Approaches to Beneficial Ownership Transparency: The Global Framework and Views from the Accountancy Profession

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The fight against financial crime is too important not to get it right.

Timely access to accurate beneficial ownership information plays a critical role for law enforcement and other authorities in identifying, preventing and prosecuting money laundering, terrorist financing and tax evasion, among other financial crimes. Jurisdictions around the world are examining the extent to which, how, and by whom, beneficial ownership information is collected, centralized, reviewed and published, consistent with global standards.

This report seeks to ground the discussion with evidence-based and practical perspectives, including those of professional accountants who are engaged with beneficial ownership information. It reviews how existing and new models for registries are meeting international standards and reflecting the evolving landscape.

Through this research, we hope to inform the discussions in many jurisdictions as they assess effective approaches to the transparency of beneficial ownership information.

The global accountancy profession, with its strong public interest mandate, is a committed partner in the fight against financial crime. IFAC and CPA Canada are eager to continue to demonstrate how the profession, working alongside government, law enforcement and other stakeholders, can best work to combat money laundering and other financial crimes.

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"The global accountancy profession, with its strong public interest mandate, is a committed partner in the fight against financial crime."

– Kevin Dancey, CEO, IFAC

"Enhancing the transparency of beneficial ownership information should strengthen anti-money laundering regimes and help in seeking out lawbreakers and their proceeds of crime."

– Joy Thomas, President & CEO, CPA Canada