Inspectors, analysts and licensing officers of the Serbian Gaming Authority have participated in a two-day training, aiming to strengthen methodological framework for supervision and procedures of the on-site and off-site anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) inspections. As the legal and strategic framework for AML/CFT controls in games of chance was recently updated through adoption of the amendments to the Law on Games of Chance and update of the National Risk Assessment, the training provided advice and guidance to participants on alignment of internal procedures and strategies with the newly identified risks, as well as with the new powers, competencies and obligations of Serbian Gaming Authority.

Therefore, in this activity, participants gained additional insights on integrating risk assessment results and key risk indicators into mid-term and annual supervisory plans, upgrading questionnaires and enhancing onsite and offsite control through introduction of new types of inspection checks targeted to address specific risks. In addition, the training offered guidance on suspicious transaction reports (STR) dissemination by the supervisor, increasing STR reporting by obliged entities as well as on adjusting frequency and scope of monitoring of fit and proper requirements. 

While the training was tailored to fit Serbian legal framework and specific needs, the Council of Europe experts shared their practical supervisory experience from Malta and Isle of Man, along with international good practices and a life-based case study where the participants had the opportunity to practically apply the knowledge gained in the training. 

The activity has taken place within the Project “Countering Economic Crime in Serbia”, funded by the Swedish International Development Agency, and implemented by the Council of Europe.