INTERNATIONAL ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING REGIME AND ITS IMPACTS ON THE FINANCIAL SECTOR OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Money laundering emerged as a global crime. It has the ability to ruin not only the economies, financial institutions but has the power to destabilize political governments and ignite terrorist activities. Decades ago Money laundering was no where on the scene but it doesn’t mean that it wasn’t there. On account of globalization, integration of financial markets and incident of 9/11 the dynamics and implications of money laundering caught the attention of international Regulators. The purpose of this dissertation is to identify various Anti-money laundering regimes, their policies, significance and impact of these regimes for Pakistan and its financial sector. To counter this global menace, active approach at international level was required besides well- coordinated measures at national level. This dissertation discusses various international regimes like UNO, IMF, WB, Wolfsburg, IOSCO, IAIS and FATF etc. that have come up with techniques to check and control this global crime on one hand and also provide technical and financial assistance to member countries for collaborative efforts to curb money laundering activities that has no national boundaries. Being strategically located Pakistan is also one of the victims of money laundering and terrorist activities therefore; compliance to International standards has not only international but also national significance. Pakistan has taken legislative, legal, administrative and regulatory measures to comply with international standards. The significance of international anti-money laundering regimes for Pakistan cannot be ignored as adhering to their guidelines has enabled financial sector of Pakistan to adopt prudential regulations to manage operational, legal, credit and reputational risks. Finally the dissertation concludes with recommendations for bringing further improvement in the measures taken by Pakistan to combat money laundering with emphasis upon controlling the sources of dirty money, implementation of Good Governance, respect for writ of judiciary , public awareness programmes to encourage home remittances through legal channels and overall understanding of socio-cultural values of societies for effective international co-ordination and convergence of policies to combat money laundering for strong global economy and lasting peace among nations.