DESCRIPTION

The publication of the FATF (GAFI) AML Report on Belgium marks a critical moment for Belgium’s anti-money laundering framework. The report highlights moderate levels of effectiveness in several key areas of the AML/CFT system and identifies structural weaknesses that continue to limit the impact of AML measures in practice FATF report on Belgium 2025.

In particular, the FATF points to moderate effectiveness of AML supervision in the financial sector, highlighting limitations in the detection of illicit activities, delays and uneven coverage of on-site inspections, and the very limited and insufficiently dissuasive use of administrative sanctions by supervisory authorities. The report also underlines supervisory gaps affecting certain financial institutions, as well as growing risks linked to virtual assets, in a context where the supervisory framework remains incomplete. These findings are expected to influence supervisory expectations, inspection practices and enforcement priorities for financial institutions, both in the short and medium term. In this context, recent institutional developments, such as the creation of the new Financial Prosecutor’s Office, may be seen as part of a broader effort to address enforcement-related shortcomings highlighted by the FATF.

This Live Webinar & Expert Debate will provide a concise debriefing of the FATF report and explore its practical implications across sectors, including legal, compliance, governance and risk management perspectives, with particular relevance for the banking and financial sector. Participants will have the opportunity to interact live with experts and peers, exchange views, and actively contribute to the discussion.

Participation at the Live Webinar & Expert Debate on 22 January is worth 1,5 points for the continuing education of Compliance Officers. Company Lawyer, Lawyers and trainee lawyers may submit an individual application.