NGOs asked the Central Bank to clarify anti-money laundering rules

A round table was held at the All-Russian Popular Front (ONF) to discuss the draft instructions of the Central Bank on combating money laundering in non-profit organizations. Social activists expressed their concerns about the conditions of the Central Bank, the press service of the ONF reports.

On February 18, the Central Bank proposed adding to the list of signs of questionable transactions transfers to non-profit organizations from citizens or companies that receive money from abroad. According to RBC, the amendments will allow banks to consider transfers from citizens and companies receiving money from abroad as suspicious and block them. The publication's source said that changes concerning NPOs were made to the document at the initiative of Rosfinmonitoring.

The round table participants talked about mechanisms for verifying funds received by organizations, about lists and recommendations for unreliable counterparty organizations, about the possible tightening of control by inspection authorities. Member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation Elena Topoleva-Soldunova raised the issue of rules for the work of NPOs with foreign organizations.

“Which body will develop and adopt regulations and rules? Which body will monitor the non-profit organization's compliance with these rules and regulations? Will this be a step-by-step instruction for NPOs? It is important for us to understand what actions an NPO should take to verify the reliability of a foreign partner,” she said.

Ekaterina Ivakhnik, coordinator of the department for relations with government agencies of the Podari Zhizn charity foundation, believes that the new order will not interfere with the work of NGOs. However, it is necessary for the fund accounting department to know how to work with banking structures. Some of the round table participants stated the need for educational programs for NGOs in this area.

“For the sector to operate effectively, it is necessary to build clear communication between representatives of NPOs and the Central Bank. The ONF is ready to act as a mediator in this work. First, it is necessary to ensure the competence of all participants in the dialogue. We will think about developing an educational program for NGOs,” said Elena Milto, head of the Department for the Development of Public Initiatives of the ONF.