ACAMS Today Magazine (March-May 2011) Vol. 10 No. 2 | Page 78

KNOW YOUR CHAPTER South Africa Chapter O ur mission is to “support the international ACAMS mission, advance the knowledge of local AML/CTF specialists, and provide a vehicle through which all local members can network and improve the level of AML/CTF understanding and effectiveness.” ACAMS South Africa chapter — news and updates Academics from various universities, South African reserve bank, audit firms including KPMG, Deloitte, E&Y and PWC, the national prosecuting authority, The South African revenue service, insurance companies and many others. Background to the chapter and launch: Key messages: The ACAMS South Africa chapter was officially launched in Johannesburg on the 3rd of November 2010 and sponsored by PWC. The South Africa board got together initially during February 2010 and started the process and discussions to launch by the end of 2010. With the assistance of various chapters, ACAMS U.S. and a tremendous amount of work and effort by the entire board the launch was a huge success. We also had the pleasure of having the ACAMS executive vice president John Byrne and Jose Lewis the regional manager Africa, Asia and Middle East at the launch. From a South Africa perspective we had Murray Michel the director of the Financial Intelligence Centre and various representatives from local law enforcement, the local and international banking sector, independent board of regulatory auditors, casino association of SA, Murray Michel, director of the Financial Intelligence Centre 78 John and Murray delivered the key messages during the launch attended by approximately sixty delegates. The following is an extract of the key comments: • How does ACAMS fit into the local environment and the impact it could have. • The global threat of drugs, terrorism, human trafficking, weapons smuggling, counterfeiting, fraud and corruption. • The flow of illegal funds throughout the global environment via various institutions. • The South African government and stakeholder’s commitment in the fight against money laundering and related offences. • Interdependence and cooperation required between the private and public sector in the fight against organised crime. • Enhanced identification, monitoring and prosecution abilities. John J. Byrne, ACAMS executive vice president ACAMS.ORG | MARCH–MAY 2011 | ACAMS TODAY • Launch of ACAMS SA chapter is a milestone in the fight against crime in South Africa and greater AML compliance in all businesses will be accomplished through the CAMS certification process. • Sharing of international best practice and intensive interaction with FATF. • ACAMS SA will be the vehicle to attract AML experts from various and diverse industries. Growth of the chapter since the launch: The ACAMS South Africa chapter is pleased to announce that the membership applications received from the launch on the 3rd of November 2010 until the end of January 2011 has reached 73. The board members have been inundated with requests for membership and additional information. The chapter has also committed to hosting learning and networking events throughout the year in both Johannesburg and Cape Town — see the chapter web site for more information. Recent developments include an ACAMS Africa conference to be hosted in Johannesburg during July 2011. For more information on the ACAMS SA chapter including details on their mission, board composition, upcoming events and general information please visit their webpage at http://www.acams.org/ACAMS/ ACAMS/Communities/Chapters/SouthAfrica/ Default.aspx or send an email to [email protected] Chris Steyn, communications director, ACAMS SA Chapter