Protection against money laundering

The fight against money laundering and terrorist financing has been a top priority for years for Liechtenstein, which has a zero-tolerance policy towards such matters. As a member of the EEA, Liechtenstein implemented in 2017 the 4th EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive 2015 / 849 as well as Regulation 2015 / 847 on information accompanying transfers of funds. The relevant implementing provisions are found especially in the Law on Professional Due Diligence to Combat Money Laundering, Organised Crime, and Terrorist Financing (Due Diligence Act; DDA) of 1 September 2017 and in the corresponding Ordinance (Due Diligence Ordinance; DDO). With the entry into force of the act on the establishment of a register of beneficial owners of domestic legal entities in April 2019, Liechtenstein will have fully implemented the 4th EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive.

Compliance with international standards

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) serves as the country’s central authority for obtaining and analysing information that is necessary to recognise money laundering, predicate offences for money laundering, organised crime and terrorist financing. It represents Liechtenstein in the Committee of Experts on anti-money laundering and terrorist financing in the EU. The current version of the FIU Law of 1 September 2017 and the adaptations made to the Due Diligence Act ensure Liechtenstein is fully legally compliant with the international standard.

In 2002, 2007 and 2013/2014, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Moneyval (the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts) assessed to what extent the Liechtenstein provisions on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism meet the standards laid down by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF 40 + 9 Recommendations). In their last report, the IMF and Moneyval attested positively to Liechtenstein’s standards in combating money laundering and financing of terrorism. The next country assessment for Liechtenstein started already in 2018 and is due to be completed in 2020. The measures will be assessed to check they are risk-based and effective.