France France

New Documents

Tracfin, France’s financial intelligence unit, published its annual report for 2023, highlighting its activities and analysis related to financial transaction reports for the purpose of combating money laundering and terrorist financing. 

The French Financial Markets Authority announced that the fourth edition of the French FinTech Week will be held from Oct. 7 to Oct. 18, 2024.

Enforcement Actions

On Jan. 10, 2024, France’s Insurance Commissioner fined the Luxembourg-licensed insurance company Lombard International Assurance S.A. €1,682,000 for several anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing deficiencies.

The Sanctions Commission of the French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority reprimanded and fined Abeille Vie, S.A., formerly Aviva Vie, €3.5 million for significant anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing shortcomings.


Important Facts

  • The U.S. State Department labels France as a jurisdiction of primary concern. The country’s banking, financial and commercial sectors are attractive for money laundering because of its large economy, political stability and sophisticated financial system. Illicit proceeds are generated through public corruption, narcotics and human trafficking, smuggling and other activities associated with organized crime. Another significant source of money laundering comes from sports teams. France has a large informal sector, including hawalas typically used by immigrant populations. However, there is little information on the scale of such activities. Casinos are regulated. The use of virtual money is growing in France, mostly through online gaming and social networks.
  • KYC Covered Entities: Banks, credit and money-issuing institutions, e-money institutions, investment firms, money exchangers, investment management companies, mutual insurers and benefit institutions, insurance intermediaries and dealers, notaries, receivers and trustees in bankruptcy, financial investment advisors, real estate brokers, chartered accountants, auditors, dealers in high-value goods, auctioneers and auction houses, bailiffs, lawyers, participants in stock exchange settlement and delivery, commercial registered office providers, gaming centers, companies involved in sports betting and horse racing tips, and casinos
  • STR Covered Entities: Banks, credit and money-issuing institutions, e-money institutions, investment firms, money exchangers, investment management companies, mutual insurers and benefit institutions, insurance intermediaries and dealers, notaries, receivers and trustees in bankruptcy, financial investment advisors, real estate brokers, chartered accountants, auditors, dealers in high-value goods, auctioneers and auction houses, bailiffs, lawyers, participants in stock exchange settlement and delivery, commercial registered office providers, gaming centers, companies involved in sports betting and horse racing tips, and casinos
  • Enhanced Due Diligence Procedures for PEPs: Foreign: Yes; Domestic: Yes
  • Money Laundering Criminal Prosecutions/Convictions: Prosecutions: 464 (2014); Convictions: 424 (2013)
-Source: 2016 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR)

Rankings

FATF i

Technical Effectiveness
Compliant : 9 High :
Largely Compliant : 29 Substantial :
Partially Compliant : 10 Moderate :
Non-Compliant : 1 Low :

BASEL i

Rank : 122/141
Score : 3.92/10

TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL i

Rank : 23/179
Score : 69/100

Tax Justice Network i

Rank : 33/133
Score : 50/100