Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions Updates
(March 2026)
In early March 2026, the Insurance Authority (“IA”) issued several key circulars and updates on anti-money laundering (“AML”) and counter-financing of terrorism (“CFT”) matters, accessible via the dedicated IA page for 2026 AML circulars. These updates primarily relate to international sanctions regimes, United Nations measures, and Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”) guidance, requiring prompt attention from authorized insurers and licensed insurance intermediaries (especially those handling long-term business).
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Effective Date |
Circulars /Sanction List Updates |
Contents |
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3 March 2026 |
Circular on United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Ordinance |
Significant Updates: The updated Schedule specifies the following individuals (no entities or groups are added in this update):
These designations trigger asset freezing, prohibitions on making funds or financial services available, and other restrictions under the Ordinance. |
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3 March 2026 |
Circular on Statements issued by the Financial Action Task Force (“FATF“) |
Informs insurance institutions (“IIs”) of the FATF Plenary outcomes (11–13 February 2026), including:
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2 March 2026 |
United Nations Sanctions (Sudan) Regulation 2013 |
Significant Updates: United Nations Sanctions (Sudan) Regulation 2013 (Cap. 537 sub. leg. BF), notice updates the list of relevant persons specified under section 31 of the Regulation.
It reflects amendments or additions to designations related to Sudan sanctions (imposed by UN Security Council resolutions concerning the situation in Sudan, including arms embargoes, asset freezes, and travel bans on certain individuals or entities linked to conflict or violations). |
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2 March 2026 |
Features the latest consolidated list (as at 27 February 2026) of designated individuals and entities linked to ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida;
Insurers and intermediaries must screen clients and transactions against this list to avoid sanctions violations. |
SIGNIFICANCE:
These updates reinforce Hong Kong’s alignment with global standards set by the FATF and UN, helping to safeguard the insurance sector against money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation risks.
Insurance companies, agents, and brokers need to be aware of immediately updating their name screening databases to include the latest UN Security Council Consolidated List, FATF High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action, and FATF Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring, while conducting enhanced due diligence on high-risk elements, incorporating emerging risks into assessments, and ensuring staff training for ongoing compliance.
Timely compliance is essential to avoid regulatory breaches, reputational damage, or enforcement actions by the IA. With increasing scrutiny on virtual assets and cyber fraud, these notices underscore the need for robust screening, risk assessment, and staff training to maintain policyholder protection and industry integrity in an evolving threat landscape.
For more information, please visit – eDon AML Transaction Monitoring System.