(Inter)national standards on money laundering with regard to the FATF recommendation

Abstract

In recent years, the international community has become more aware of the dangers that money laundering poses. To control the increase in money laundering, a number of initiatives were adopted, for example, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on money laundering in 1989. Money laundering activities can occur in any country, but they may have a more significant impact on developing countries with small or fragile financial systems or weak economies that are susceptible to disruption as a result of illicit activities. The new recommendations made by the FATF will be discussed critically with regard to combating of money laundering. This article gives an historical overview of what money laundering entails in South Africa, the typologies thereof as well as the legislation dealing with money laundering. Money laundering is difficult to measure, but a preliminary attempt is made to give recommendations on this global predicament.