Portugal and its definition of PEP

Portugal and its definition of PEP. Photo by Luis Feliciano.

Following the trend of other European Union member states such as Spain, France, or the Netherlands, the Portuguese jurisdiction also defines politically exposed persons — PEPs —. Similar to other countries in the region, this definition and the regulatory framework in the area of anti-money laundering derives from European directives, along with the influence of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on this matter.

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Netherlands and its definition of PEP

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Netherlands and its definition of PEP. Photo by Anna K.

Like all European Union member states, the Netherlands derives its regulations on the prevention of money laundering from initiatives developed within the EU. The main law governing this area is the Wet ter voorkoming van witwassen en financieren van terrorisme — the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act —, enacted in 2008 and subject to various amendments over the years.

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Politically exposed persons, who are they?

Politically exposed persons, who are they? Photo by History in HD

The Financial Action Task Force—FATF—stated in 2013 that politically exposed persons, due to the power they hold and the influence they enjoy, are in positions that could potentially be abused for purposes of money laundering, corruption, or activities aimed at financing terrorism. Consequently, FATF recommended that additional preventive measures should be applied to these individuals.

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European Banking Authority

The fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism is being addressed from multiple fronts. From private initiatives that promote and encourage the prevention of money laundering, to international institutions or national governments that apply and enforce prevention regulations. Among all these actors, supervisory authorities stand out as the link between public and private sector entities.

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Cryptocurrencies and the prevention of money laundering

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Cryptocurrencies and the prevention of money laundering. Photo by Thought Catalog.

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin can be potential tools used by criminals to launder proceeds from illegal activities. This assertion was already noted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2014, stating that cryptocurrencies are “potentially vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing abuse,” and emphasizing the need for legislation and preventive measures regarding these assets.

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