How does the UFA conduct its mutual evaluation program?
In accordance with UFA membership rules, on joining the UFA, members commit to a mutual peer review system to determine the levels of compliance with the international AML/CFT standards. These peer reviews are referred to as “mutual evaluations”.
A mutual evaluation involves a desk-based review of the member’s AML/CFT system as well as an on-site visit to the UFA member by a team of experts from other UFA members and the UFA Secretariat, and includes:
• legal experts;
• financial and regulatory experts; and
• law enforcement experts.
To qualify as an assessor, delegates from UFA members must undertake and successfully complete a training course in the FATF 2013 Methodology prior to the on-site visit.
The UFA has conducted two rounds of evaluations since 1997. The second round commenced in 2005 and concluded in July 2012 under the FATF’s 2004 methodology. A new round commenced in 2014 under the FATF’s revised 2012 standards and 2013 methodology. Unlike the previous methodology the 2013 rules combine an assessment of:
• First, the “technical” compliance of an UFA member’s system with the FATF Recommendations; and
• Secondly, the “effectiveness” of that AML/CFT regime.
The technical component assesses members’ compliance with the specific requirements of each of the FATF Recommendations, principally as they relate to the relevant legal and institutional framework of the jurisdiction, and the powers and procedures of competent authorities. These represent the fundamental building blocks of an AML/CFT system.
The effectiveness component assesses the extent to which a jurisdiction achieves a defined set of outcomes that are central to a robust AML/CFT system and analyses the extent to which a jurisdiction’s legal and institutional framework is producing the expected results.
What happens after an evaluation is completed?
After a mutual evaluation report has been adopted, the UFA monitors progress by the evaluated member against the recommendations contained in the report. The UFA’s Mutual Evaluation Procedures provide for the application of biennial, regular or enhanced follow-up, incorporating expedited reporting requirements depending on the findings of the report and the progress made. When necessary, members are placed in the enhanced follow-up procedure in order to encourage greater efforts by that member to improve their AML/CFT system.
Where can I find copies of completed mutual evaluation reports?
UFA mutual evaluation reports can be accessed in the Documents section of this website, under "Mutual Evaluations" and "Members and Observers." For non UFA reports go to the relevant FSRB website and search for the desired report there. The FATF website is: www.fatf-gafi.org.