Scope Of Our AML/CFT Policy
We adopt a risk-based approach to mitigating the Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (ML/TF) risks to ensure Patricia is adequately protected from being used as a conduit or facilitator of ML/TF. As a mode of enforcement, the company reserves the right to take disciplinary action for non-compliant employees or contractors as provisions set out in this Policy must always be complied with.
The three major areas within the scope of Compliance are –
1. Organizational related risk: This includes risk in relation to non-compliance with organizational conflicts of interest rules, market abuse rules and insider trading rules, intermediary risks, business partner risks, non-licensed business activities risk etc.
2. Financial Services conduct related risk: This includes addressing risks in relation to potential noncompliance with regulatory requirements of both local and international financial services regulators, as well as any other relevant laws and regulations, internal company or business rules and policies, and relevant principles and values. Risks in relation to relationship with regulators.
3. Client-related, or Financial & Economic Crime risk: This includes risks in relation to potential noncompliance with Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing laws, antifraud regulations, and regulations in relation to politically and financially exposed persons. Regulations in relation to import and export control regulations, transactions through sanctioned countries etc.
There is an independent AML/CTF Compliance function at Patricia which shall be executed and managed by a designated Compliance Officer, who will regularly update management and board of directors on all material issues.
The AML/CTF Policy encompasses, but is not limited to the following activities:
(a) Know Your Customer (identification requirements),
(b) Customer Due Diligence (verification procedures),
(c) Risk identification and assessment - defining the scope of eligible and not eligible activities,
(d) Transactional monitoring,
(e) PEP and Sanctions screening,
(f) Record keeping, training and other pertinent aspects, as required by applicable laws and regulations.
Know Your Customer Procedures
Establishing and maintaining a risk-based approach to Customer Due Diligence (CDD), including customer identification, verification and KYC procedures. To ensure we meet these standards, our customers are required to provide certain personal details when opening a PATRICIA account and generate tokens, OTP and PIN for any withdrawal request. The nature, and extent, of what is required is guided by the customer’s deposit and withdrawal limits, account to be used and in some cases, the customer’s country of residence.
In certain circumstances, PATRICIA may perform enhanced due diligence procedures for customers presenting a higher risk, such as those transacting large volumes etc. Maintaining appropriate KYC records for the minimum prescribed periods.
PATRICIA shall ensure timely and accurate rendition of all AML/CFT returns as specified in the SEC AML/CFT Rules and Regulations as well as other relevant Regulations/Act/Guidelines/Circulars that may be issued from time to time by various government agencies. We shall exercise due diligence in identifying and reporting a suspicious transaction.
Suspicious transactions shall include:
• Transactions which are structured to avoid reporting and record keeping requirements.
• Altered or false identification or inconsistent information or any transaction involving criminal activity in PATRICIA’s view.
• Entity that belongs to a person or organization considered as terrorist.
Internal control
Patricia has formulated and implemented internal controls and other procedures that will deter criminals from using its facilities for money laundering and terrorist financing and to ensure that its obligations under subsisting laws and regulations are met.
Risk Assessment
Patricia identifies and assess the money laundering and terrorism financing risks that may be associated with its unique business, services, and customers. More specifically, Patricia shall carry out a business-wide ML/TF risk assessment on a yearly basis, assessing the risks to which Patricia is exposed as a result of the nature and complexity of its business; and assess the risks to which Patricia is exposed as a result of entering a business relationship or carrying out a particular transaction, on a continuous basis.
Each risk assessment will consist of two separate, but related steps which are identification of the ML/TF risk factors, and assessment of any such factors.
Patricia performs its annual risk assessment, where AML/CTF risks are fully addressed. Based on the outcome of risk assessment, an appropriate compliance plan is developed and executed.
Also. Patricia will identify and assess the money laundering and terrorism financing risks that may arise in relation to –
(a) New products and business practices as well as new service delivery channels.
(b) The adoption of new technologies for both new and pre-existing products.
(c) New AML regulations and how they impact new and existing products and services.
Risk Assessment shall be done prior to the launch or use of such products, practices, and technologies, where applicable, paying attention to products or practices that favor anonymity.
Applicable Laws, Regulations And Standards
Patricia complies with all applicable laws and regulations (hereinafter “AML/CTF Applicable Laws”), and, AML laws and regulations, FATF Recommendations and additional local AML regulations, as required.
Awareness And Training
Patricia implements appropriate training and awareness for all its employees on AML/CFT. We provide awareness to our customers through newsletters, flash-news, online and in-person training sessions etc. These trainings and awareness take cognizance of emerging trends, regulations and standards on ML/FT risk.