The New Zealand government is strengthening its efforts to clamp down on money laundering and terrorism financing, making it easier for small businesses and consumers to comply.

“Our country is a safe place to do business, but we want to do as much as possible to disrupt the criminal economy and improve how we detect, deter and eliminate money laundering,” said Justice Minister Kiri Allan.

According to Ms Allan, New Zealand is among the least corrupt countries worldwide, making it more attractive for international money launderers.

She added that money laundering could threaten the country’s international reputation.

The justice minister added that in an evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force in 2021, New Zealand was a highly effective international partner contributing to foreign investigations and tenaciously pursuing money laundering globally.

Ms Allan said the government is now introducing changes to improve the regime following a review of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act.

The review also forms part of the government’s response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry in response to the March 15 attacks in 2019 in which a gunman killed 51 people in two mosques in Christchurch.

“The act disrupts serious and organised crime, as well as terrorism, by imposing obligations on businesses that provide specific financial and non-financial services, known as reporting entities,” Ms Allan explained.

She added that these obligations require reporting entities to assess their money laundering and terrorism financing risks, identify and know their customers, report suspicious activities and transactions, and maintain various records. 

(Xinhua/NAN)