The Monetary Authority takes disciplinary action against Westpac Banking Corporation, Hong Kong Branch for contraventions of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (31 January) that it had completed an investigation and disciplinary proceedings for Westpac Banking Corporation, Hong Kong Branch (WBCHK) under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Chapter 615 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (AMLO) (Note 1). The Monetary Authority (MA) has imposed a pecuniary penalty of HK$4,000,000 against WBCHK for contraventions of the AMLO.

The disciplinary action (Note 2) follows an investigation by the HKMA on WBCHK’s systems and controls for compliance with the AMLO. The control lapses identified in the investigation relate to its delay in completing periodic reviews for some of its customers during the period between 1 June 2016 and 31 May 2017. WBCHK also failed to establish and maintain effective procedures for carrying out its duties under the AMLO in relation to periodic reviews for its customers during this period.

In deciding the disciplinary action, the MA took into account all relevant circumstances and factors, including the following:

Ms Carmen Chu, Executive Director (Enforcement and AML) of the HKMA, said, “Timely periodic reviews for customers is a vital part of effective framework for banks to help combat money laundering and financial crime. Banks should maintain up-to-date understanding of risks and deploy adequate resources to detect and deter abuse of accounts, and thus contributing to the ecosystem response to evolving threats and upholding the integrity of banking system. Reference can be made to the HKMA’s relevant guidance to ensure systems of controls remain effective and risk-based.”

Relevant link: Statement of Disciplinary Action

Notes: