Summary: The article highlights the powers of statutory auditors following the recent judgment, clarifying that statutory auditors cannot be held liable for money laundering solely because of lack of due diligence or negligence. The article also emphasises that criminal liability under PMLA requires clear evidence of collusion and that auditors are not expected to probe beyond their professional auditing role.Continue Reading Absence of Due Diligence Not Money Laundering
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’), through its Master Circular dated June 06, 2024, issued ‘Guidelines on Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) Standards and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (“CFT”)/ Obligations of Securities Market Intermediaries under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002,’ (“Master Circular/2024 Guidelines”),[1] emphasising the need for stricter AML/ CFT measures in the securities market, given global efforts against drug trafficking, terrorism, and other serious crimes. The 2024 Guidelines supersede the SEBI AML/ CFT Guidelines of February 03, 2023 (“2023 Guidelines”),[2] strengthening the obligations of market intermediaries and aligning with international standards from the Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”).Continue Reading Expanding the Regulatory Framework: Deep dive into SEBI’s new AML/CFT guidelines