With South Africa ranking in the top 10 worst-offending countries for anti-money laundering events in the last decade, BDO South Africa’s Bianca Neethling (Compliance Manager) and Paul Baddrick (Head of Real Estate and Construction) outline what measures need to be taken to protect the real estate industry by ensuring high integrity standards for transactions.
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In the intricate web of global finance, the real estate sector stands as a pivotal player, anchoring investments and shaping economies. However, the amount of money to be made in both residential and commercial real estate creates temptations for fraud and money laundering, say Neethling and Baddrick.
Here they share their insights around the responsibility the real estate sector holds in ensuring that transactions adhere to the highest standards of integrity:
According to the Global Financial Integrity report, South Africa loses approximately US$10 billion per year to illicit outflows, a substantial portion of which can be attributed to money laundering. In fact, the country ranks 7th in the top worst-offending countries for anti-money laundering (AML) events in the last decade.
As we reach the middle of 2024, the landscape of Anti-Money Laundering compliance in real estate has taken centre stage, punctuated by the Financial Intelligence Centre’s (FIC) issuance of fines totalling R900,000 – within the first 3 months of the year. These penalties underscore a critical need for vigilance and precision in navigating the regulatory landscape, particularly concerning three pivotal sections: 21, 42, and 28A of the AML framework.
Section 21: Unveiling the ultimate beneficiary
At the core of AML compliance lies the imperative to determine the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) of real estate transactions. Section 21 serves as the lodestar in this endeavour, demanding meticulous scrutiny to unveil the true actors behind corporate entities. Failure to adhere to these standards not only exposes vulnerabilities to money laundering but also undermines the transparency essential for building trust in the real estate market.
Section 42: Develop, implement a risk management and compliance programme
In the realm of financial integrity, robust risk management and compliance protocols are the bulwarks against illicit activities. Section 42 mandates the development and implementation of Risk-based Compliance Programmes (RMCP), tailored to the unique contours of the real estate sector. Neglecting this imperative not only leaves firms vulnerable to regulatory sanctions but also compromises their ability to detect and deter money laundering activities effectively.
Section 28A: Vigilance against terrorist financing
The fight against money laundering extends beyond financial crimes to include the critical task of combating terrorist financing. Section 28A underscores the obligation to scrutinise clients against the Terrorist Financing Suspect List (TFS List), erecting a crucial barrier against the proliferation of illicit funds to fund nefarious agendas. Failing to uphold this obligation not only jeopardises national security, but also undermines the integrity of the real estate sector as a whole.
What measures can be taken to protect real estate professionals?
- Conduct business risk assessment specific to the real estate business– This identifies vulnerabilities in transactions that criminals might exploit. It evaluates factors such as large cash purchases of high-value properties, complex ownership structures involving shell companies, unexplained cash or rapid wire transfers and identifying areas known for money laundering activity.
- Develop / enhance the business RMCP– an RMCP acts like a personalised security system. It starts with a thorough assessment of your business’s vulnerabilities and then, based on the identified risks, enables the development of tailored procedures. This targeted approach ensures efficient regulatory compliance, while safeguarding the business from illegal activities.
- Conduct quality due diligence procedures on clients – This acts as a background check on clients and transactions and includes client identification, understanding the origin of funds, transaction monitoring, and screening of clients.
- Provide employee training– Real estate employee training for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance equips them to be vigilant watchdogs. It educates them on red flags like high-value cash purchases, complex ownership structures, and unusual payment methods. Training also covers reporting procedures for suspicious activity, ensuring employees know how to escalate concerns and protecting the company from money laundering risks.
Navigating the way forward
As the regulatory landscape evolves, real estate professionals must embrace a proactive stance towards AML compliance. This entails investing in robust due diligence mechanisms, leveraging advanced technologies for enhanced screening capabilities, and building a culture of compliance that permeates every facet of operations. Collaboration across industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies is paramount in fortifying the defences against money laundering and terrorist financing.
Neethling and Baddrick conclude: By embracing these mandates with diligence and determination, we not only safeguard the integrity of our transactions but also uphold the broader principles of financial integrity and trust that underpin our industry’s vitality.
