When I was preparing for this event, I could not help but look back to three years ago – April 2018 – and the thoughts that I shared with you at that event. On that occasion, I highlighted three issues as having significant potential to change how effective we are in our AML work: The promise of technological innovation; The emerging focus on public-private information sharing; and Getting the risk-based approach right by thoroughly understanding risks. 5. Three years on, I think we can all agree that the potential of each of these has been clearly demonstrated. The path to achieving a step-change in the outcome of current responses to money laundering and terrorist financing – based on the tools and techniques at our disposal – is much clearer. Let’s quickly recap what we have seen and experienced so far. 6. First, the value of technology in allowing us to swiftly overcome some of the challenges caused by COVID-19 is well recognised. Digital and online innovation has helped to improve remote access to financial services. That has also allowed banks and other financial institutions to protect their workforces through work-from-home arrangements, and provided data analytics to raise red flags on networks of COVID-19 fraud accounts. At the HKMA, we are committed to supporting innovation that works for all types of customers and for both small and large institutions. We also recognise that our regulatory framework needs to keep pace – focusing on outcomes, and being forward-looking.
Arthur Yuen: 12th Annual AML & Anti-Financial Crime Conference Speech by Mr Arthur Yuen, Deputy Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, at the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) 12th Annual AML & AntiFinancial Crime Conference – APAC, 26 April 2021. * * *  What a difference three years makes 1. Good Morning, ladies and Gentlemen, it is a great pleasure for me to participate once again in the ACAMS APAC Conference, and my congratulations to the organisers for putting together such an interesting programme. 2. Since the last time I spoke here in 2018, life and the world have changed beyond recognition. In addition to its consequences for human health, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in far-reaching changes to the way financial services are delivered. Digital and online offerings have accelerated, while at the same time a multitude of opportunities has also opened up for those who would seek to abuse the global financial system. 3. For sure, we are focusing on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) issues over the next two days. At the same time, we must not lose sight of the core mandates that we have all been working very hard to deliver in this challenging period. And we have been broadly successful so far, by helping mitigate the economic disruption brought on by COVID-19 so that consumers and businesses can get through the pandemic and continue contributing to economic development. 4.