The United States is encouraged to learn that, on September 6 the Council of Ministers of the Eastern and Southern Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) responded to a request from Government of the State of Eritrea by admitting Eritrea as an Observer state in the group – a Financial Action Task Force (FATF) style regional body – as the first step in the process of admitting Eritrea as a full ESAAMLG member.
This action builds on a number of steps that Eritrea has taken to update and strengthen its laws, policies and procedures related to AML/CFT.
ESAAMLG admission and the membership accession procedures to follow are valuable components to demonstrating a robust and effective regulatory regime against global money laundering and terrorist financing threats.
The United States welcomes Eritrea’s continuing positive steps in AML/CFT, as well our strengthened bilateral partnership in this area following the June 5-6, 2019 visit to Asmara of a U.S. Treasury Department delegation, which included an AML/CFT policy specialist.
Eritrea’s key laws and regulations pertaining to anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) can be accessed at the website of the National Housing and Commerce Bank of Eritrea.
U.S. financial institutions interested in learning more about the Eritrean banking system or AML/CFT policies and practices may forward questions to the U.S. Embassy in Asmara at [email protected].
Glad to see #ESAAMLG Ministers made #Eritrea an Observer – the 1st step toward full membership. The U.S. supports Eritrea’s ongoing work in the fight against #moneylaundering, #terroristfinancing, and efforts to instill good international banking practices.
— Bureau of African Affairs (@AsstSecStateAF) September 9, 2019
