Our approach is preventive, pre-emptive and prescriptive (where specific rules are needed). This morning, allow me to outline three key features, namely: a)  a strong legal and regulatory framework that is in line with international standards;  b)  an effective supervisory regime; as well as  c)  a collaborative partnership with the industry. A strong legal and regulatory framework 10 A strong legal and regulatory framework is the basis of any effective regime. Over the years, MAS has updated our AML/CFT Notices for financial institutions several times, to take into account the latest global developments, as well as to incorporate emerging best practices. Our efforts to stay ahead of the curve are recognised internationally. In the 2008 FATF evaluation exercise, Singapore is assessed to have a strict and rigorous AML/CFT regime. We have agreed to undergo another evaluation in 2015. 11 We should not be complacent, for the reasons that I mentioned earlier. MAS will continue to strengthen the AML/CFT regime for financial institutions, to maintain relevance and effectiveness. Later this month, we will be issuing a public consultation on proposed amendments to a range of MAS’ AML/CFT Notices for financial institutions. This round of amendments draws reference from the revised FATF recommendations as well as international best practices, and should not be a surprise for those of you who have been following these developments. While there are a few new requirements in response to FATF recommendations, many of the proposed changes formalise existing practices and supervisory expectations.
But I will say that the speech of the President, if one reads it completely, it’s totally in line with the statement we had in Tallinn in our monetary policy meeting there; the speech that he also made at the European Parliament; and here it was along the same lines. He recalled that domestic drivers of inflation, measured by the underlying inflation, are still subdued, and that we need to be sure that when we get to inflation close to 2% it’s a durable situation and a self-sustained situation that can go on without the high degree of accommodation that we have now: so all these conditions, he reaffirmed them, and then talked precisely about the need to persist and about the need to be prudent in talking about premature withdrawal of stimulus. So in other words we are not closer to an exit, not even a baby step closer, with the forum here in Sintra? Constâncio: Well, we are not predicting what the Governing Council will do. We are not trying to do that. This is the assessment that we have been producing also as a result of monetary policy meetings of the Governing Council itself, like the more recent one we had. So it’s going along the same lines. Personally, I don’t see anything in the speech that would be different from, say, the previous two main interventions about monetary policy done by the President. Let us talk about one area of optimism, and that’s the political tailwind.