In a seminar started in that capital, the official referred in this way to the methodological training organized by the Superintendency of Non-Financial Subjects, headed by Dayra Carrizo, which was also seen as a key element in her government’s efforts, from the gray lists to come out of the International Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
In this global fight against crimes that undermine institutions and governance and fuel corruption, Panama is working to perfect and modernize the necessary regulations to identify and control risks, he explained.
In his opinion, initiatives like this guide are part of building institutional capacity and solid legal bases that ensure the integrity and transparency of all economic transactions in line with international cooperation.
He also highlighted estimates suggesting that about $1 billion is lost annually in developing countries through corrupt and illegal deals with companies whose owners are anonymous.
He added that it is crucial to strengthen the climate of trust, enduring alliances and reputation of Panama, a nation that favors foreign direct investment due to its geostrategic position.
The updated register of final beneficiaries, he commented, is part of the measures in line with the government’s will to fight corruption with the support of all institutions, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Supreme Court and the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
For his part, Carrizo told Prensa Latina that they expect to finish this year with 100 percent of the data load on the so-called non-financially regulated topics, for which these workshops will reach regulators with help from the European Union. , investigating and prosecuting money laundering.
On June 17, the FATF voted to keep Panama on its gray lists that question transparent management of finances, although it acknowledged progress on 11 out of 15 actions needed to advance issues like money laundering investigations in high-risk areas.
The Central American country returned to these lists in June 2019, having left them in 2014 for lack of effectiveness in fighting money laundering.
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