Key decision-makers, industry leaders, and professionals in the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and compliance fields for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) will gather in Barbados soon for a two-day regional conference.

The Compliance Unit of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, which falls under the Office of Attorney General, will host the two-day regional conference on October 17 and 18, at Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle Resort and Spa, St. Philip.

Protecting the Vision of a Fully Compliant AML Network in the Caribbean: DNFBPs’ Edition is the theme of the consultation, which will cater to an in-person and virtual audience.

Chief Compliance Officer at the Compliance Unit, Shari Squires, said the conference should attract a diverse group of professionals, including accountants; attorneys-at-law; car dealerships; dealers in high value goods, precious metals and stones, and art and antiques; real estate agents and developers, as well as government regulators and policy makers.

In emphasising the importance of the meeting, Mrs. Squires stated: “Industry specialists and regulators from all over the globe and regional DNFBPs will be educated on a series of topics.

“In addition, the open forum will give participants an opportunity to discuss the challenges in the sector, generate new ideas, and forge a better relationship between the public and private entities within the AML network.”

Some of the confirmed speakers at the conference are Head, Office of Integrity, Compliance and Accountability, Caribbean Development Bank, Toussant Boyce; Attaché, Caribbean Region, IRS, Criminal Investigation, Keniel Ledgister; Directors of Gentium UK Limited, Richard Strike and Andrew Tennant; and Economist, Jeremy Stephen.

Topics to be discussed include KYC (Know Your Customer) Compliance – Navigating Regulatory Demands; The Future Development of AI in KYC; Data Privacy vs AML; Investigations & Awareness to Improve Due Diligence Capabilities; Staying Ahead of Criminals by Tackling Financial Crime; and Cybercrime, Cybersecurity and AI in 2024.

For information on the conference, including the registration fee, persons should call 535-7600, or email compliance.unit@oag.gov.bb.

Author: Sharon Austin

Publish: September 16, 2024