Misuse of informal money-transfer networks is growing worldwide, global watchdog says

PARIS, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Criminal use of informal banking networks has become a global problem and is growing, the Financial Action Task Force said on Thursday, urging companies and governments to do more to combat professional money-laundering services.

Here’s what the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog FATF said in a report:

• Criminal misuse of non-bank settlement methods, including hawala and other similar service providers (HOSSPs) - which move payments through agents rather than regulated financial institutions - is "a widespread global phenomenon".

• Illicit networks, once used mainly to launder the proceeds of cash-based crime such as drug trafficking and smuggling, now also process funds from fraud, cybercrime, terrorist financing, illegal gaming and gambling, as well as international organised crime.

• Professional service providers are increasingly involved in facilitating the schemes, including lawyers, accountants, auditors, consultants and real estate agents, FATF member states who contributed to the report said.

• Encrypted communications, fintech, anonymity-enhancing tools and the growing use of crypto and other new technology - have transformed informal money-transfer networks, and can make them faster, more opaque and more resilient.

• Underground banking and HOSSP-based money laundering have become increasingly professionalised, with some operating like sophisticated businesses.