Financial Intelligence Unit - what is it all about?
Until I read Editor Shailendra’s column today Cob(web), I had no idea what this FIU was all about. Maybe I should share with you the little information I have.
What is a Financial Intelligence Unit?
A financial intelligence unit (FIU) is a central agency of a government that receives financial information pursuant to country's anti-money laundering laws, analyzes and processes such information and disseminates the information to appropriate national and international authorities, to support anti-money laundering efforts.
What is the main function of FIU-IND?
FIU-IND is the central national agency of India responsible for receiving, processing, analyzing and disseminating information relating to suspect financial transactions. FIU-IND is also responsible for coordinating and strengthening efforts of national and international intelligence, investigation and enforcement agencies in pursuing the global efforts against money laundering and related crimes.
Is FIU-IND another regulatory authority?
No. FIU-IND is not a regulatory authority. Its prime responsibility is to gather and share financial intelligence in close cooperation with the regulatory authorities including RBI, SEBI and IRDA.
What will FIU-IND do with the information received by it?
FIU-IND will process and analyse received financial information disseminate actionable intelligence in appropriate cases to relevant enforcement agencies.
How do FIUs exchange information with each other?
FIUs exchange information with other FIUs on the basis of reciprocity or mutual agreement and consistent with procedures understood by the requested and requesting party. An FIU requesting information should disclose, to the FIU that will process the request, at a minimum the reason for the request, the purpose for which the information will be used and enough information to enable the receiving FIU to determine whether the request complies with its domestic law.