NRB Governor, APG delegation meet; review steps after FATF grey listing
KATHMANDU: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Dr Biswo Nath Poudel met on Tuesday with a visiting delegation from the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG). The delegation was led by Deputy Executive Secretary David Shannon, and the discussion reviewed Nepal’s progress and next steps following its placement on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
According to a press release issued by the central bank, the discussions covered the country’s recent measures and future strategies for exiting the grey list, including money-laundering risk assessment, risk-based supervision in the banking sector, and strengthening legal and policy frameworks.
Participants also discussed ways to increase transparency, improve coordination with national and international bodies and the private sector, and prepare reporting to the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG).
The meeting addressed institutional capacity development needed for delisting and explored potential technical assistance from international financial organisations.
Governor Poudel said the NRB is committed to implementing recommendations from relevant international bodies to prevent money laundering.
The visit is the APG’s first to Nepal since the country was placed on the FATF grey list.
APG Policy Officer Kiah Sassal and representatives from the World Bank attended the meeting, along with executive directors of NRB departments, a joint secretary from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, and the head of the Financial Information Unit.
