Circular to Licensed Corporations, SFC-licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers and Associated Entities - Anti-Money Laundering / Counter-Financing of TerrorismUnited Nations Sanctions

Circular to Licensed Corporations, SFC-licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers and Associated Entities

Anti-Money Laundering / Counter-Financing of Terrorism

United Nations Sanctions (Central African Republic) Regulation 2020 (Amendment) Regulation 2023

The United Nations Sanctions (Central African Republic) Regulation 2020 (Amendment) Regulation 2023 (the CAR Amendment Regulation), made under the United Nations Sanctions Ordinance (Cap. 537) (UNSO), was published in the Gazette (L.N. 165 of 2023) on 15 December 2023 with immediate effect.

The CAR Amendment Regulation amends the United Nations Sanctions (Central African Republic) Regulation 2020 to give effect to certain decisions relating to sanctions in the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2664 and 2693 in respect of Central African Republic, which include, the renewal of the financial sanctions, travel ban and arms-related sanctions, and to reflect the latest exemption arrangements in respect of asset freeze and arms-related sanctions.

The CAR Amendment Regulation can be found on the Government’s website (https://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20232750/es220232750165.pdf).

Licensed corporations, SFC-licensed virtual asset service providers and associated entities are reminded to refer to Chapter 6 of the Guideline on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (For Licensed Corporations and SFC-licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers) (AML/CFT Guideline) which contains guidance on the appropriate measures that licensed corporations, SFC-licensed virtual asset service providers and associated entities should take to ensure compliance with the regulations made under the UNSO1.

Should you have any queries regarding the contents of this circular, please contact Ms Kiki Wong at 2231 1569 who will assist in referring your queries to the relevant officer.

Intermediaries Supervision Department

Intermediaries Division

Securities and Futures Commission

End

SFO/IS/037/2023

1 Under paragraph 6 of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Guideline issued by the Securities and Futures Commission for Associated Entities of Licensed Corporations and SFC-licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers, associated entities that are not authorized financial institutions are expected to have regard to the provisions of the AML/CFT Guideline as if they were themselves licensed corporations and/or SFC-licensed virtual asset service providers.

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