ANJ insists on stronger AML and anti-fraud capabilities from operators
France’s gambling regulator has called for urgent improvement following a provided action plan on AML and anti-fraud measures submitted by licence holders
The l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has urged operators to improve their anti-money laundering (AML) and anti-fraud measures and outlined three priority areas for operators to work on.
This instruction comes after the ANJ scrutinised the submitted action plans for “Combating Fraud, Money Laundering, and Financing of Terrorism” compiled by licensed operators and those holding exclusive rights to operate like the Française des Jeux (FDJ) and Pari-Mutuel Urbain (PMU).
The regulator’s assessment process included reviewing the implementation of AML and anti-fraud procedures and the suitability of measures for 2023.
The action plans did follow the regulator’s 2022 recommendations on these issues, but the ANJ has found three “priority areas” that need significant improvement.
At an operational level, operators have been told to enhance the training of all of their staff members on AML requirements and improve internal controls to detect fraudulent behaviour.
On the technical side, operators have been ordered to adjust their procedures to adhere to “asset freezing obligations” and verify “politically exposed persons” before establishing business relationships.
The regulator also stated that operators need to enhance their alert systems for.
The ANJ rejected PMU’s action plan outright, stating “unimplemented prescriptions from the previous year and an insufficient 2023 plan.”
The regulator said the operator needed more human resources, specially trained staff, had inadequate point-of-sale checks and outdated risk analysis.
The ANJ also found that PMU needed to process alerts related to stake splitting and had incomplete measures in place for large international bettors. As a result, the ANJ has requested the operator submit an updated plan within one month.
The ANJ concluded: “The review is a reminder that operators must prioritise compliance with regulations concerning the gambling industry. The review is particularly important in light of the ongoing global pandemic, which has increased the risk of fraud and money laundering.
“Operators should take note of the ANJ’s recommendations and improve their compliance measures accordingly to enhance the sector’s credibility and trustworthiness.”