation to which there is a suspicion or reasonable grounds to suspect that such transaction involves proceeds of crime or funds related or linked to or to be used for money laundering or terrorism financing. Article 13 of the Law states that financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions, their directors and employees are prohibited from disclosing to a customer or any other person the fact that a suspicious transaction report or any information related to such a report has been submitted to the KFIU under the previous article, or that a money laundering or terrorism financing investigation is being carried out. This does not preclude disclosures or communications between the directors, employees and users of the financial institution or designated non-financial businesses and professions, legal counsels, competent authorities and public prosecution. Whoever deliberately or by gross negligence: A. Fails to make a report under Article 12 or presents false data or information or conceals facts which should be disclosed, B. Discloses information to a third party in violation of Article 13, shall, under Article 35, be punished by imprisonment for up to three years, and fine of no less than 5,000 Dinars and up to 500,000 Dinars, or by one of these two sanctions. In the case where a legal person commits any of the offenses stated in (1) and (2), a fine of no less than 5,000 Dinars and up to 1 million Dinars shall be imposed. The KFIU has developed a Suspicious Transaction Report Form to be used to file reports with the KFIU. This Guide shall assist financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions in filling out the form, and stipulates the manner and timing in which reports are to be filed. For each specific area identified in the form the guide elaborates on the type of information sought.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 31 Both the Suspicious Transaction Report Forms and this guide can be found on the homepage of the KFIU at: www.kwfiu.gov.kw General Information on Manner of Reporting Suspicious Transaction Reports shall be filed through use of the Suspicious Transaction Report Forms. A separate form was developed for financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions in Kuwait, taking into account its specific features. Reports should be submitted to the KFIU no later than two working days after the suspicions has arisen or there is reasonable grounds to suspect that a transaction involves proceeds of crime or funds that are related to or to be used for money laundering or terrorism financing according to Article 16 of the Executive Regulation of Law No. 106 of 2013. In such cases, a suspicious transaction report should be made to the KFIU providing as much detail as possible and indicating the grounds for the suspicion and supporting information. Completed forms should be forwarded to the chairman of the KFIU in a special and secret envelope and handed to the chairman’s office. Ministries Complex, Bock 7, 3rd Floor, State of Kuwait Filling out the Suspicious Transaction Report Form Typed forms are preferred over handwritten reports, as the latter may cause delays in transcription. If requested information is not available, leave relevant fields blank. If the fields provided are not sufficient to indicate all relevant information, please copy and paste relevant fields in the form to create additional space. For example, if one subject has more than one bank account, copy the questions relevant to “subject bank account” and paste them further down in the same cell. I. Reporting Institution Information: Information on the reporting institution is crucial, as any analysis or request of information taken by the KFIU based on the submitted report may require the production of records, data or other available information. The information provided herein identifies the institution that any subsequent production orders or other provisional measures will be served upon. Name of Reporting Institution: as registered with the regulating supervisory authority. Branch office: name of the branch office from which the report originates (if any).
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 32 Address: address of the reporting institution. Date of Disclosure: Date on which the report is submitted to the KFIU. Note that the KFIU must be provided with contact information for the compliance officer or a person who shall replace him in his absence within the institution and who is familiar with the submitted report and the transactions described therein. If necessary, contact information may also be provided for a second point of contact. Such a necessity may arise if, for example, contact person 1 is going to be on leave or otherwise unavailable for follow-up questions shortly after submission of the report to the KFIU. If submitting an update to a previously submitted report, the KFIU reference number provided to the reporting institution with respect to the previous report should be indicated. II. Suspicious Transaction Information Subject of Report: The subject of a report is the natural or legal person on whom you wish to report. The form provides for up to three subjects. For each subject, indicate whether you think that a person is the main subject or an associate subject of suspicious transaction. If there are more than three subjects, please copy and paste the relevant cells to create more writing space. For each subject, either fill out the section “subject is a natural person” or “subject is a legal person”, depending on whether the subject is an individual or a company or other legal entity. For subjects that are legal persons, information has to be provided not only on the legal entity itself, but also on natural persons associated with the legal entity, such as directors and beneficial owners of the legal entity. For all subjects, beneficial owners, directors etc., it is important that full names are indicated in the form according to identification data therein. Subject is a natural person: Full Name & Title: Name of the natural person as per the identification documentation should be mentioned. Date of Birth: Date of birth of the subject. Place of Birth: Place of birth of the subject, including city and country. Nationality: All nationalities held by the subject. Occupation: Current occupation, as well as other information on subject’s professional status, for example “retired”. Information may include any previous occupations held.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 33 Politically Exposed Person: Please refer to the definition of “politically exposed person” as provided in the Executive Regulation of the AML/CFT Law. Date of Commencing Business Relationship: It is the date of opening account or establishing the business relationship. Business Address: Include all business addresses of the subject. Residential Address: Include all residential addresses of the subject. Phone Number: Include all up-to-date phone numbers of the subject that your institution can provide, and indicate which type (work, home and cell phone numbers). Previous phone numbers of the subject may be requested by the KFIU at a later stage. Email: Include all up-to-date email addresses of the subject and identify which type (work or private). Previous email addresses of the subject that are known to your institution may be requested by the KFIU at a later stage. ID Number: The number appearing as per the identification documentation. Subject is a legal person: Commercial Name: The name of the legal person as per the identification documentation should be mentioned. Company Form: Indicate the legal form of the company, for example joint liability company, limited liability company, partnership, or any other company form under the Article of Association. Type of Business: Indicate the business activity of the company, as indicated in the Article of Association or other official documents. If your relationship with the company revealed any other or additional business activities than those indicated in the official company documents, please indicate those as well. Company Address: Indicate all known company addresses, including headquarters and other business office addresses deemed necessary by your institution. Country of Incorporation: Indicate the jurisdiction under which law the company was established. Date of Incorporation: Indicate the date of the company’s incorporation as evidenced by the commercial register excerpt or similar official documents. Registration Number: Indicate the company registration number of the commercial register, if known.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 34 Address: All known addresses of the legal person must be indicated, including the head office and any addresses of other branches and offices that the party submitting the notification deems important to include. Business Relationship Start Date: The date on which the account was opened or the transaction was established. Phone Number: Include all up-to-date phone numbers of the subject that were given to your institution, and indicate which type (work, home and cell phone numbers). Previous phone numbers of the subject that are known to your institution may be requested by the KFIU at a later stage. Email: Include all up-to-date email addresses of the subject and identify which type (work or private). Previous email addresses of the subject that are known to your institution may be requested by the KFIU at a later stage. Name of Company Director: Indicate the full name of the company director. If there is more than one director, copy the relevant questions and paste them directly underneath “email of company director” to provide for more writing space. Address of Company Director: Indicate all known addresses of the company director, and indicate the type (home, work etc.) Phone Number of Company Director: Include all phone numbers of the company director that were given to your institution, and indicate which type (work, home and cell phone numbers). Previous phone numbers of the subject that are known to your institution may be requested by the KFIU at a later stage. Email of Company Director: Include all email addresses of the company director that have been given to your institution, and identify which type (work or private). Previous email addresses of the subject that are known to your institution may be requested by the KFIU at a later stage. Name of Beneficial Owner: Indicate the full name of the company’s beneficial owner. The term “beneficial owner” is defined in Article 1 of the AML/CFT law as “any natural person who ultimately owns or exercises direct or indirect control over a customer or the person on whose behalf a transaction is being conducted. It also includes those persons who ultimately exercise effective control over a legal person or legal arrangement”. If the company has more than one beneficial owner, the relevant information must be provided for each beneficial owner. In such cases, please copy the relevant questions and paste them directly underneath the section on “identification details for the beneficial owner” for additional writing space.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 35 Address of Beneficial Owner: Indicate all known addresses of the beneficial owner, and indicate the type (home, work etc.). Nationality of Beneficial Owner: Indicate all nationalities of the beneficial owner. Date of Birth of Beneficial Owner: Date of birth of the beneficial owner. Place of Birth of Beneficial Owner: Place of birth of the beneficial owner, including city and country. Occupation of Beneficial Owner: Current occupation, as well as other information of the beneficial owner’s professional status, for example “retired”. Information may include any previous occupations held. Politically Exposed Person: Please refer to the definition of “politically exposed person” as provided in the Executive Regulation of the AML/CFT Law. The term describes a person who may be or recently did act in the political arena of any country, including Kuwait, or who has held a senior administrative position in such an area previously. The form should indicate for each beneficial owner whether he falls under the definition. Subject Account Details: Information on the subject’s accounts should be provided regardless of whether or not the account was actually involved in the transaction which gives rise to your suspicion and the submission of this report. In case the report will result in an investigation, it will be important for investigators to determine the financial background of the suspect, so as to identify, trace, and if necessary, seize and freeze the proceeds of crime. Reason for Associating this Subject with Main Subject (for use only with associate subject details): In cases where the subject is indicated as “associate subject”, please describe the reasons for suspecting that the subject is associated with main subject. Name in which Account is Held: Indicate the full name in which the account is held. Account Number: Indicate the full account number. Type of Account: Indicate name of account. Rights to Account: Includes holders of joint account, trustees, proxies or beneficial owners. Date of Establishment of Business Relationship: Practically the date of establishment of the business relationship with the customer.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 36 Information on Relationship: Number of opened accounts, facilities and services provided to the customer. Date Account was Opened: Indicate the date that the business was established with your institution. This assists in determining whether the subject has had a long term or short term relationship with the institution, and to identify the amount of documentation that may be expected to be held. Date Account was Closed: Indicate the date that the business relationship with the subject ended if it happened. Balance of Account: Indicate the balance of the account at the time of submission of the report. Balance Date: Indicate the date on which the account balance above was determined. Number of Transactions of Debtor Account during Suspicion: Indicate total number of transactions made on the account during the suspicion Number of Transactions of Creditor Account during Suspicion: Indicate total number of transactions made on the account during the suspicion III. Suspicious Transaction Details: The form provides for information on up to three directly related suspicious transactions. Suspicious transactions are considered to be directly related if the reporting institutions suspect that they are carried out for the same general purpose, and/or by or on behalf of the same main or associate subject. If needed, the relevant sections can be copied and pasted at the end of the document to provide for information on more than three transactions. In case of doubt, we would advise that separate reports are filed on suspicious transactions that are not clearly related to each other. Transaction Status: Information on whether the transaction was carried out, attempted, postponed, delayed or canceled. Transaction Type: Indicate the type of transaction that gave rise to your suspicion, for example an occasional transaction, deposit, wire transfer, cashing of checks etc. and whether the transaction was a credit or debit transaction. Transaction Date: Indicate the date on which the suspicious transaction was made. Currency in which transaction was carried out: Indicate the currency in which the transaction was carried out.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 37 Amount transacted: Indicate the amount transacted and whether the transaction related to debit or credit Name of Originator: Indicate the full name of the natural or legal person from whose account the suspicious transaction originated. Originator Account or Transaction Number: Indicate the full account number of the originator of the suspicious transaction. In cases where no account was involved, indicate an identification number for the transaction (check number, credit card number etc.) Name of beneficial owner: Indicate the full name of the beneficial owner Account Number of beneficial owner: Indicate the full account number of the beneficial owner, if available Name of Receiver: Indicate the full name of the natural or legal person who was the recipient of the suspicious transaction. Receiver’s Account Number: Indicate the full account number of the recipient of the suspicious transaction, if available. Name and Sort Code of receiving institution: Indicate the name and sort code of the recipients’ account that was involved in the suspicious transaction, if available. IV. Detailed Description of Reason for Reporting: This section is the most important part of the submission, as it should describe in great detail the suspicious transaction(s) or accounts. It should also describe the volume, sequence, links, originators, and beneficial owners of such transactions, as well as indicators that apply to the transaction, including those related to the characteristics of a given transaction, series of transactions, or information on the customer or beneficial owner and their involvement in a criminal activity, doubtful behavior or unknown economic activity which is not substantiated by available information. Information on suspicious transactions, customers or accounts, whether it has been collected at the beginning of the business relationship, upon request for evidence, update or confirmation, or to verify information or the existence of unusual transactions or behaviors, or in an attempt to provide inaccurate information or documents shall be deemed necessary for the subsequent analysis and for the suspicion of the reporting institution and the filing of this report. Information must be provided on the source and purpose of these funds and whether they are related to proceeds of crime or to terrorism financing, as well as information on such proceeds or crimes. In the case where the report is about a customer who is already the subject of another report, or is a beneficial owner, associate or partner of another customer who is, himself, the subject of a previous report,
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 38 or when there is any further information that can be useful to analyze the report, relevant information should be indicated in this section. Reporting institutions should remember that officers of the KFIU do not have access to client files and a working knowledge of the client’s business. An overview of the type of business being conducted for the client and the client’s business portfolio will thus be helpful for the KFIU’s analysis. Reporting institutions should also remember that they are required to submit reports without any delay as soon as suspicion has arisen, and not seek to prove the occurrence of a predicate offense, money laundering or terrorism financing. V. Measures taken by Reporting Institution: This section is dedicated to the following topics:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 39 VI. Documents Annexed to the Report Please list all documents that are provided together with the Suspicious Transaction Report Form, such as for example transaction records, account statements, identification documents for customers and beneficial owners, contracts to open accounts, as well as documents used to verify their identity, as well as correspondence with them. Reporting institutions are encouraged to provide as much documentation as possible to substantiate the information provided in this form.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 40 Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit Banking Sector Relevant Indicators A suspicious transaction may involve several factors that may on their own seem insignificant, but when analyzed may raise suspicion that it involves proceeds of crime or funds related or linked to or to be used for money laundering or terrorism financing. A suspicious transaction report should be filed when a transaction or a group of transactions raise questions or apprehension or give rise to discomfort or lack of understanding of the transaction purpose or the nature of account transactions. The context in which a transaction occurs is a significant factor in assessing suspicion. This will vary from business to business and from one client to another. The bank and its employees should evaluate transactions in terms of what seems appropriate and is within normal practices in its particular line of business, and based on its knowledge of the client. The fact that transactions do not appear to be in keeping with normal industry practices may be a relevant factor for determining whether there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the transactions are related to money laundering or terrorist activity financing. Blanket explanations provided by the client (contracting party or beneficial owner) regarding the background of transactions in need of clarification are not sufficient as not every explanation provided by the client can be accepted at face value. Banks must verify the plausibility of every explanation provided to the extent possible. If the transaction is understandable and is not a source of discomfort, this should be documented accordingly. If the clarifications indicate that the transactions or fact patterns are suspicious, the reporting obligation pursuant to article 12 of the AML/CFT law is triggered. In all cases, an assessment of suspicion should be based on a reasonable evaluation of relevant factors, including the knowledge of the client’s business, financial history, background and behavior. Also, it could be the consideration of many factors—not just one factor—that will lead to a conclusion that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a transaction may be connected to money laundering or terrorism financing. All circumstances surrounding a transaction should be reviewed. The following indicators may be helpful in determining whether or not a transaction is suspicious. By themselves, the individual criteria may not trigger a suspicion and trigger the reporting obligation under Article 12 of the AML/CFT Law. But the coincidence of several criteria and/or the lack of plausible explanations may indicate a suspicion and thus trigger the reporting obligation.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 41 The following list of indicators is not exhaustive: General Indicators:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 42 16. The client evade from or reject the Bank's attempts to contact him personally. 17. The client refuses to receive any documents sent by the Bank to his residence address. 18. The commercial relations with legal entities are unlisted within the public records or official databases and for which official certificates were not able to be obtained. 19. Upon conducting personal discussions, the client always comes with a person whose function or role is not clear but plays an active role in forming the business relationship. 20. The client gives contact details that do not match the contact details of his permanent residence address (address, phone number). 21. Transactions of a major project for which the client states that financing thereof is secured by unidentified investors. 22. The client requests to exceed the usual limit. 23. Closing accounts and opening new accounts in the name of the client or in the name of other persons related to him. 24. The client appears to have accounts in different financial institutions in one geographic area without a clear economic need. 25. The client requests receipts for cash withdrawals or delivery of securities which were never conducted or were directly followed by the deposit of such assets in the same bank. 26. The client requests the execution of payment orders giving incorrect details about the destination of the transfer. 27. The client requests to transfer some payments through the Bank's accounts instead of his own accounts. 28. The client requests accepting or registering guarantee for the loan in the accounts contrary to the economic reality, or requests a loan from the bank against a fictitious guarantee in the account. 29. Any indicators that may refer to acts performed by the client which are subject to sanctions under the Law in the State of Kuwait or other countries. 30. The client admits, speaks about, or is known for involvement in, criminal activities. 31. The client shows unusual curiosity about the procedures, monitoring systems and internal policies.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 43 32. The client elaborates the justification or explanation of the transaction or exaggerates in providing the documents proving their validity. 33. The client shows tension that is inconsistent with the nature of the transaction. 34. The client tries to establish a close relationship with the bank staff. 35. The client uses fictitious names and several similar addresses but different. 36. The client offers money, rewards, or unusual services to insure services that may appear unusual or suspicious. 37. The client does not have a job but often performs large transactions or maintains high account movement. 38. The client maintains a high credit card balance. 39. The client visits his safe deposit box immediately before making cash deposits. 40. Client requests debit cards and credit cards to be sent to international or local addresses other than his own address. 41. The client has multiple accounts and deposit cash funds in each account together constituting huge balance. 42. The client often make depositing transactions in an account of another person, who is not an employer or a family member. 43. The client's visits to own his safety deposit box become more frequent in an unusual manner compared to his previous visits. 44. Third parties pay in cash or cheque deposits in the client's credit card account. 45. The client has many recurrent deposit transactions that are explained as "proceeds from the sales of asset" but such assets cannot be identified. 46. The client is known for the acquisition of many assets and quick liquidation thereof without any reason. 47. The client is known for possession of many assets with different mortgages, without any logical economic explanation. Specific Indicators: A. Client Related Due Diligence Procedures:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 44 2. The client submits incorrect, false, modified or inaccurate personal documents. 3. The client refuses or hesitates to provide personal documents. 4. The client submits copies of his personal documents without providing the original documents. 5. The client requests the bank to determine his identity based on documents other than his personal documents. 6. The client's personal documents do not include important details such as the phone number. 7. The client significantly delays filing the company's documents. 8. All the documents are submitted in a foreign language or could not be verified for any reason. 9. All the submitted personal documents appear to be new or recently issued. 10. The client does not cooperate in determining and identifying the beneficial owner in accordance with Article (5) of the Law. B. Cash Transactions:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 45 10. The client's occupation according to his statement does not appear to be consistent with the level or type of the activity (e.g. a student or an unemployed person making cash deposits/ withdrawals in a number of branches within a large geographical area). 11. The client withdraws large amounts of cash without performing deposits in the same period. 12. The client requests to transfer money amounts abroad without a clear logical justification for such transfer. C. Bank Accounts:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 46 13. Regular transfers of huge amounts abroad with the client giving instructions to pay the amount in cash to the beneficiary. 14. Depositing funds in several accounts which are consolidated into one account and transferring the amounts abroad. 15. A big number of different persons conduct various deposits to one account. 16. Early repayment of a loan or undue installments. 17. Using false name or numbered account to make commercial transactions for commercial or industrial projects. 18. The client carries out multiple transactions on the same day and at the same branch, but with different employees, or go to branches in remote areas. 19. The client requests to open multiple accounts without justification. D. Foreign Translations related to Commercial Activities:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). D) Circular concerning the Form of Report to Kuwait Intelligence Unit (KIU) of Suspicious Transactions with Banks, and the Guide for filling out the Form, and the Indicators that help identify the suspicious Translations with Banks. 47 11. Unjustified electronic transfers by a client to swiftly move funds from one account to another. 12. The use of letters of guarantee and other means of commercial finance for the transfer of funds between countries while such an activity is not consistent with the business activity of the client. E. Terrorism Financing Indicators:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). E) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies accompanying a copy of the Resolution No. (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws on Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. 48 THE GOVERNOR August 31, 2014 The Chairman, “Circular to all Local banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies”1 Attached is a copy of the Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism, which was published in the Official Gazette on 08/04/2014, effective as of the date of publication.2 We meanwhile stress the following:
1 Circular dated 28/08/2019 included under Item (M) of this Chapter was issued to replace this Resolution. 2 Circular dated 21/09/2014 accompanying the Guidelines issued to Entities addressed and required to implement the Requirements of the mentioned Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 included under Item (F) hereof.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). E) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies accompanying a copy of the Resolution No. (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws on Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. 49
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). E) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies accompanying a copy of the Resolution No. (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws on Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. 50 Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 Concerning the Executive Bylaws for Implementation the Security Council Resolutions Issued by Virtue of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter Concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism(1) The Council of Ministers Having perused:
(1) This Resolutions has been published in the Official Gazette, attachment to Edition 1178, the 60th year on Tuesday, Jumada Alakhira 08, 1435 H corresponding to April 18, 2014.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). E) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies accompanying a copy of the Resolution No. (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws on Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. 51 Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Kuwait, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, Public Prosecution, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, General Administration of Customs, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Or any other entity specified by the Chairman. 2. The Committee Chairman shall appoint a secretary, forward invitations to hold committee meetings, document minutes of meetings, and file/maintain committee records and resolutions. 3. The Committee’s mandate includes all tasks indicated by the law or these executive regulations. Furthermore, it shall carry out the following tasks:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). E) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies accompanying a copy of the Resolution No. (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws on Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. 52
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). E) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies accompanying a copy of the Resolution No. (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws on Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. 53 Article (4) No person may make available funds nor provide financial services or other related services, either directly or indirectly, wholly or in partnership, to or for the benefit of any person, group, or entity virtue of Article (3) unless sanctioned by provisions of Chapter Four of this resolution. Article (5) Any concerned natural or legal person shall notify the concerned committee within 3 days as of date of imposing a freeze by virtue of Article (3). In addition to the requirements stated in the above paragraph, financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions shall implement the following procedures: a. Notifying the concerned committee immediately upon discovering or suspecting that a customer, previous customer, or any person being or have been dealt with falls within the persons, groups, or entities indicated in Article (3). b. Providing information on the status of funds and any actions or measures taken with regard thereto, and on the nature and volume of funds subject to a freeze, as well as any other information either relevant to or which may facilitate compliance with this Resolution. c. Cooperating with the concerned committee towards verifying the accuracy of information provided. The concerned committee shall forward the information it receives by virtue of this article to concerned entities for appropriate action. Article (6) The concerned committee may, upon request of an interested person/party, amend or waive a freeze action virtue of Article (3), paragraph 1 (a), if it is ascertained that this article is not applicable to the funds subject to the freeze, provided that such action is published in the Official Gazette and the person/party affected by the freeze is notified in line with procedures specifies in Article (11). Should the concerned committee decide to keep the freeze virtue of this article, the applicant shall have the right to file a petition to the Chief Justice of the Court of the First Instance, or a person authorized by them, within thirty days of date of receipt of the notification.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). E) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies accompanying a copy of the Resolution No. (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws on Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. 54 The freeze may not be changed or lifted by virtue of Article (3), paragraph 1 (b) by the concerned committee or Chief Justice of the Court of the First Instance, unless sanctioned by Chapter Four of this resolution. The concerned committee may, upon its own accord or upon the request of any concerned person/party, decide not to apply any given freeze measure in line with Article (3), paragraph 1 (b), on grounds that the person, group, or entity subject to the freeze is not the person, group, or entity named by the UN Sanctions Committee. Article (7) Criminal, administrative, and civil liability shall be waived where persons/parties, in good faith, impose a freeze of funds or refuse to allow disposal of such funds and refuse to provide financial services in implementation of provisions of this resolution. Chapter Three – Inclusion and Removal from Lists by the Committee Article (8) The concerned committee may act by virtue of this article of its own accord or upon request of Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU), the Public Prosecution, or any concerned local or foreign entity concerned with submission of such application by virtue of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The concerned committee shall name the persons, groups, and entities regarding whom sufficient grounds exist to believe that they have committed, initiated, or attempted to commit an act of terrorism, or have participated in or facilitated an act of terrorism. The concerned committee shall include the names of those persons, groups, or entities on the list, which it shall revise and amend as it deems appropriate. The concerned committee shall revise the list every six months at least to ensure its accuracy and ascertain that sufficient grounds exist, still, for keeping the name of any person, group, or entity on the list. Should the concerned committee find that the available information and evidence no longer serve as sufficient grounds to keep the name of any person, group, or entity on the list, the name of that person, group, or entity shall be removed from the list. Any person, group, or entity may be included on the list in line with the above paragraph without carrying out an investigation with or trial of the person, group, or entity subject to the action. The decision of inclusion of a person, group, or entity in the list, or their removal, shall be taken without delay and without a prior notice being served to the concerned person, group, or entity.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). E) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies accompanying a copy of the Resolution No. (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws on Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. 55 Article (9) Any person, group, or entity whose name is included in the list by the concerned committee virtue of Article (8), paragraph 2, may apply to the committee in writing requesting removal of the name from the list. The committee shall decide upon such application within 10 days of the submission date. Should a decision fail to be reached by then, the request shall be denied. Should the concerned committee approve the application, the name shall be removed from the list in line with Article (8), and the concerned committee shall apprise the applicant of its decision in line with the procedures indicated in Article (11). Should the request for removal from the list be denied by the concerned committee, the applicant shall be entitled to file a grievance to the Chief Justice of the Court of First Instance within 30 days of receipt of the denial. In absence of an express resolution by the committee within the fixed deadline above, the applicant may file a grievance within 60 days of the date of submission. Article (10) The concerned Committee shall apprise financial institutions, designated nonfinancial businesses and professions, and the concerned authorities of issued resolutions listing or de-listing a person, group, or entity pursuant to Article (8) directly. Furthermore, the committee shall publish any/all such resolutions in the Official Gazette within 15 days. Article (11) The concerned committee shall expend appropriate efforts to serve the written notice of its resolution, justified as per Article (8), paragraph 2, to the person, group, or entity included on the list or those removed from said list, in addition to sending a document indicating the rules and procedures for requesting deletion from the list. Should the person, group, or entity being included in or removed from the list be a resident in the State of Kuwait, the concerned committee shall serve the notice and attach the document by one the following means: a. For natural persons: by mail to their last registered address. b. For legal persons: by mail to their last registered address. c. For groups: by any means possible. Should the person, group, or entity being included in or removed from the list reside outside the State of Kuwait, the concerned committee shall serve a copy of the written notice via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the representative of the foreign state where the person, group, or entity resides or is present and it shall request that they be advised of this resolution at the earliest opportunity.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). E) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies accompanying a copy of the Resolution No. (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws on Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. 56 If the whereabouts of the person, group, or entity is unknown, the concerned committee shall send a copy of the written notice to the representative of the state of which he is a national and it shall request that he is advised of this resolution at the earliest opportunity. Chapter Four – Funds Exempt from the Freeze Article (12) Every interested party may apply to the concerned committee in writing to obtain a permit to dispose of all funds subject to a freeze or part thereof. The concerned committee may grant such a permit under the conditions it deems appropriate to prevent terrorism financing to serve the following purposes: a. To cover necessary or basic expenses of a natural person or any family member. b. To pay reasonable professional fees and pay for cost of legal services. c. To cover service fees or charges payable to a financial institution for management of funds subject to a freeze. The concerned committee shall allow disposal of all frozen funds or part thereof as per Article (3), paragraph 1 (b), provided that the UN Sanctions Committee is apprised of the intention to exempt some funds from the freeze and that the UN committee does not express an objection in this regard within a period of one full week. Article (13) Pursuant to a written application submitted by any interested party to the concerned committee to obtain permission for disposal of all or part of frozen funds to cover exceptional costs as per the conditions it deems appropriate to prevent terrorism financing, the concerned committee may allow disposal of all frozen funds or part thereof pursuant to a UN Sanctions Committee resolution. The concerned committee may lay out the rules and procedures required for disposal of an additional portion of the frozen funds pursuant to and in line with the requirements of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Article (14) The concerned committee shall notify the applicant of its decision of the consent or denial of their request virtue of Article (12) or (13) within 30 days from receipt of the application indicating the justification behind its decision. If the application is approved, the concerned committee shall expressly indicate the conditions it deems necessary to prevent terrorism financing.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). E) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies accompanying a copy of the Resolution No. (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws on Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. 57 The concerned committee may lay down additional conditions or nullify the permission at any time upon any incident indicating that lifting the freeze may lead to the funds being used for terrorism financing. Article (15) The following payments or appropriations deposited in a frozen account shall be frozen: a. Amounts due under contracts, agreements, or obligations entered or created before the date of freezing the account. b. Interest or any other benefits or gains due from the account The concerned committee is entitled to set the conditions for payment of funds or settlement of credit card balances upon its own discretion to prevent abuse of funds for terrorism financing. It is also entitled to allow the credit of further payments into the frozen accounts in accordance with the requirements of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Chapter Five – Filing or Removal of Designation Application Article (16) The concerned committee shall file an application to the UN Sanctions Committee to designate a person, group, or entity in line with the criteria in relevant resolutions issued by the United Nations Security Council when the committee gathers sufficient evidence to support such designation. The application shall be filed without any prior notification of the concerned person, group, or entity. Article (17) A person, group, or entity designated by the committee holding the Kuwaiti nationality with business premises or residence in Kuwait may file a grievance to the concerned committee to remove the designation. The committee shall in turn communicate the petition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that it may be forwarded to the concerned United Nations liaison. Chapter Six – General Provisions Article (18) Financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions must have procedures in place to ensure compliance with the provisions of this resolution. The concerned regulatory authorities shall verify compliance of the financial institutions and the designated non-financial businesses and professions with the provisions of this resolution.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). E) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies accompanying a copy of the Resolution No. (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws on Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. 58 The measures and penalties set forth in Article (15) of the law shall apply, should the financial institutions or specified non-financial businesses and professions fail to comply with the provisions of this resolution. Article (19) Any objection to any action or decision issued by the concerned committee virtue of this resolution shall be put before the Chief Justice of the Court of First Instance or those he authorizes for this purpose. Article (20) Provisions of Article (35) of Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Law No. (106) of 2013 shall be applicable on every person who violates or fails to comply with a funds freeze under Article (3) or allows access to the funds or provides financial or associated services in violation to Article (4), or anyone who withholds information or gives false information, in implementation of Article (5). Further, the provisions of Article (33) of this law shall apply to financial institutions or designated non-financial businesses and professions that breach or fail to comply with Article (18), Item 1. The imposition of penalties virtue of provisions of this article shall not preclude the imposition of penalties and measures set forth by the regulatory authorities in relation to financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions in line with Article (15) of the law. Article (21) This resolution shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall be effective from the date of its promulgation. First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Issued on Rabi’ Al-Awwal 19, 1435 H, Corresponding to January 20, 2014
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). F) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching a copy of the Guidelines issued to Entities addressed and required to implement the Requirements of the Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by Virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism. 59 THE GOVERNOR Thulqe’dah 26, 1435 H September 21, 2014 The Chairman, Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies Further to our circular dated 31/08/2014 attaching a copy of Council of Ministers Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism, published in the Official Gazette on 8/04/2014, effective as of same date, Kindly find attached the guidelines drawn by the committee formed for implementation of Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning the countering of terrorism and the financing of terrorism(1) (formed virtue of resolution No. (4) of 2014), which were issued to entities addressed and required to implement the requirements of Resolution (5) of 2014 mentioned above. Further, we stress the following:
(1) The Committee approved its own email through which all correspondences should be made as per the Circular issued on 09/04/2015 included under Item (I) hereof.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). F) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching a copy of the Guidelines issued to Entities addressed and required to implement the Requirements of the Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by Virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism. 60
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). F) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching a copy of the Guidelines issued to Entities addressed and required to implement the Requirements of the Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by Virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism. 61 The Guidelines issued to Entities addressed and required to implement the Requirements of the Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by Virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). F) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching a copy of the Guidelines issued to Entities addressed and required to implement the Requirements of the Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by Virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism. 62 B. Any person acting on behalf of the person, group, or entity designated by the committee formed virtue of resolution (4) of 2014 or who is under the management of, the owner of, or who has control over said party, directly or otherwise, C. Any person, group, or entity designated by the UN sanctions committee formed virtue of UN Security Council resolution No. (1988) of 2011 or the committee formed virtue of UN Security Council resolutions No. (1267) of 1999 and No. (1989) of 2011, D. Any person acting on behalf of the person, group, or entity designated by either UN sanctions committee indicated in paragraph ( c ) or those who are managed by, owners of, or those with control/influence over said parties, directly or otherwise. Article (4) of the ministerial resolution also prohibits any natural or legal person including all types of reporting financial institutions or entities from allowing access to funds or providing financial or other related services, directly or indirectly, wholly or in partnership, to any person, group, or entity or for their benefit in view of Article (3), except under specific extraordinary circumstances indicated in Chapter 4 of the ministerial resolution. 2. Identifying the person, group, or entity designated For the funds of a person, group, or entity to be “targeted” and therefore subject to a mandatory freeze of funds virtue of Article (3) of the resolution, a person, group, or entity must first be “designated” as falling under the classification where relevant UN Security Council resolutions are applicable. Classification as “targeted” funds is decided by:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). F) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching a copy of the Guidelines issued to Entities addressed and required to implement the Requirements of the Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by Virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism. 63 Commitments/obligations imposed by the committee formed by virtue of resolution (4) of 2014 Once the committee designates a person, a group, or an entity, financial institutions are apprised of the decision immediately, and the obligation is binding immediately upon receipt of the notification from the committee formed by virtue of resolution (4) of 2014; in other words, financial institutions have the obligation to impose a freeze of funds as soon as they receive the committee notice of designating a group or an entity. The resolution shall apply to any party who had not received the prior notice from the committee immediately upon publication of the decision in the Official Gazette, at which time every person within the State of Kuwait shall be deemed “notified” of the designation, therefore obligated to impose a freeze on the targeted funds. Commitments/obligations imposed by the UN committees Financial institutions shall observe all lists published by the UN committee formed virtue of resolution 1988 on the official committee website http://www.un.org.sc/committees/1988/list.shtml and the lists published by the UN committee formed by virtue of resolution 1267 on the official committee website http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1267/aqsanctionslist.shtml, and should they hold balances or credit for any person, group, or entity listed in any of these lists, they shall apprise the committee within (3) days of freezing the assets. 3. Funds to be subject to a freeze virtue of commitments Freezing of funds as per Articles (3) and (4) of the ministerial resolution shall apply to all “funds”, and this term has been defined in detail in the first article of the law so that it includes “any kind of asset or property whether it is banknote or securities or stocks, or movable or immovable material or significance value, or all rights/equity related to these – whatever be the means to obtain them – as well as documents and legal instruments of any sort, including those in electronic or digital form, and bank facilities, cheques, payment orders, stocks, bonds, bills of exchange, and letters of guarantee, whether within or beyond the territory of the State of Kuwait.”
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). F) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching a copy of the Guidelines issued to Entities addressed and required to implement the Requirements of the Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by Virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism. 64 Article (3) of the resolution also states that the funds freeze applies to funds owned by the person wholly or in partnership with any other party and whether the funds are in the possession or under the management of the person, directly or otherwise. Therefore, the freeze shall apply also to companies under the designated person’s influence or control, directly or otherwise. Examples of funds under the influence or control of the designated person are joint accounts, trust funds, companies he owns indirectly through a spouse or a minor child, or those in his possession whatever be their form, directly or otherwise, through mechanism aimed to disguise his control or ownership. Funds owned by a designated person, a group, or an entity or those in his possession or under his control in partnership with a person, group, or entity that is not designated shall also be subject to the freeze and include funds owned by the non-designated person, group, or entity which is in his (the designated party) possession or under his control. The freeze commitment also applies to all funds owned by a person acting on behalf or for the benefit of the designated person, group, or entity which are under his management, of which he is owner, or over which he has control and influence, direct or otherwise, as well as all funds in his possession or under his control. 4. Financial institution checks to ascertain existence of targeted funds to be frozen All financial institutions are obligated by law to regularly check their customers’ databases and the information obtained from prospective customers, and to compare these to the designations of the committee formed by virtue of resolution (4) of 2014 and the two concerned UN committees mentioned above to ascertain whether any financial institution is in possession of or managing targeted funds. As soon as the resolution is made public through either means indicated above, the obligation enters effect to freeze funds of designated persons by all parties addressed in Article (3) of the ministerial resolution. Failure on the part of reporting parties to implement funds freeze measures within one to two hours of issue of the designation shall constitute a breach of the law, which could subject the parties to all penalties, financial or sentences of imprisonment, which are stipulated in Article (20) of the ministerial resolution. Some financial institutions seek services of other parties to check that none of their customers are subject to any UN sanctions, and though such electronic services are of some value, they do not guarantee the financial institutions’ compliance with obligations indicated in the ministerial resolution, since other parties only check for persons/parties designated by the concerned UN
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). F) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching a copy of the Guidelines issued to Entities addressed and required to implement the Requirements of the Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by Virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism. 65 committees, but not those designated by the committee formed by virtue of resolution (4) of 2014. Should an institution rely on such services, it shall employ additional measures to ensure it is also checking its databases and comparing them to designations issued by the committee for countering terrorism. 5. Measures to be taken when discovering targeted funds Should a financial institution discover that any funds in its possession or under its management are targeted funds as indicated above, it shall take the following measures:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). F) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching a copy of the Guidelines issued to Entities addressed and required to implement the Requirements of the Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by Virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism. 66
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). F) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching a copy of the Guidelines issued to Entities addressed and required to implement the Requirements of the Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by Virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism. 67 credit created post the date of the freeze shall be rejected, and may not be debited from the account by the financial institution.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). F) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching a copy of the Guidelines issued to Entities addressed and required to implement the Requirements of the Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by Virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism. 68 Moreover, the obligation to freeze funds is no more should the concerned UN Security Council committee write-off a resolution that had resulted in the concerned freeze. In cases where a freeze is imposed by virtue of a resolution issued by the committee formed by virtue of resolution (4) of 2014, the freeze is lifted through resolution by said committee to lift the freeze on the funds of the person, group, or entity concerned. In all instances where the committee formed by virtue of resolution (4) of 2014 removes the name of a person, group, or entity from the list of designated parties, it shall inform all financial institutions and publish its decision in the Official Gazette. A financial institution may not halt any measures before verifying that the committee had indeed removed the name of the person, group, or entity from the list of designated parties. 11. Verification of compliance with ministerial resolution through on-site inspection Article (18) of the ministerial resolution indicates that financial institutions are obliged to implement internal measures to ensure they are in compliance with all aspects of the ministerial resolution, and that supervisory/regulatory bodies shall verify financial institutions’ level of compliance. Further, failure to adopt the appropriate internal measures and controls could subject the entity to one or more of the regulatory penalties indicated in Article (15) of the law. 12. Penalties that could be imposed due to failure to comply with requirements indicated in the ministerial resolution and this guidelines document Article (20) indicates that any person “who violates or fails to comply with a funds freeze under Article (3) or allows access to the funds or provides financial or associated services in violation to Article (4), or anyone who withholds information or gives false information, in implementation of Article (5)” of the ministerial resolution may be given a prison sentence no longer than a year and fined no less than half and no more than full value of the funds involved in the crime, or either penalty. If the party guilty of the crime is a legal person, a fine no less than full value of the funds involved in the crime shall be imposed. Further, financial institutions failing to adopt the required measures to guarantee compliance with provisions of the ministerial resolution subject themselves to one or more of the following regulatory penalties:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). F) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching a copy of the Guidelines issued to Entities addressed and required to implement the Requirements of the Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2014 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by Virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism. 69 3. An order to submit periodic reports on the measures taken to address the related violation; 4. A fine not exceeding KD 500,000 for each violation; 5. The party in violation could be banned from activity in the relevant sectors for a period decided by the supervisory authority; 6. The authority and privileges of the entity’s managers, directors, executive and supervision managers, and controlling owners are all restricted, which includes assignment of a temporary supervisor/controller; 7. The entity’s managers, directors, and its executive and supervision managers may be relieved from their posts or instructed to be changed; 8. The entity’s activity, business, or profession could be stopped, restricted, or banned; 9. The license may be suspended; 10. The license may be withdrawn. 13. The committee’s e-mail address Where information is available concerning freezing measures taken by entities obliged to implement the requirements of resolution (5) of 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaws for implementation of UNSC resolutions issued virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning terrorism and the financing of terrorism, or any data or information on previous or current transactions/interactions involving any of the names that are listed, all shall be sent to either official through the indicated email address:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). G) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies regarding the designating Forms of Reporting to Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) of the suspicious Transactions and the related Guidelines for filling out the Forms, as well as the paper prepared to help identify suspicious Transactions. 70 The Manager Thulqe’dah 28, 1435 H September 23, 2014 The General Manager, Greetings, Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies With reference to provisions of Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Law No. (106) of 2013, and provisions regarding sending a Suspicious Transactions Report (STR) to Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) and the requirements listed in CBK instructions on countering money laundering and the financing of terrorism regarding the same, You may find attached a circular issued by the KFIU on the forms and guidelines to be followed as well as the paper pointing out indicators to help detect suspicious transactions, available on the Unit’s website. Therefore, you are to access the website, obtain and fill out the STR form when reporting any cases you find suspicious, and you are also to follow the related guidelines provided for filling out the form while referring to the specified indicators of suspicious transactions. Your entity shall fill out the form in Arabic and send it in a “private and confidential” envelope to the address indicated in the KFIU circular. Best regards, On-Site Supervision Manager Abdulhameed D. Al-Awadh
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). G) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies regarding the designating Forms of Reporting to Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) of the suspicious Transactions and the related Guidelines for filling out the Forms, as well as the paper prepared to help identify suspicious Transactions. 71 Circular (FI/1/2014) Financial Institutions and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). G) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies regarding the designating Forms of Reporting to Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) of the suspicious Transactions and the related Guidelines for filling out the Forms, as well as the paper prepared to help identify suspicious Transactions. 72 5. The KFIU has also provided a list of indicators to assist financial institutions and DNFBPs in identifying suspicious transactions. These forms are available on the unit’s website (www.kwfiu.gov.kw) as indicated below: a. The KFIU’s guide to complete STR forms for financial institutions and DNFBPs. b. Indicators for banks to assist in identifying suspicious transactions. c. Suspicious Transaction Report Form for Banks. 6. Financial institutions and DNFBPs shall send their STRs in Arabic in accordance with the above clarifications to the following address: Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit Ministries Complex, Block 7, Third Floor State of Kuwait President Talal Ali Al-Sayegh Thulqe’dah 6, 1435 H September 01, 2014
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). H) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies making available all the Circulars issued by Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) on its Website. 73 THE GOVERNOR Rabi-uthani 19, 1436 H February 08, 2015 The Chairman, Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies Kindy find attached the letter from Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) dated 16/11/2014 and its attachments, the letter dated 22/12/2014 concerning KFIU circular No. (FI/2/2014), and KFIU notice that it has provided access through its webpage (www.kwfiu.gov.kw) to all the circulars it issued to financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions, to ensure more transparency and communication among all concerned parties. In its notice, KFIU stressed that all CBK-regulated entities are required to check the website’s updates regularly to stay on top of the latest circulars the unit has issued and regulatory procedures it recommended towards implementation of provisions of Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Law No. (106) of 2013, its Executive Bylaws, and all other relevant regulations. The CBK stresses it is vital that all banking and financial institutions subject to its supervision stay updated with all content on the website indicated above to take appropriate measures towards implementation of the requirements of the circulars the KFIU posts on the website. The CBK shall also be following up in this regard. Best Regards, The Governor Dr. Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). H) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies making available all the Circulars issued by Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) on its Website. 74 November 16, 2014 Your Excellency Dr. Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel The Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, Dear Sir, Please find attached with this letter the KFIU circular (FI/2/2014) concerning the precautionary measures to be observed when dealing with high-risk countries, circulated to all financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions. We also refer to provisions of Article (17) of Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Law No. (106) of 2014 and Article (8) of Executive Bylaws No. (3) of 2013 indicating that regulatory authorities have a responsibility to verify the compliance of financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions subject to its supervision with the precautionary measures recommended by Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit in this respect. Your institution is therefore to take whatever measures appropriate in line with its on-site and off-site supervision of the units it regulates. Best Regards, President Talal Ali Al-Sayegh
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). H) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies making available all the Circulars issued by Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) on its Website. 75 Circular (FI/2/2014) Preventive Measures when Dealing with High-Risk Countries In line with the provisions of Article (17) of Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Law No. (106) of 2013, the KFIU shall identify high-risk countries and prescribe the measures to be applied in relation to such countries. Consistent with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published list that has been updated on yearly basis in February, June, and October, that includes countries and jurisdictions which pose a risk to the international financial system due to their AML/CFT deficiencies, All financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) according to the provisions of aforementioned Law 106/2013 shall implement adequate due diligence measures to counter risks related to business relationships and transactions involving persons or financial institutions from countries identified in the public statement published on the FATF website www.fatf-gafi.org. Provisions of this circular shall be applicable when carrying transactions with customers who are either residing in or who establish their business in such countries, in the following cases: A. Business relationships with non-permanent customers B. Establishing or continuing business relationships with permanent customers There should be a regular review of the updates on the FATF list, at the intervals mentioned above in the circular. President Talal Ali Al-Sayegh Muharram 23, 1436 H November 16, 2014
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). H) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies making available all the Circulars issued by Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) on its Website. 76 December 22, 2014 Your Excellency Dr. Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel The Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, Dear Sir, We hereby direct your attention that the Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) has provided access through its website to special designated Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) forms to be used when forwarding to the Unit information related to suspicious transactions, as well as a guide to help the reporting financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions complete the STR forms and specifying the manner and timing to be observed when sending reports to the unit. The guide also indicates the type of transactions and data to be addressed in each section of the STR form. The unit had also recently added the circulars it issues to financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions to its website content, which enhances transparency and improves communication with reporting entities. In view of the above, entities subject to your supervision are required to stay constantly updated with the latest content posted on the Unit’s website (www.kwfiu.gov.kw) and to obtain the latest circulars and recommended procedures the Unit posts, all towards implementation of provisions of AntiMoney Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Law No. (106) of 2014 and its Executive Bylaws, and any other regulatory developments. You are thereby required to take appropriate measures and issue the circulars needed to all entities subject to your supervision. May Allah help us all best serve our beloved country. Best Regards, President Talal Ali Al-Sayegh
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). I) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies concerning the Approval by the Committee formed for Implementation of Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning the Countering of Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism of an email address for all official correspondence. 77 THE MANAGER Jumada Alakhira 20, 1436 H April 09, 2015 The General Manager, Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies Further to our circular dated 21/09/2014 attaching a copy of the guidelines document prepared by the committee formed for implementation of Security Council resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning the countering of terrorism and the financing of terrorism, Please note that the said committee has designated an email address for all official correspondence: ctc@mofa.gov.kw. You are therefore to direct all your correspondence and communication with the committee to indicated email address. Best Regards, On-Site Supervision Department Manager Abdulhameed D. Al-Awadh
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). J) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies concerning high-risk and non-cooperative countries, which the FATF designates, provides any updated information on, and specifies how they are to be dealt with. 78 THE GOVERNOR Thulhija 20, 1436 H October 04, 2015 The Chairman, Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies Please find attached a copy of Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) circular No. (FI/2/2015) dated 15/09/2015 concerning high-risk and non-cooperative jurisdictions which the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) designates and provides updated information on and specifies how to deal with them on a regular basis after its plenary meetings. The circular can be found on the Unit’s website: www.kwfiu.gov.kw(1) . You shall therefore take the appropriate steps towards full compliance with the mentioned KFIU circular. Best Regards, The Governor Dr. Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel
(1) The web address of Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit was changed according to the circular dated 26/10/2015, listed as item (K) of this chapter.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). J) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies concerning high-risk and non-cooperative countries, which the FATF designates, provides any updated information on, and specifies how they are to be dealt with. 79 September 15, 2015 Your Excellency Dr. Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel The Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, Dear Sir, Please find attached circular, No. (FI/2/2015) concerning high-risk and noncooperative jurisdictions which the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) designates and provides updated information on and specifies how to deal with them on a regular basis after its plenary meetings held in February, June, and October each year on the following page: http://fatf-gafi.org/topics/high-riskandnon-cooperativejurisdictions/ Kindly note that the said circular has been posted on the Unit’s website: www.kwfiu.gov.kw. 1 You are therefore to take the appropriate measures in this regard, in line with provisions of Article (17) of Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Law No. (106) of 2013 concerning verifying the compliance of entities regulated by your institution with the precautions and measures indicated in this circular. Best Regards, President Talal Ali Al-Sayegh
1 The web address of Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit was changed according to the circular dated 26/10/2015, listed as item (K) of this chapter.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). J) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies concerning high-risk and non-cooperative countries, which the FATF designates, provides any updated information on, and specifies how they are to be dealt with. 80 Circular (FI/2/2015) High-risk and Non-cooperative Jurisdictions Further to Circular (FI/2/2014) on preventive measures when dealing with highrisk countries, and according to the FATF identified jurisdictions that have strategic AML/CFT deficiencies stated in both documents “FATF’s Public Statement” and “Improving Global AML/CFT Compliance: On-going Process”, KFIU calls on financial institutions (FIs) and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) to be vigilant and to implement adequate measures in dealing with high-risk and non-cooperative jurisdictions. FATF's identified Jurisdictions are classified in three main categories as shown below:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). J) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies concerning high-risk and non-cooperative countries, which the FATF designates, provides any updated information on, and specifies how they are to be dealt with. 81 2.1.2 Verifying the nature and purpose of the business relationship. 2.1.3 Verifying the customer’s source of funds and assets. 2.1.4 Obtaining senior management approval to decide whether or not to continue a business relationship. 2.1.5 Further monitoring of transactions. 2.1.6 Review, amend or, if necessary, end business relationships with correspondent banks of identified jurisdictions. 2. Regarding jurisdictions listed in the second category, FIs and DNFBPs are required to consider the risks arising from the deficiencies associated with each identified jurisdiction. Therefore, FIs and DNFBPs are required to assess AML/CFT risks when dealing with such jurisdictions. 3. Regarding jurisdictions listed in the third category, FIs and DNFBPs are required to refer to the compliance document for any updates on information regarding listed or de-listed jurisdictions in order to assess the risks linked to each jurisdiction identified in the document. 3. Names of listed jurisdictions: For information on the names of jurisdictions listed within the identified categories mentioned above, FIs and DNFBPs are required to check the following link: http://www.fatf-gafi.org/topics/high-riskandnon-cooperativejurisdictions/ Please note that this link is periodically updated in February, June, and October. Therefore, FIs and DNFBPs are required to check the latest updates of listed jurisdictions based on the identified categories mentioned in Section 1 above. The Kuwaiti FIU calls on FIs and DNFBPs to check KFIU website regularly (www.kwfiu.gov.kw)1 for the latest circulars and decisions issued by KFIU. President Talal Ali Al-Sayegh
1 The web address of Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit was changed according to the circular dated 26/10/2015, listed as item (K) of this chapter.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). K) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies correcting a typographical error in the address of the Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) webpage as in the circular dated 04/10/2015. 82 THE MANAGER Muharram 13, 1437 H October 26, 2015 The General Manager, Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies Further to the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) circular dated 04/10/2015 attaching a copy of Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) circular No. (FI/2/2015) dated 15/09/2015 concerning high-risk and non-cooperative countries which the FATF designates, provides any updated information on, and specifies how they are to be dealt with, Please find attached, for your information and discretion, a copy of a letter by the KFIU dated 5/10/2015 pointing out a typographical error in the circular concerning the unit’s website, which is as follows: www.kwfiu.gov.kw. Best Regards, On-Site Supervision Department Director Abdulhameed D. Al-Awadh
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). K) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies correcting a typographical error in the address of the Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) webpage as in the circular dated 04/10/2015. 83 October 05, 2015 Your Excellency, Dr. Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel The Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, Dear Sir, Further to our letter dated 15/09/2015 that attached circular No. (FI/2/2015) concerning high-risk and non-cooperative countries and jurisdictions, Please note there was a typographical error in the circular where the unit’s web address was indicated, and the correct address is as follows: (www.kwfiu.gov.kw). The circular had therefore been corrected on the Unit’s webpage. Best Regards, President Talal Ali Al-Sayegh
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 84 THE GOVERNOR Ramadhan 09, 1440 H May 14, 2019 The Chairman, Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS/IBS/432/2019)(1) In the context of the Central Bank of Kuwait’s approach for the continued development of the requirements of Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), and pursuing the updates and amendments introduced by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on the contents of these requirements, in accordance with the issued standards (the forty recommendations), in line with the changes witnessed by the world economic conditions, and within the endeavors made to mitigate risks associated with money laundering and the financing of terrorism crimes, to which all countries are susceptible as a result of the continued development of the methods used in committing such crimes, And whereas the Central Bank of Kuwait has previously issued instructions dated 23/07/2013, which included AML/CFT requirements under Law No. (106) of 2013 concerning Anti-money laundering and combating of terrorism issued on 08/05/2013, and its Executive Bylaws issued on 13/06/2013, and Taking into consideration the onsite and offsite follow-up to the units subject to the control and supervision of the Central Bank of Kuwait (local banks, exchange companies, financing companies), and in order to provide entire awareness of all the desired combating requirements, to ensure compliance by all these units of the contents of these instructions, The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Kuwait endorsed at its meeting convened on 14/05/2019 the attached instructions under No. (2/BS/IBS/432/2019), which will be applicable from 16/06/2019 and will supersede the previously issued instructions under No. (2/BS/IBS/308/2013). Best Regards, The Governor Dr. Mohammad Yousef Al-Hashel
(1) The Circular dated 28/08/2019 included under Item (N) of this Chapter was issued to obligate the banks to form a committee assigned to decide on reporting any suspicious transaction of money laundry/terror finance to Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU).
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 85 Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/432/2018) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism(1) In the context of reinforcing Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) efforts, and in order to ensure the required compliance with the application of the international standards issued by the Financial Action Task Force “FATF” in this regard, and in line with the provisions of the Law No. (106) of 2013 Concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, its Executive Regulations and the relevant promulgated ministerial resolutions, as well as the provisions of Articles No. (14) and (15) of the said Law, which provided that the regulatory authorities shall supervise and monitor compliance with the requirements of anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism, and imposing the appropriate penalties and sanctions on the units subject to their supervision. And, whereas the banking and financial institutions are the most targeted entities for money launderers and terrorism financers, through which they endeavor for layering and hiding the illicit sources of their funds. As such, these institutions are always exposed to risks arising from such acts. And, in order to protect the banking and financial institutions from such illegitimate practices and to avoid any adverse impacts they may face due to these risks, it is necessary for all banking and financial institutions to take the measures which ensure that they are not manipulated by such operations, in addition to ensuring compliance with the full implementation of the requirements under the recommendations issued by FATF and the provisions of the referred to Law, while adopting the Risk-Based Approach in the preparation of such measures; and, In light of the above, CBK has updated the instructions issued on 23rd July 2013 to all local banks under No. (2/BS/IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the financing of terrorism. This update has been introduced to enhance and clarify some of the needed requirements which were revealed by the CBK’s follow-ups during the past period, aimed at achieving the full and optimal compliance with these requirements by banking and financial institutions subject to CBK supervision. Accordingly, all banks operating in the State of Kuwait shall abide by the following:
1 Circular dated 28/8/2019 included under Item (n) hereof was issued to obligate banks to form a committee mandated to decide on reporting to KFIU of any suspicious money laundry or financing of terrorism.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 86 First: Determining the Risks Associated with Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 87 • The customer is resident in the State of Kuwait or a non-resident customer. • The customer undertaking management of third-party’s assets. • The purpose of establishing a relationship between the customer and the bank and the purpose of opening the account. • The volume of transactions (credits and debits) required by the customer’s activity. • Frequency of the transactions carried out for the customer. • The period of time preceding dealings with the customer (relationship with the customer). • Risks associated with Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and those related with them. • Customers who own huge assets or those for whom no clear information are available about the source of income or owned assets. • The customer’s business is mainly dependent on cash or a business which is associated with high risks related to money laundering or terrorism financing. • Customers whose transactions are carried out without need of attendance in person to any of them. • The customer’s business having a business relationship between the customer and persons resident in high-risk countries. b) As for Countries and Geographical Regions • The classification issued by FATF about countries whether in terms of their compliance with AML/CFT’s international standards or the adequacy of the combating regulations applied in these countries, as per the findings of the reports of assessments conducted on such countries or the follow-up reports published, which reveals shortcomings in AML/CFT’s combating requirements at these countries. • The list issued by Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) for HighRisk countries as well as the amendments introduced to this list as a result of the continued monitoring thereto.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 88 • The countries subject of resolutions passed by the United Nation’s Security Council or countries subject to sanctions, ban of dealings or any other similar measures. • Classifications issued by trusted sources concerning corruption, criminal activities and the ranking of such countries in this regard. • Classifications issued by trusted sources which define the countries funding or supporting terrorist activities or where there are specific active terrorist organizations. c) As for Products and Services • Requirements and terms and conditions of providing the product or service. • Private banking services. • Services rendered through the use of various cards. • Services or products whose process does not necessitate the attendance of the customer in person in order to confirm his identity. • Transactions executed for customers through third parties, without the availability of information for the relationship which requires such transactions. • Any new proposed product or service that will be offered by the bank to customers. 3) In light of the findings of the assessment and identification of risks to which the bank is exposed as required above, the type of due diligence applied with regard to the execution of transactions, shall be identified, taking into consideration the following measures as a minimum limit:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 89
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 90
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 91
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 92
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 93 2) The written procedures of the bank shall be consistent with the size of the activity, nature and scope of the bank transactions, taking into consideration the provisions stated in the guideline manual prepared at the bank to identify patterns of money laundering & terrorism financing activities, based on the guideline manual issued by KFIU regarding the patterns of money laundering & terrorism financing activities. 3) The business procedures of the bank shall be approved by the board of directors and for branches of foreign owned banks operating in the State of Kuwait, they shall be approved at least by the regional management of the branch. Fourth: Customer Identification Requirements:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 94 E. Upon suspecting a transaction required to be executed – to non-bank customers – that it is related to money laundering and terrorism financing. Fifth: Due diligence measures towards customers:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 95 4. Official document issued authorizing the person dealing with the bank on behalf of the customer certifying the authenticity of the signature on the document submitted with the customer signature kept with the Bank, and to view the identity supporting document for the person authorized to carry out the transaction and keep a copy thereof. b. For Legal Persons: 5. Completion of the full name of the legal person, the date of incorporation, the headquarter business address and the names of the key management personnel of the legal person and the authorized signatories. 6. Documents evidencing incorporation of the institution or company and that it is entitled to exercise business according to the documents issued by the concerned authorities. 7. The existence of official authorization according to legal documents issued for the person acting on behalf of the institution/company in dealing with the bank, provided that the supporting documents for the authorized person must be verified and a copy thereof to be maintained. 8. For companies and institutions that are established outside the State of Kuwait, certificates of incorporation shall be documented by the concerned authorities in Kuwait. Excluded from the above, the supporting documents that evidence the incorporation of the company or the institution abroad which were presented by the customer to one of the bank branches abroad, which exercise its business in the country where the company or institution has been established, provided that these documents must be certified by the branch officers to the effect that they have previously perused these documents and that they are true copies. 9. For a person’s representation of an institution/company before the bank, it is necessary to submit the legal documents and judicial judgments issued in this regard which evidence the same. Sixth: Identifying the Actual Beneficiary:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 96 2) If the bank identifies that a customer is acting on behalf of another beneficiary or beneficiaries, the bank should verify the identity of the beneficiary owner(s), through obtaining the relevant information from a reliable source to ensure the identity(s) of the beneficiary owner(s) and the bank shall apply due diligence measures on beneficiary owner(s) that commensurate with the risks associated with the beneficiary owner(s) in this case. 3) Where the customer is a company listed on Kuwait Stock Exchange, the bank is not required to verify the identity of shareholders or beneficiary owners of such companies, provided that the company must be subject to the appropriate disclosure requirements identifying the actual beneficiary. Banks may only obtain copies of the required documents to verify the company’s identity as stated in item “Fifth” above. 4) If the customer is a legal person or legal arrangement, banks should be required to take the appropriate measures to understand the equity and control structure for such customers, to reach the ultimate person in possession or in control of the customer as follows: a. For legal persons: verify the identity of each natural person that: • Possesses or directly or indirectly controls interest of over 50% of a legal person; • Controls the management of a legal person. b. For legal arrangements, banks shall verify the identity of the person acting on behalf of the customer, the custodian, the beneficiary or any other person entrusted with these functions. Seventh: Postponing customer identification:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 97 2. When postponing verification process of the customer identity, banks should determine the related risk management measures, by means of laying down a set of minimum procedures in this regard, such as identifying the satisfaction of the measures requirements within 90 days at most, a follow up for these accounts and determination of the number of transactions that the customer can execute, define the type of transactions that can be executed, and defining the maximum limit for the value of transactions. Eighth: Abstention from accepting new customers: Banks shall abstain from opening an account or establishing a business relationship or executing a transaction in case verification of the customer identity or the actual beneficiary is impossible. In this case, banks should consider the possibility of reporting the case to the KFIU. As for transactions to be executed but the bank has suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing thereon, and believes based on logical reasons that the application of the due diligence process will alert the customer, the bank may not continue in completing the due diligence requirements for the customer while executing the transaction. In such case, the bank shall report the suspicious transaction to the KFIU. Ninth: Enhanced due diligence measures for high risk customers and when providing specific services or performing certain operations
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 98 3. Enhanced due diligence measures applied on high risk business relationships include the following: a. Obtaining additional information on the customer (natural person), sources of his funds and wealth. b. Reasoning the rationale behind the transactions executed or expected to be executed. c. Obtaining additional information on the customer (legal person), the nature of the expected business relationship with the customer, the volume of business and obtaining the latest available financial statements. d. Obtaining the senior management approval for establishing or continuing the business relationships. e. Conducting enhanced ongoing monitoring of the customer’s transactions through enhancing monitoring measures and their periodicity as well as identifying transactions patterns that require additional examination. f. Taking into consideration that the first amount credited upon opening the customer account should be from a known source and via banking platform. 4. Conducting ongoing enhanced due diligence measures for customers stated in paragraph (1) on each stage of the due diligence process. 5. For customer identification purposes, enhanced due diligence measures should include the following for business relationships with a customer that does not deal face to face: a) Authenticating the documents as per relevant laws and procedures. b) Obtaining customer contact details whether via email or phone numbers through which communications can be established. Tenth: Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs):
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 99 c) Use of electronic databases provided by specialized companies for PEPs in order to collect information and data. 2) In case the bank finds that the customer or the actual beneficiary is a PEP, the following additional measures shall be applied: a. Obtaining approval from any one of the top management levels as specified under the bank's policy, before establishing a business relationship with that person. b. Having in place the procedures which determine how to deal with the accounts opened to those customers, periodic update of data, and the required follow-up for executed transactions. c. Taking all appropriate measures to determine the source of funds and wealth. d. Application of strict and continuous monitoring of the business relationship. 3) The same requirements as in paragraphs (1) and (2) above shall be applicable to family members of PEPs up to second-degree relatives and close partners. Eleventh: Reduced due diligence procedures for low-risk customers:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 100 f. Other financial institutions subject to AML/CFT requirements, which conform with the FATF recommendations and apply them effectively, and controlled or supervised to ensure effective compliance with those requirements. g. Companies listed on stock exchanges subject to disclosure requirements (under the law, stock exchange regulations or other binding instructions), which define requirements to ensure identification of the actual beneficiary. h. Government entities. i. Private or limited financial products or services offered to a particular segment of customers, offered for the purpose of providing appropriate financial services. 2. Reduced due diligence measures should be consistent with risk factors listed in item First (2) above. These measures include, for example not for limitation the following: a. The ability to verify the customer identity and the actual beneficiary after establishment of the business relationship. b. Update the customer data at longer intervals than those specified for the standard usual due diligence measures. c. Following reduced measures for periodic monitoring and verification. d. Non-commitment with collection of detailed information or taking specific actions to understand the purpose and nature of the business relationship, in that it is sufficient to understand the objective and nature of this relationship in light of the type of the transactions or existing business relationships. 3. Banks may not apply reduced due diligence measures in case of suspicious money laundering or financing of terrorism transactions, or when the customer's activity is associated with a business relationship in high-risk countries. Twelfth: Keeping Customer Information (Know Your Customer “KYC”) In opening accounts for customers and in collecting information about the customer and actual beneficiary of the account, the bank shall use a form designated for the same, and keep the documents, data and information collected under due diligence measures updated on continued basis and verify their validity by reviewing the records on appropriate periods consistent with the risks associated with the customer and maintain them throughout the dealing period, represented in the following data as minimum:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 101 e. Nature and pattern of activity. f. Purpose of dealing on the account (salary, saving, business transactions, business proceeds, etc.). g. Number of transactions expected on the account (monthly, annually). h. Value of transactions expected on the account (monthly, annually). i. Nature and pattern of transactions expected to be executed on the account (cash deposits, cheques, local/foreign remittances, etc.). j. Average annual income and its sources. k. Obtaining information on the customer occupation of political or international public positions at present or in the past, and the essence of this position, if any. l. For legal persons, the volume of the registered capital and the volume of the working capital. m. Clarifying and mentioning the names of related parties, such as first-degree relatives, subsidiary and affiliate companies. n. For shareholding companies, clarifying the names of shareholders holding 25% or more. o. Inquiring about having accounts opened with other banks for the same customer and naming these banks. Thirteenth: Continuous monitoring of customer’s transactions: The Bank shall use automated systems to monitor customer transactions on a continued basis, including a mechanism to verify that the transactions are conducted as per the bank's knowledge of the customer and the pattern of risks relevant to his transactions, and that the transactions are consistent with sources of funds and wealth. Monitoring may include also placing pre-set restrictions to trace the transaction and its value and type. In addition, the bank shall pay special and exceptional attention to complex and large transactions or deals and all types of unusual transactions that do not have clear economic objectives, or those which are not commensurate with the customer's activity and the rate of amounts shown in previous debit and credit transactions, on his account, and obtaining supporting documents thereto, if possible, in addition to preparing a written report explaining the reasons for the
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 102 decision on whether to execute the requested transaction or in case of suspicion, to report the same to Kuwait Financial Investigation Unit (KFIU). Fourteenth: Terminating the Relationship with the Customer The bank shall terminate the business relationship with the customer and consider whether the matter requires reporting the matter to the KFIU or not, in the following cases:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 103 e) Providing adequate guarantees concerning the confidentiality required with regard to exchanged information. f) Signing a contract between the bank and the engaged party (other than the external party reporting to the bank) which includes clear provisions for the responsibilities and functions to be performed by the other party and the types of transactions and services for which it will be required to meet the required due diligence requirements. 2) In all cases, the ultimate responsibility for customer identification and verification shall remain with banks. Sixteenth: Shell banks and foreign banking relations (cross-border) with correspondent banks:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 104 customers who are entitled to use correspondent accounts, and that the respondent bank can provide related due diligence information to the sender bank. 4. All requirements mentioned in paragraph (2) above shall be documented and applied to external banking relationships (cross-border) and all similar relationships, be they the new relationships, the relationships due to be established, or the already established ones, before the Law comes into effect and the Executive Regulations and these Instructions are issued. Seventeenth: Banking transactions related to remittances:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 105 Terrorist financing within the scope of transactions related to electronic remittances. 5) If there is a set of cross-border electronic remittances issued severally by one transferor in a bundled package to be transferred to the beneficiary, the above requirements may not be applied to transferor’s information, provided that such remittances shall include the transferor’s account number or remittance reference number, which allow the remittance tracking. Noting that the bundled package shall include the required and accurate information about the transferor and full information about beneficiary, so that it can be fully tracked within the country of the beneficiary’s residence. 6) Banks should ensure that non-routine electronic remittances are not collected in bundled packages in the event of increased risk of money laundering or terrorist financing. 7) For cross-border wire transfers, banks processing an intermediary element of payment chains should retain all wire transfer information including the originator and beneficiary information. 8) The information relating the electronic transfers should be made available by the ordering banks within three business days of receiving the request either from the beneficiary financial institution, the CBK or the KFIU. 9) For domestic wire transfers, banks shall apply the IBAN requirements stated in the IBAN Manual issued by the CBK, without complying with the requirements provided for in paragraph (1) of this clause when conducting these transfers. 10) Where technical limitations preclude retaining the required originator or beneficiary information accompanying a cross-border wire transfer that should be attached to the related domestic wire transfer data, a record should be kept, for at least five years, by the receiving intermediary bank of all the information received from the ordering bank or another intermediary bank. 11) Banks shall set risk-based business procedures for determining the following: a. Cases when to execute, reject, or suspend a wire transfer lacking required information of the originator or beneficiary and consider reporting them to KFIU. b. The appropriate follow-up that may include restricting or terminating the business relationships.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 106 Eighteenth: New Products and Business Practices With regard to assessment and determination of the money laundering and financing of terrorism risks that may face the bank upon offering new products and services, the bank shall have to make a written study on each product, whether it is existing products under development, or a new practice offered by the bank, including using technology in the area of offering previously existing services or new products, before launching any of them, provided that it includes appropriate measures for risk management, and curbs their impacts, and such study shall be maintained and submitted upon request. Nineteenth: Dealing with Exchange Companies that Provide Value or Money Transfer Services
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 107 Twenty First: Commitments to Reporting the Suspicious Transactions:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 108 d. Risk assessment study and any related information, if so required by the CBK, for five years from the date of conducting or updating the assessment. Twenty Third: Requirements of Combating Terrorism Pursuant to the provisions of Article (25) of Law No. (106) of 2013 on AntiMoney Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, all banks shall comply with all provisions of Resolution No. 5 of 2014 on the implementation of the Security Council resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Terrorism and the Financing of Terrorism. The paper issued on the guidelines of the committee formed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the Committee for the Implementation of Security Council Resolutions under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter) shall be adhered to in implementation of the requirements of this resolution in terms of the following: a. Developing the required automated systems that fully comply with the requirements of the resolutions related to combating the financing of terrorism, with the possibility of considering using the services of companies specialized in this field in relation to the names of current customers and those who have the power to deal with the account by customers as well as the actual beneficiary of the account or applicants names to deal with the bank through any of the provided services, b. Freezing all funds and assets owned without delay or prior warning for the persons, entities or groups listed by the Security Council Sanctions Committee under the Security Council resolutions Nos. 1267/1999 and 1988/2011, and listed by the resolutions issued by a committee of implementing the Security Council resolutions established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whether wholly owned or in conjunction with any person or entity and whether they were in their possession and under their direct or indirect control. c. Not to render any financial service or other related services to any of the persons, entities or groups listed in the above lists, once they are included in those lists. For the domestic banking transfers, and in order to process such transactions using Straight Through Processing, it is the responsibility of the issuing bank to verify that the name of the one requesting the transfer is not included in the names listed in the freezing lists and not to deal with him, while it is the responsibility of the receiving bank to verify that the name of the beneficiary is not included the names listed in the freezing lists and not to deal with him.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 109 Twenty Fourth: AML/CFT Compliance Controller
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 110 provided that additional appropriate risk management measures for combating money laundering and financing of terrorism shall be applied in case the hosting country does not allow implementing the combating requirements applied in the mother country, provided that the Central Bank of Kuwait shall be advised of this case and the measures taken for risk management arising out of this position. 7. The board of directors and the regional administration of the foreign bank branches in Kuwait shall ensure that the bank complies with the requirements of the Law No. (106) of 2013 concerning combating money laundering and financing of terrorism through periodic reports (at least quarterly) in this regard. These reports shall include a statement of all suspicious transactions monitored, along with their impacts and the measures taken by the compliance control officers to enhance the bank's policies, procedures, regulations and controls in the framework of combating money laundering and financing of terrorism. 8. The board of directors and the regional administration of the foreign bank branches in Kuwait shall be informed with the findings of any onsite inspection tasks carried out by Central Bank of Kuwait concerning combating money laundering and financing of terrorism, including the corrective measures that should by applied by the bank and the previous procedures taken in this regard. Twenty Fifth: Other Requirements
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). L) Circular to all Local Banks No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to be applicable from 16/06/2019 superseding the Instructions previously issued on 23/07/2013. 111 3) Upon appointing their staff, banks shall identify the integrity, experience and efficiency requirements and set the rules and measures for appropriate selection and qualifications to ensure the following: a. Staff shall have a high efficiency level required for performing their functions. b. Staff shall have the proper integrity to undertake the activities of the bank. c. Potential conflicts of interest must be considered, including the employee’s financial history. d. The bank may not appoint persons who have been suspected or convicted in crimes of fraud and dishonesty or other similar crimes. 4) The conditions of the preceding paragraph (3) must be taken into consideration when nominating members of the board of directors and appointing members of the executive and supervisory departments and directors. 5) The bank shall have ongoing training plan with a program for training new and existing staff in the field of combating money laundering and financing of terrorism periodically, provided that members of the board of directors, members of executive and supervisory department and the directors shall attend similar programs so that they shall be acquainted with all updates and developments, including information on the prevailing patterns in the field of money laundering and financing of terrorism, in compliance with the obligations imposed on them by the law No. 106 of 2013 on combating money laundering and financing of terrorism and its executive regulations and by these instructions. Twenty Sixth: Penalties and Legal Actions Penalties stipulated under article (15) of the Law No. (106) of 2013 concerning combating money laundering and financing of terrorism shall be applied to any bank that violates these instructions.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 112 THE GOVERNOR Thulhijah 27, 1440 H August 28, 2019 The Chairman, Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies Attached is a copy of Resolution No. (35) of 2019 published in the Official Gazette No. 1456 on August 4, 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws of the Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued pursuant to Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, to be enforced as of its date replacing the Resolution No. (5) issued on April 08, 2014 concerning the Executive Bylaw of the Implementation of the Security Council Resolutions issued pursuant to Chapter VII of the United Nations with respect to Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism, previously circulated by the Central Bank of Kuwait on August 31, 2014. The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) stresses on the necessity to abide by all the requirements in the aforementioned resolution, particularly those relating to:
(1) The Circular dated 28/10/2019 included under Item (10) of this Chapter was issued accompanying the mechanism to be followed in following up the resolutions issued by the Sanctions Committee.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 113
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 114 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Having perused:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 115 We have approved the following: Chapter One: Definitions Article (1)
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 116 Chapter Two: Committee Formation and Provisions Article (2) A Committee for Implementation of UNSC Resolutions issued pursuant to Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) is formed presided by the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Development and Cooperation Affairs and the membership of the following:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 117 Article (4) The Committee Rapporteur and Secretary have the following tasks:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 118 4) Must hold a supervisory position (not below Department Director) in order to have sufficient knowledge of the matters related to the authority they are to represent in the committee, particularly matters related to combating terrorism and financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. 5) Have authority and powers granted by the authority to take suitable resolutions of relevance to combating terrorism and financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. 6) Must be fully proficient in English, required in view of the nature of committee business, and especially that needed for communication and interaction with foreign authorities or to attend meetings held externally (abroad). 7) Have the willingness to take part in working teams set up by the committee. 8) Provide biannual reports to the committee indicating the measures taken by the authority they represent relevant to UNSC resolutions issued pursuant to Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Article (8) Members of the committee must abide by the following obligations:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 119 2) The chairman presides the sessions, and the deputy chairman takes on that duty where the chairman is absent, 3) The committee may invite parties they see fit to attend their meeting and give counsel and specialized opinion on a specific matter. Such parties shall not have a vote on any matter. 4) Members are required to attend in person and may not delegate any individual to attend in their stead. 5) The committee convenes on quarterly basis or wherever need arise. 6) The sessions are held at the location and timing specified by the chairman, and should the session prove insufficient to finish discussion of all items on the agenda, a subsequent timing is set for that purpose at a timing decided by the chairman. 7) Communication with members of all levels is solely through their email, and may not go through staff at the members’ offices. The accountability for perusal of confidential committee documents falls upon the members. 8) Committee members are liaisons between the committee and the authorities they represent and are addressed directly on all matters relevant to committee business. Article (10) Quorum is as follows:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 120 Article (11) The voting mechanism for the committee is as follows:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 121 3) Coordinating efforts by relevant state authorities towards implementation of commitments indicated in UNSC resolutions and UN resolutions concerned with Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). 4) Taking part in conferences and committees on terrorism. 5) Requesting documents or data it deems necessary for committee business from all authorities/entities. 6) Issuing directives to authorities towards implementation of decisions taken, each within their area of competence. 7) Receiving complaints from individuals, organizations, or entities against who the committee had taken action, and presenting opinions and preparing replies to be presented to the competent courts of justice where lawsuits are made concerning such complaints. 8) Creating a database of all committee business, activities. 9) Imposing freeze of funds measures on returns created or begotten as the funds indicated above. 10) Presenting a report to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on committee business and activities and of its recommendations every six months, or upon request. Article (13) Funds or assets subject to fund freeze are maintained virtue of this article as a precautionary measure. Article (14) It is prohibited for any individual to make funds available or provide financial services or other related services, directly or otherwise, solely or in partnership with others, to an individual, group, or entity designated on the national list and UNSC lists concerning countering terrorism or for their benefit. Article (15) Individuals who enforce a freeze on funds or ban access to and ban any administration thereof and refuse to provide a financial service in good faith and as part of their professional duty are exempt from administrative accountability.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 122 Chapter Four: Designation, delisting on the national list in implementation of UNSC resolution No. 1373 concerning precautionary measures to counter terrorism Article (16)
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 123 3) Should no clear decision be reached within the committee within the specified period of 30 days mentioned in the first paragraph of this article, the requestor may lodge a petition with a Kuwaiti court of law within 60 days of lapse of this period. Article (18)
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 124 Chapter Five Funds that could be exempt from freeze measures Article (20)
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). M) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies attaching the Ministerial Resolution No (35) of 2019 regarding the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions issued by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) superseding the Resolution No (5) dated 08/04/2014. 125 Chapter Eight: Concluding Provisions Article (25) Resolution No. (5) of 2014 issued 08/04/2014 concerning the executive bylaws for implementation of UNSC resolutions issued pursuant to Chapter VII of the UN Charter on terrorism and financing terrorism is from now considered null. Article (26) Officials, each within their competence, shall implement this resolution, act according to its provisions, and report it to whatever parties necessary. Article (27) The resolution enters effect on date of its issue and shall be published in the state’s official gazette. Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Foreign Affairs Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Issued on Thul-Qi’da 22, 1440 H Corresponding to July 25, 2019
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). N) Circular to all Local Banks dated 28/08/2019 further to the Circular dated 14/05/2019 regarding Anti-Money Laundering And Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) obligating banks to form a committee assigned to decide on reporting any suspicious transaction of money laundry/terror finance to Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU). 126 THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Thul-Hijja 24, 1440 H August 28, 2019 The Executive Manager, Further to our Circular No. (2/BS, IBS/432/2019) issued on 14/05/2019 regarding Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) and the provisions under Item (Third/1) thereof with respect to the procedures to be taken for reporting suspicious transactions and identifying the administrative levels whose approvals should be obtained for sending the notification to Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) and the provisions of Item (Twenty First/1) stating that the results of the research and investigation shall be recorded in writing at the bank with the supporting documents to be submitted upon request, And to the meeting held with the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the local banks in this respect to stress on compliance with the above, and ensure that the procedures include the respective steps to be strictly followed by each bank, A committee is to be formed in each bank with mandates to make decisions for reporting any suspicious transaction to KFIU. Membership of the said committee encompasses AML/CFT Compliance Officer, provided that all discussions on every suspicious transaction reported to the Committee, the opinion of each member thereon and the Committee’s final decision should be recorded. A proof thereof should be maintained and submitted whenever requested. Best Regards, The Executive Director of Supervision Sector Waleed M. Al-Awadhi
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). O) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies issued 28/10/2019 attaching the mechanism to be followed for follow up on the Resolutions issued by Sanctions Committees in line with the Provisions of the Resolutions issued under No. (35) of 2019 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). 127 THE GOVERNOR Safar 29, 1441 H October 28, 2019 The Chairman, “Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies” In accordance to the circular issued 28/08/2019 accompanying a copy of resolution No. (35) of 2019 on the executive bylaws for implementation of UNSC resolutions issued pursuant to Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, You will find an attachment on the mechanism to be adopted in order to follow up on resolutions issued by sanctions committees pursuant to Chapter VII of the UN Charter, whether they are UNSC committees in accordance of Resolutions No. (1267) of 1999, No. (1988) of 2011, No. (2253) of 2015 and relevant resolutions or the committee formed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the implementation of UNSC resolutions issued pursuant to Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Local banks, financing companies, and exchange companies shall all commit to the following:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). O) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies issued 28/10/2019 attaching the mechanism to be followed for follow up on the Resolutions issued by Sanctions Committees in line with the Provisions of the Resolutions issued under No. (35) of 2019 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). 128
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). O) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies issued 28/10/2019 attaching the mechanism to be followed for follow up on the Resolutions issued by Sanctions Committees in line with the Provisions of the Resolutions issued under No. (35) of 2019 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). 129 Mechanism for Implementation of UNSC Resolutions Issued Pursuant to Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Pursuant to Resolution No. (35) of 2019 on the executive bylaws for implementation of UNSC resolutions issued pursuant to Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, already circulated and dated 28/8/2019 to all units regulated by the Central Bank of Kuwait, Local banks, financing companies, and exchange companies shall abide by the following:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). O) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies issued 28/10/2019 attaching the mechanism to be followed for follow up on the Resolutions issued by Sanctions Committees in line with the Provisions of the Resolutions issued under No. (35) of 2019 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). 130
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). O) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies issued 28/10/2019 attaching the mechanism to be followed for follow up on the Resolutions issued by Sanctions Committees in line with the Provisions of the Resolutions issued under No. (35) of 2019 on the Executive Bylaws for Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions by virtue of Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerning Combating Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). 131
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 132 THE GOVERNOR Rajab 25, 1444 H February 16, 2023 The Chairman, “Circular to all Local Banks “ Within the scope of the continuous development pursued by the Central Bank of Kuwait for the requirements of Anti-money laundering and terrorist financing, and where previously, on the date of 14/5/2019 - Issuance of Instructions No. (2/RB, RBA/432/2019) to all Local Banks related to combating money laundering and terrorist financing, we would like to notify you that the Board of Directors of Central bank of Kuwait has approved, in its meeting held on 15/2/2023 amendments that were introduced to the aforementioned instructions. Accordingly, you will find attached a statement explaining these amendments, as well as a copy of the new instructions, which include the amendments, No. (2/RB, RBA/507/2023), which are effective as of the date of the instruction. With best regards, The Governor Basel A. Al-Haroon
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 133 Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism N.B.: This English translation is prepared by the Central Bank of Kuwait for information purposes only. In case of any variance between Arabic and English versions, Arabic text shall prevail.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 134 Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism In the context of reinforcing Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) efforts, and in order to ensure the required compliance with the application of the international standards issued by the Financial Action Task Force “FATF” in this regard, and in line with the provisions of the Law No. (106) of 2013 Concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, its Executive Regulations and the relevant promulgated ministerial resolutions, as well as the provisions of Articles No. (14) and (15) of the said Law, which provided that the regulatory authorities shall supervise and monitor compliance with the requirements of anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism, and imposing the appropriate penalties and sanctions on the units subject to their supervision. And, whereas the banking and financial institutions are the most targeted entities for money launderers and terrorism financers, through which they endeavor for layering and concealing the illicit sources of their funds. As such, these institutions are always exposed to risks arising from such acts. And, in order to protect the banking and financial institutions from such illegitimate practices and to avoid any adverse impacts they may face due to these risks, it is necessary for all banking and financial institutions to take the measures which ensure that they are not manipulated by such operations, in addition to ensuring compliance with the full implementation of the requirements under the recommendations issued by FATF and the provisions of the said Law, while adopting the Risk-Based Approach in the preparation of such measures; and, In light of the above, CBK has updated the instructions issued on 23rd July 2013 to all local banks under No. (2/BS/IBS/308/2013) concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the financing of terrorism. This update has been introduced to enhance and clarify some of the requirements based on the CBK’s recent monitoring, to achieve the full compliance with these requirements by the CBK-regulated banking and financial institutions. Accordingly, all banks operating in the State of Kuwait shall abide by the following: First: Determining the Risks Associated with Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 135 a) Various types of customers with whom banks deal with, and those with whom banks prohibit dealing, if any. b) Countries and geographical regions where any of the requested transactions are processed. c) Products and services, whether the existing products and services or any other innovated service the bank intends to offer to its customers. d) Furthermore, the study should address risk assessment levels to which the bank is exposed as per the said elements, and to divide the same into three levels (Low, Moderate, and High) while making the appropriate and necessary procedures to monitor and manage such risks to mitigate their impacts on the bank’s business. 2) Within the scope of identification of the risks associated with the elements mentioned in paragraph (1) above, the study of these elements shall address the factors which may increase the risks associated with each element, and set the appropriate remedies for the same, such as the following: a) As for the various types of customers:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 136 11. The period prior to dealings with the customer (relationship with the customer). 12. Risks associated with Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and those related with them. 13. Customers who own large assets or those for whom no clear information are available about the source of income or owned assets. 14. The customer’s business is mainly dependent on cash or a business which is associated with high risks related to money laundering or terrorism financing. 15. Customers whose transactions are carried out without need of attendance in person to any of them. 16. The customer’s business having a business relationship between the customer and persons resident in high-risk countries. b) As for Countries and Geographical Regions
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 137 3. Services rendered through the use of various cards. 4. Services or products whose process does not necessitate the attendance of the customer in person in order to confirm his identity. 5. Transactions executed for customers through third parties, without the availability of information for the relationship which requires such transactions. 6. Any new proposed product or service that will be offered by the bank to customers. 3) In light of the findings of the assessment and identification of risks to which the bank is exposed as required above, the type of due diligence applied with regard to the execution of transactions, shall be identified, taking into consideration the following measures as a minimum limit: a) Documents which will be collected based on the level of risks associated with transactions and customers. b)Information required to be submitted by customers which shall be determined in accordance with the associated risks. c) Due diligence procedures to be applied upon processing local transactions or transactions across any of the other countries, documents and information that shall be collected, and the procedures related to identifying the Beneficial Owner of the transaction, as per the level of risks associated with each of the countries. d) Enhanced due diligence measures intended to be followed in case of high risks exist in transactions for customers, countries, or risks associated with the product or the service itself. e) Follow up an approach to update customers’ information and data on periodic basis commensurate with the degree of the associated risks (one year or less for high-risk customers, two years or less for medium-risk customers, and a maximum of three years for low-risk customers). 4) The study on risks associated with money-laundering and terrorism financing and its results shall be approved by the board of directors. With regard to branches of foreign banks operating in the State of Kuwait, the study shall be approved by a management level not less than the regional management of the branch. The prepared study as well as any update incorporated therein shall be maintained as per the requirement of documents and records keeping as stipulated under Item Twenty Two.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 138 Second: AML/CFT Policy:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 139 k. Preparing periodic reports to be presented to the board of directors or the regional management of foreign banks’ branches, including efforts exerted by the compliance officer in respect of compliance with the requirements of anti-money laundering and combating of terrorism. l. Mandating all branches of local or foreign banks as well as subsidiaries of banking groups to satisfy the requirements and provisions of the law and the ministerial resolutions and these instructions and the recommendations issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards applicable in this regard, as a minimum limit, and to confirm the necessity of cooperation between these branches and subsidiaries in respect of exchange of information and maintaining their confidentiality, along with development of the most appropriate methods to realize this commitment. m.Implementation of integrity standards and the appropriate experience upon the appointment of new staff at the bank. n. There must be an ongoing training programs, to be prepared on periodic basis, so that the staff (new and current ones) will be able to attend training programs on anti-money laundering and combating terrorism financing. o. There must be procedures to monitor the bank staff’s accounts by AML/CFT Department, and any other measures the bank deems appropriate for assisting other departments to ensure that: • There is no suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing in transactions of bank employees' accounts.. • There are no transactions between the accounts of the bank's employees and any of the bank's customers, except for the accounts linked to the employee's account, with which he acknowledges that he has a relationship, whether family, or other permitted and approved by the bank, after verifying and completing the supporting documents.. p. Updating the policy on ongoing basis (every two years at most) by reviewing it periodically to keep pace with any developments by the combating efforts exerted in this regard. 2) It must be taken into account that the policy adopted by the Bank is consistent with the size of the activity practiced and the nature and scope of the operations carried out by it, and work to update the policy continuously (and a maximum of once every two years) by reviewing it at periodic intervals to keep pace with any developments in the control efforts exerted in this regard.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 140 3) The bank shall endorse the policy prepared by the board of directors. For branches of foreign banks operating in the State of Kuwait, such policy shall be approved by a management level not less than the regional management of the branch to which the branch is reporting. 4) Yet, foreign banks branches operating in the State of Kuwait may follow up the policy certified by the bank’s board of directors abroad, which is applicable to its foreign branches, provided that such policy shall comprise all regulatory requirements concerning money laundering and terrorism financing applicable in the State of Kuwait and a copy of such certified policy must be available at the branch and a copy of the documents indicating such certification from the board of directors. Third: Applicable Procedures and Internal Control Systems:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 141 f. Procedures necessary to identify whether the customer is the Beneficial Owner of the required transaction or he is acting on behalf of one or more other beneficiaries. g. Steps to be followed and applied concerning the continued monitoring of customers’ transactions. h. Steps to be applied regarding presenting services or products to customers as per the risks associated with money laundering and terrorism financing, especially for the following: i. Opening accounts for customers. ii. Foreign remittances whether inward or outward transactions. iii. Banking cheques issued to non-bank customers. iv. Transactions required by customers which are processed without the customer’s presence. i. Steps to be applied with regard to verification of the bank’s compliance with freezing balances of accounts of any customers and persons related to it, as well as the adequate procedures to ensure non-dealing with them in future, with regard to names included in the freezing lists issued by the Security Council sanction committees or pursuant to local resolutions issued by a committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to implement the Security Council resolutions. j. Procedures to be followed to monitor the bank staff’s accounts by AML/CFT Department, and any other measures the bank deems appropriate for assisting other departments based on the responsibilities assigned to each department in this regard. k. Applied Programs and techniques to identify suspicious transactions and activities in relation to money laundering and terrorism financing, and the ensuing measures to be taken in case of confirmation of suspicious transactions, to report it to KFIU during the determined period, and determination of the measures to be taken concerning preparing the suspicious reports or not, and determination of the management levels required to obtain their approvals for sending the report to KFIU. 2) The written procedures of the bank shall be consistent with the size of the activity, nature and scope of the bank transactions, taking into consideration the provisions stated in the guideline manual prepared at the bank to identify patterns of money laundering & terrorism financing activities, based on the guideline manual issued by KFIU regarding the patterns of money laundering & terrorism financing activities.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 142 3) The business procedures of the bank shall be approved by the board of directors and for branches of foreign owned banks operating in the State of Kuwait, they shall be approved at least by the regional management of the branch. Fourth: Customer Identification Requirements: Banks shall identify and verify the identities of the customer and the Beneficial Owner upon dealing with them and shall understand the purpose of the dealing and its nature, and, if necessary, obtain supporting information, in the following cases: a. Opening an account with the bank or initiating a business relationship. b. Upon presenting any service or execution of any transaction exceeding three thousand KD or its equivalent in foreign currency (whether for a single transaction or frequent transactions), for dealers who have no open account or ongoing business relationship with the bank, for example: v. Upon processing local or oversees electronic fund transfer. vi. Upon issuing a bank cheque to be paid in cash. vii. Upon issuing prepaid card to non-bank customers, who have open accounts. c. Upon suspicion of the validity of the identification data previously received from the customer. d. Upon suspecting a transaction required to be executed – to non-bank customers – that it is related to money laundering and terrorism financing. Fifth: Due diligence measures towards customers:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 143 2. Banks may not open or keep anonymous accounts or accounts in fictitious names or only numeric names or maintain such accounts with them. 3. Banks should review the legal documents proving the customer’s identity and validity of such identity, and obtain a copy thereof. Such copy must be signed and acknowledged by the concerned officer as a true copy of the original, and approved by a higher authority, as follows: a) For natural persons:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 144 4. For companies and institutions that are established outside the State of Kuwait, certificates of incorporation shall be documented by the concerned authorities in Kuwait. Excluded from the above, the supporting documents that evidence the incorporation of the company or the institution abroad which were presented by the customer to one of the bank branches abroad, which exercise its business in the country where the company or institution has been established, provided that these documents must be certified by the branch officers to the effect that they have previously perused these documents and that they are true copies. 5. For a person’s representation of an institution/ company in front of the bank, it is necessary to submit the legal documents and judicial judgments issued in this regard which evidence the same. 6. Names of the major shareholders or those holding 25% or more (individually and in total), for the shareholding companies. 7. Disclosing the accounts opened with other banks for the same customer and naming these banks. Sixth: Identifying Beneficial Owner:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 145 4. If the customer is a legal person or legal arrangement, banks must take the appropriate measures to understand the equity and control structure for such customers till the ultimate person in possession or in control of the customer. if there is any doubt whether this natural person controls or is responsible for managing the legal person, the bank should take gradual cascading steps to identify the Beneficial Owner (to be followed according to a cascading approach, so that each following step is taken in case the previous one was insufficient in verifying the actual beneficiary), as follows: a. verify the identities of natural persons who possess controlling interests of over 25% of a legal person or legal arrangement (or both). b. If the natural person, who practices control through the said equity stakes is not identified, any other available means shall be used to identity the natural persons practicing control over the management. c. If the natural person is not identified by following the previous steps (a, b), the bank shall define the necessary procedures to reach the natural person(s), who hold senior management positions through which the management of the legal person or legal arrangement is controlled. 5. For legal arrangements, banks shall verify the identity of the person acting on behalf of the customer, the custodian, the beneficiary or any other person entrusted with these functions. Seventh: Postponing customer identification:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 146 Eighth: Abstention from accepting new customers:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 147 c. Obtaining additional information on the customer (legal person), the nature of the expected business relationship with the customer, the volume of business and obtaining the latest available financial statements. d. Obtaining the senior management approval for establishing or continuing the business relationships. e. Conducting enhanced ongoing monitoring of the customer’s transactions through enhancing monitoring measures and their periodicity as well as identifying transactions patterns that require additional examination. f. Taking into consideration that the first amount credited upon opening the customer account should be from a known source and via banking platform. 5. Conducting ongoing enhanced due diligence measures for customers stated in paragraph (1) on each stage of the due diligence process. 6. For customer identification purposes, enhanced due diligence measures should include the following for business relationships with a customer that does not deal face to face: a. Authenticating the documents as per relevant laws and procedures. b. Obtaining customer contact details whether via email or telephone numbers through which communications can be established. Tenth: Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs):
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 148 b. Having in place the procedures which determine how to deal with the accounts opened to those customers, periodic update of data, and the required follow-up for executed transactions. c. Taking all appropriate measures to determine the source of funds and wealth. d. Application of strict and continuous monitoring of the business relationship. 3. The same requirements as in paragraphs (1) and (2) above shall be applicable to family members of PEPs up to second-degree relatives and close partners. Eleventh: Reduced due diligence procedures for low-risk customers:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 149 e. Private or limited financial products or services offered to a particular segment of customers, offered for the purpose of providing appropriate financial services. 2. Reduced due diligence measures should be consistent with risk factors listed in item First (2) above. These measures include, for example not for limitation the following: a. The ability to verify the customer identity and the Beneficial Owner after establishment of the business relationship. b. Update the customer data at longer intervals than those specified for the standard usual due diligence measures. c. Following reduced measures for periodic monitoring and verification. d. Non-commitment with collection of detailed information or taking specific actions to understand the purpose and nature of the business relationship, in that it is sufficient to understand the objective and nature of this relationship in light of the type of the transactions or existing business relationships. 3. Banks may not apply reduced due diligence measures in case of suspicious money laundering or financing of terrorism transactions, or when the customer's activity is associated with a business relationship in high-risk countries. Twelfth: Keeping Customer Information (Know Your Customer “KYC”) In opening accounts for customers and in collecting information about the customer and actual (real) beneficiary of the account, the bank shall use a form designated for the same, and keep the documents, data and information collected under due diligence measures updated on continued basis and verify their validity by reviewing the records on appropriate periods consistent with the risks associated with the customer and maintain them throughout the dealing period, represented in the following data as minimum: a. For Natural Persons:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 150 5. Nature and pattern of transactions expected to be executed on the account (cash deposits, cheques, local/foreign remittances, etc.). 6. Average annual income and its sources. 7. Obtaining information on the customer occupation of political or international public positions at present or in the past, and the essence of this position, if any. 8. Disclosing the accounts opened with other banks for the same customer and naming these banks. b. For Legal Persons: In addition to the aforementioned, the following information shall be collected:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 151 Fourteenth: Terminating the Relationship with the Customer The bank shall terminate the business relationship with the customer and consider whether the matter requires reporting the matter to the KFIU or not, in the following cases:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 152 f. Signing a contract between the bank and the engaged party (other than the external party reporting to the bank) which includes clear provisions for the responsibilities and functions to be performed by the other party and the types of transactions and services for which it will be required to meet the required due diligence requirements. 2. In all cases, the ultimate responsibility for customer identification and verification shall remain with banks. Sixteenth: Shell banks and foreign banking relations (cross-border) with correspondent banks:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 153 4. All requirements mentioned in paragraph (2) above shall be documented and applied to external banking relationships (cross-border) and all similar relationships, be they the new relationships, the relationships due to be established, or the already established ones, before the Law comes into effect and the Executive Regulations and these Instructions are issued. Seventeenth: Banking transactions related to remittances:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 154 5. If there is a set of cross-border electronic remittances issued severally by one transferor in a bundled package to be transferred to the beneficiary, the above requirements may not be applied to transferor’s information, provided that such remittances shall include the transferor’s account number or remittance reference number, which allow the remittance tracking. Noting that the bundled package shall include the required and accurate information about the transferor and full information about beneficiary, so that it can be fully tracked within the country of the beneficiary’s residence. 6. Banks should ensure that non-routine electronic remittances are not collected in bundled packages in the event of increased risk of money laundering or terrorist financing. 7. For cross-border wire transfers, banks processing an intermediary element of payment chains should retain all wire transfer information including the originator and beneficiary information. 8. The information relating the electronic transfers should be made available by the ordering banks within three business days of receiving the request either from the beneficiary financial institution, CBK or KFIU. 9. For domestic wire transfers, banks shall apply the IBAN requirements stated in the IBAN Manual issued by CBK, in addition to complying with the requirements provided for in paragraph (1), when conducting these transfers. Moreover, banks shall adhere to paragraph (2) of article “Twenty Three” concerning requirements of combating terrorism in terms of banking transfers via Straight Through Processing (STP). 10. Where technical limitations preclude retaining the required originator or beneficiary information accompanying a cross-border wire transfer that should be attached to the related domestic wire transfer data, a record should be kept, for at least five years, by the receiving intermediary bank of all the information received from the ordering bank or another intermediary bank. 11. Banks shall set risk-based business procedures for determining the following: a. Cases when to execute, reject, or suspend a wire transfer lacking required information of the originator or beneficiary and consider reporting them to KFIU. b. The appropriate follow-up that may include restricting or terminating the business relationships.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 155 Eighteenth: New Products and Business Practices Upon offering new products and services, the bank should conduct a written study for each product, whether an existing product being developed or a new practice offered by the bank, including usage of technology in offering previously existing services or new products to assess and identify ML/FT risks that the bank may face, before launching such services or products. The study should include appropriate measures manage any risks, and reduce their impact, and such study shall be maintained and submitted upon request. Nineteenth: Dealing with Exchange Companies that Provide Value or Money Transfer Services
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 156 Twenty First: Commitments to Reporting the Suspicious Transactions:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 157 b. All records of domestic and international transactions already executed or attempted to be executed for a period of at least five years. Such records should be sufficiently in details to enable reproducing the steps of each transaction separately. c. Copies of the notices sent as well as related documents for a period of at least five years from the date of submitting the notices to KFIU, so that such documents would allow for the rearrangement of individual operations in such a way as to provide, if necessary, evidence of prosecution against criminal activity. d. Risk assessment study and any related information, if so required by CBK, for five years from the date of conducting or updating the assessment. Twenty Third: Requirements of Combating Terrorism
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 158 c. Not to render any financial service or other related services to any of the persons, entities or groups listed in the above lists, once they are included in those lists. 2. For the domestic banking transfers, and in order to process such transactions using “(STP) Straight Through Processing”, it is the responsibility of the issuing bank to verify that the name of the one requesting the transfer is not included in the names listed in the freezing lists and not to deal with him, while it is the responsibility of the receiving bank to verify that the name of the beneficiary is not included the names listed in the freezing lists and not to deal with him. Twenty Fourth: AML/CFT Compliance officer
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 159 5. The bank shall conduct independent audits and inspections to verify the compliance controller and the relevant department personnel’s performance of their tasks in conformity with the bank’s policies and controls in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism, taking into consideration to include this within the internal audit annual plan. 6. Banks shall have to ensure that their external branches and their subsidiaries satisfy the requirements of combating money laundering and financing of terrorism, stipulated by the provisions of the law and the ministerial resolutions and these instructions, in case the requirements of combating money laundering and financing of terrorism at the hosting country are less stricter to the extent allowed by the laws and bylaws of the hosting country, provided that additional appropriate risk management measures for combating money laundering and financing of terrorism shall be applied in case the hosting country does not allow implementing the combating requirements applied in the mother country, provided that the Central Bank of Kuwait shall be advised of this case and the measures taken for risk management arising out of this position. 7. The board of directors and the regional administration of the foreign bank branches in Kuwait shall ensure that the bank complies with the requirements of the Law No. (106) of 2013 concerning combating money laundering and financing of terrorism through periodic reports (at least quarterly) in this regard. These reports shall include a statement of all suspicious transactions monitored, along with their impacts and the measures taken by the compliance control officers to enhance the bank's policies, procedures, regulations and controls in the framework of combating money laundering and financing of terrorism. 8. The board of directors and the regional administration of the foreign bank branches in Kuwait shall be informed with the findings of any onsite inspection tasks carried out by Central Bank of Kuwait concerning combating money laundering and financing of terrorism, including the corrective measures that should by applied by the bank and the previous procedures taken in this regard. Twenty Fifth: Other Requirements
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 160 2. External auditor’s report on the assessment of internal control systems in the bank shall include the extent of the bank’s compliance with applied local laws, ministerial resolutions and the CBK instructions relevant to combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism, in addition to the bank’s compliance with its own applied policies, procedures, systems and controls. 3. Upon appointing their staff, banks shall identify the integrity, experience and efficiency requirements and set the rules and measures for appropriate selection and qualifications to ensure the following: a. Staff shall have a high efficiency level required for performing their functions. b. Staff shall have the proper integrity to undertake the activities of the bank. c. Potential conflicts of interest must be considered, including the employee’s financial history. d. The bank may not appoint persons who have been suspected or convicted in crimes of fraud and dishonesty or other similar crimes. 4. The conditions of the preceding paragraph (3) must be taken into consideration when nominating members of the board of directors and appointing members of the executive and supervisory departments and directors. 5. The bank shall have ongoing training plan with a program for training new and existing staff in the field of combating money laundering and financing of terrorism periodically, provided that members of the board of directors, members of executive and supervisory department and the directors shall attend similar programs so that they shall be acquainted with all updates and developments, including information on the prevailing patterns in the field of money laundering and financing of terrorism, in compliance with the obligations imposed on them by the law No. 106 of 2013 on combating money laundering and financing of terrorism and its executive regulations and by all instructions issued by the CBK in this regard. Twenty Sixth: Penalties and Legal Actions Penalties stipulated under article (15) of the Law No. (106) of 2013 concerning combating money laundering and financing of terrorism shall be applied to any bank that violates these instructions.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 161 Amendments to the instructions issued to all local banks No. (2/RP, RB/432/2019) on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating he Financing of Terrorism • First: Reformulated or amended words or phrases Amended statement (item/point/paragraph) Amended text Statement (item/point/paragraph) Text according to the instructions previously issued on 14/5/2019 Page Number (From the instructions issued on 14/5/2019) Second paragraph "... through which they endeavor for layering and concealing the illicit sources of their funds.." Second paragraph "... to conceal and disguise the illicit sources of their funds,..." 1 Third paragraph to enhance and clarify some of the requirements based on the CBK’s recent monitoring..." Third paragraph "... To reinforce and clarify some of the requirements that the follow-up carried out by the Central Bank of Kuwait during the previous period revealed the need for them,..." 1 Item I.2/b/Point 2 "... amendments made by KFIU to this list as a result of the continued monitoring thereof." Item I.2/b/Second paragraph "... and the adjustments made as a result of the continuous follow-up to this list." 4 Item I.3/c "... applied upon processing local transactions or transactions across any of the other countries, documents and information that shall be collected, and the procedures related to identifying the Beneficial Owner of the transaction, as per the level of risks associated with each of the countries Item I/3/Third paragraph "... Executing transactions across any of the other countries according to the level of risk associated with each of them." 5 Item I.3/e "... Associated risks (...a maximum of three years for low-risk customers)." Item I/3/Fifth paragraph "... Associated risks (... Three years for low-risk clients)." 5 Item II.1/d " Apply the appropriate due diligence." Item II/1/Fourth paragraph "Follow 6 due diligence..." Item II.1/e to apply the principle of Know-Your-Customer (“KYC”) and use a form designated for this purpose, which requires..." Item II/1/Fifth paragraph "... to apply the principle of "know your customer" as it entails..." 6
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 162 Item II.2 "It must be taken into account that the policy adopted by the Bank is consistent with the size of the activity practiced and the nature and scope of the operations carried out by it, and work to update the policy continuously (and a maximum of once every two years) by reviewing it at periodic intervals to keep pace with any developments in the control efforts exerted in this regard." Item II.2 "The Bank's policy must be consistent with the size of the activity practiced and the nature and scope of the operations carried out by it." 8 Item III.1/d " Steps to be followed for application of “KYC” principle and using the designated form, taking into consideration the customers’ associated risks," Item III/1/Fourth paragraph "Steps to be followed in implementing the concept of 'Know Your Customer' taking into account the risks associated with customers,..." 9 Item IV / first paragraph "Banks shall identify and verify the identities of the customer and the Beneficial Owner upon dealing with them and shall understand the purpose of the dealing and its nature, and, if necessary, obtain supporting information," Item IV.1 "The identity of the customer and the actual beneficiary shall be identified and verified," 10 Item IV (a) "Opening an account with the bank or establishing a business relationship." Item IV.1/a "Opening an account with the bank or establishing a business relationship, where personal attendance must be verified... on the provision of the service." 11 Item V.1 " Due diligence measures towards customers, whether natural persons, legal persons and legal arrangements, based on the risk-based approach..." Item V.1 "Customer due diligence measures based on a risk-based methodology," 11 Item V.1/a " Verifying the customer’s identity using documents or recognized tools from reliable and independent sources Item V.1/a "Verifying the identity of the customer using documents, data or information from reliable and independent sources." 11 Item V.1/b " Identifying the Beneficial Owner and taking reasonable measures so that the bank will be fully aware of and knows the actual beneficiary," Item V.1/b "Identification of the actual beneficiary and reasonable 12 measures to verify his identity, ..." Item V.1/c " Understand the purpose and nature of the business relationship ..." Item V.1/c "Understand the purpose and nature of an employment relationship..." 12
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 163 Item V.2 " Banks may not open or keep anonymous accounts or accounts in fictitious names or only numeric names or maintain such accounts with them." Item V.2 "Banks are prohibited from opening or keeping accounts for customers with fictitious, anonymous or numerical names only, and banks are prohibited from opening accounts for customers..." 12 Item V.3 "Banks should review the legal documents proving the customer’s identity and validity of such identity, and obtain a copy thereof. Such copy must be signed and acknowledged by the concerned officer as a true copy of the original, and approved by a higher authority, as follows." Item V.3 "Banks shall examine the identification documents, provided that they are valid, and obtain a copy appended with the signature of the competent officer as a copy identical to the submitted original that has been examined, according to the following..." 12 Item V.3/A/Point 1 " The Civil ID for citizens or non-citizens (residents), whether the actual Civil ID or the second level of Kuwait Mobile ID application." Item V/3/a/first paragraph "Civil ID issued to citizens or non-citizens 12 (residents)." Item V.3/a/Point 4 " Official document issued by the customer authorizing the person in dealing with the bank on his/her behalf, certifying the authenticity of the signature appearing on the authorization deed submitted." Item V.3/A/Fourth paragraph "The official document issued authorizing the person on whose behalf he deals with the bank, subject to the authentication of the authenticity of the signature contained in the document submitted..." 13 Item V.3/b " For Legal Persons or Legal Arrangements " Item V.3/b "For legal persons" 13 Item V.3/b/point 1 " Completing the full name of the legal person or legal arrangement, the date of incorporation, the headquarter business address..." Item V/3/b/first paragraph "Fulfillment of the full name of the legal person, date of incorporation and address of the principal place of business..." 13 Item V.3/b/Point 2 " Collecting the documentation evidencing incorporation of the legal person or legal arrangement, and ensuring that it is entitled to exercise business according to the documents issued by the concerned authorities, and completion of documents indicating the names of the management’s personnel so that the bank can understand the equity and control structure." Item V/3/b/second paragraph "Documents proving the incorporation of the institution / company and that it is entitled to practice the activity under the documents issued by the concerned authorities." 13
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 164 Item VI.1 " The bank shall take the necessary measures to identify whether the customer (natural person) is the Beneficial Owner or acting on behalf of a Beneficial Owner or more." Item VI.1 "Necessary measures shall be taken to determine whether the customer is the actual beneficiary or acting on behalf of one or more other beneficial beneficiaries," 14 Item VI.2 " If the bank determines that a customer (natural person) is acting on behalf of another beneficiary or beneficiaries..." Item VI.2 "If the bank determines that the customer is acting on behalf of one or more other actual beneficiaries," 14 Item VI.5 " For legal arrangements, banks shall verify the identity of the person acting on behalf of the customer, the custodian, the beneficiary or any other person entrusted with these functions.." Item VI.4/b "For legal arrangements, the identity of the administrator, trustee, beneficiary or any other person entrusted with such functions must be ascertained." 15 Item XII/first paragraph "When opening accounts for customers, the bank must... The actual (real) beneficiary of the requested account, ... And work to keep the data and information that are updated on an ongoing basis, taking into account that this is done according to appropriate periodic intervals... represented in the following data as minimum..." Item XII/first paragraph "When opening accounts for customers, the bank must... The actual beneficiary of the requested account, Work to keep the documents, data and information collected under due diligence measures up to date on an ongoing basis, while verifying their validity by reviewing existing records at appropriate periodic intervals... Subject to the form that is used contains the items..." 20 Item XII/A/8 " Disclosing the accounts opened with other banks for the same customer and naming these banks." Item XII/point 11 "Inquire about the existence of accounts opened with other banks for the same customer, and name these banks." 21 Regulation XIII.2 "The bank also has to... obtain the supporting documents, if available. A written report should be prepared explaining the reasons for the decision on whether to report the case to Kuwait Financial Investigation Unit (KFIU) in case of suspicion or not." Item XIII/second paragraph "The bank also has to... Obtaining supporting documents, if possible, provided that a written report is prepared explaining the reasons for the decision taken in this regard, whether to carry out the requested operation or notify the Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit thereof in case of suspicion of the operation." 21
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 165 Item XV.1/a " The bank must immediately obtain all information required from the engaged party under due diligence measures." Item XV.1/a "The Bank may immediately obtain from the party to be retained all the information required under the due diligence measures." 22 Item XVII.1 " With regard to the outward external remittances, banks shall have full and accurate information about the transferor, the beneficiary and the related messages, the purpose of the transfer..." Item XVII.1 "Banks shall, in respect of outward transfers, obtain complete and accurate information about the remittance orderer, the beneficiary and the relevant letters," 24 Item XVII.9 "For domestic wire transfers, banks shall apply the IBAN requirements stated in the IBAN Manual issued by CBK, in addition to complying with the requirements provided for in paragraph (1), when conducting these transfers Item XVII.9 "For domestic electronic transfers, banks shall apply the requirements of the IBAN under the IBAN Guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Kuwait, without complying with the requirements contained in paragraph (1) of this item when making such transfers." 26 Item XVIII/first paragraph "Upon offering new products and services, the bank should conduct a written study for each product, whether an existing product being developed or a new practice offered by the bank, including usage of technology in offering previously existing services or new products to assess and identify ML/FT risks that may face the bank, before launching such services or products. the study should include appropriate measures for risk management, and curbs their impacts, and such study shall be maintained and submitted upon request." Item XVIII/first paragraph "In order to assess and determine the magnitude of the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing that it may face if it provides new products and services..." 26 Item XXV.5 "... obligations imposed on them by the law No. 106 of 2013 on combating money laundering and financing of terrorism and its executive regulations and by all instructions issued by the CBK in this regard." Item XXV.5 "... In accordance with Law No. (106) of 2013 on AntiMoney Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, and its Executive Regulations, and these instructions." 33
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 166 • Second: Amended items and paragraphs:
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 167
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, and the Supervisory and Regulatory Instructions and Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). P) Circular to all Local Banks, issued 16/2/2023 concerning Instructions No. (2/BS/IBS/507/2023) Concerning Anti-Money Laundering & Combating the Financing of Terrorism. 168
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING MONEY LAUNDERING. Q) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies” issued 17/7/2023 concerning Virtual-Assets Transactions Procedures. 169 THE GOVERNOR Thulhija 29, 1444 H July 17, 2023 The Chairman, “Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies” Virtual-Assets Transactions Procedures Within the scope of enhancing efforts to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) and the outcome of the study prepared by the National Committee for AML/CFT regarding the commitment required in the field of applying Recommendation (15) regarding the international standards issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) related to dealing with virtual assets, which are defined as assets that have a digital representation of their value, which may be traded or digitally converted. They may also be used for payment or investment purposes, as Recommendation (15) requires that virtual assets be considered as: “property,” “proceeds,” “funds,” “funds or other assets,” or other “corresponding value”, noting that virtual assets do not include digital representations of fiat currencies, securities and other financial assets that were addressed in another part of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations. In this context, we affirm the commitment to the following: − Strict prohibition of using Virtual Assets as a payment instrument/means or recognizing them as a decentralized currency in the State of Kuwait. Therefore, you are required to refrain from conducting transactions whereby virtual currency is used as a payment instrument/means within the scope of this prohibition. − It is prohibited to deal with virtual assets as a means of investment, thus it is necessary to refrain from providing this type of services to any customer. − No natural or legal person in the State of Kuwait will be issued or granted a license to provide virtual asset services as a commercial work, whether for himself or on behalf of others (noting that no licenses have been previously issued in this regard). − Securities regulated by the Central Bank of Kuwait and all other securities and financial instruments regulated by the Capital Markets Authority are excluded from this prohibition. − Absolute prohibition of all virtual asset/currency mining activities.
CHAPTER TWO: The Law, Supervisory & Regulatory Instructions & Controls 16- INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT REGARDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COMBATING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM (AML/CFT). Q) Circular to all Local Banks, Financing Companies and Exchange Companies” issued 17/7/2023 concerning Virtual-Assets Transactions Procedures. 170 In addition to the above, you are also required to constantly keep your customers aware of the risks that may result from dealing in virtual assets (which are carried out through customers transactions undertaken outside the State of Kuwait), especially cryptocurrencies, because they do not carry a legal status and are not issued or supported by any government. They are also not linked to any asset or issuer, and that the prices of those assets are always driven by speculation that exposes them to a sharp decline. The measures and penalties stipulated in Article (15) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Law No. (106) of 2013 shall be imposed on anyone who violates this circular, without prejudice to the penalties stipulated by each supervisory authority. With best regards, The Governor Basel A. Al-Haroon