Responding to the Government’s decision[2] on reforming anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing supervision, Steve Smart, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said:
'We recognise the benefits of an improved regime for anti-money laundering supervision. These changes will simplify the supervision of professional services, ensure more consistent oversight and help us identify and disrupt crime.
'The FCA will work closely with the Government, the Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS), Professional Body Supervisors, HMRC, the firms we will be supervising and others, as we work together to equip the UK to better fight financial crime. We can draw on our extensive expertise in this area to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure effective regulation.
'The new regime will create enhanced opportunities for collaboration with key partners, including law enforcement, to tackle money laundering.
'The FCA operates nationwide and we anticipate having a significant presence for this new regime in our offices outside of London.'