MLRO services in Czech Republic

An anti-money laundering compliance officer (MLRO), also known as an anti-money laundering officer or compliance officer, plays a key role in the risk management structure of fintech projects and cryptocurrency companies. The MLRO’s primary role is to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulatory standards aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. This specialist analyses and assesses risks related to the company’s customer base, transactions and operations.

In the context of the Czech Republic, where financial innovation and cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly popular, the role of the MLRO is of particular importance. The complexity of financial transactions and the increasing use of new technologies in the financial sector increase the potential risks of using these instruments for illicit purposes, including money laundering and terrorist financing.

What does a compliance officer do in the Czech Republic?

 The Money Laundering Compliance Officer (MLRO) fulfils a critical function not only in ensuring AML/CFT compliance, but also in identifying suspicious financial transactions. This role includes preventing not only potential financial losses, but also reputational risks to the company that may arise as a result of illegal customer behaviour. The MLRO, or anti-money laundering officer, is thus a central figure in the strategy to combat illicit financial activities in the financial sector and the blockchain industry. It provides not only legal protection, but also helps to maintain high standards of corporate ethics and trust internationally.

 Why do you need an MLRO in a Czech crypto company?

  An anti-money laundering officer (AML officer) is a professional whose key role is to minimise the risks associated with financial transactions that potentially threaten the reputation and financial health of fintech startups and cryptocurrency companies. The importance of having effective systems and qualified experts in analysing and monitoring financial transactions becomes critical not only for internal risk management, but also for ensuring regulatory compliance, which is often a prerequisite for obtaining the necessary licences in the cryptocurrency and financial services industry.

The AML officer at a cryptocurrency company is responsible for ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and legislation in the area of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT). With the advancement of technology and the integration of virtual assets into the economy, this role is of particular importance as global regulators increasingly focus on this area. Effective performance of AML officer duties includes not only in-depth knowledge of cryptocurrencies, tokens and other virtual assets, but also the ability to analyse blockchain network data, which allows to identify and evaluate non-standard and suspicious transactions.

In the broader context of fintech projects and the payment industry, the AML officer plays a key role by monitoring all payment and financial transactions for suspicious activity. This includes not only monitoring, but also training employees, keeping them informed of the latest trends and potential money laundering threats. The AML officer is therefore an integral part of the risk management and compliance strategy, helping to maintain high standards of security and trust in the financial sector.

 Responsibilities of the MLRO in the Czech Republic

The main duties of an MLRO (anti-money laundering compliance officer) at a cryptocurrency company operating in the Czech Republic cover a wide range of tasks related to the implementation and execution of anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) policies and procedures. These tasks include:

• Customer verification at registration: verifying the identity of customers and assessing potential risks associated with their activities.
• Oversight of ongoing financial transactions: monitoring transactions for compliance with established security and legality criteria.
• Unusual and suspicious activity detection: analyse transactions, identify and investigate suspicious activity.
• Interaction with regulatory authorities: ensuring timely and accurate reporting, providing necessary information requested by regulators.
• Risk assessment and management: developing strategies to minimise the company’s potential threats and vulnerabilities.
• AML Regulatory Compliance: ensuring that all AML statutory and regulatory requirements are met.

In addition, the Compliance Officer plays a key role in developing and implementing AML/CFT policies and procedures, overseeing staff training, and ensuring the security and confidentiality of customer information storage and transactions in accordance with applicable laws. This role is important not only to protect the company from financial and reputational risks, but also to maintain a high level of trust and transparency in the cryptocurrency company’s operations.

MLRO recruitment and employment in the Czech Republic

 Regulated United Europe specialises in the recruitment and employment of professionals for key MLRO and AML positions in cryptocurrency companies, fintech start-ups and other financial projects where having a full-time AML expert is a legal requirement. In the candidate selection process, our company pays special attention to the following aspects:

• Education and experience in law and finance: candidates must have relevant education and work experience that demonstrate competence in finance and law.
• AML experience: candidates with proven experience in anti-money laundering and terrorist financing are preferred.
• Knowledge of legislation and international standards: candidates should be familiar with applicable AML/CFT legislation, regulations and standards at the international level.
• Business reputation: a high level of professionalism and impeccable business reputation are important.

In addition, Regulated United Europe is ready to offer professional training for AML specialists and refresher courses, as well as provide AML/CFT legal and advisory support to strengthen the knowledge and skills of your staff.

In the Czech Republic, the basis for combating financial crime is the “Act on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing”. This legislation complies with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the European Union and covers not only financial organisations but also non-financial businesses.

Cash transaction reporting obligations for MLROs in the Czech Republic

Every obliged person, other than credit institutions, must promptly inform the Financial Intelligence Service of any financial transaction that comes to light and exceeds the threshold of €32,000 or an equivalent amount in another currency. The notification should be made immediately, but no later than two working days after the transaction. It is important to note that the criterion for exceeding this amount applies to both single payments and a series of interrelated payments made within one year. This requirement is aimed at preventing and monitoring potential money laundering and terrorist financing, thus ensuring strict control over large financial transactions outside the banking sector.

KYC/AML officer services in the Czech Republic

As part of the global effort to counter financial crime, various governments are actively implementing requirements for financial institutions to establish and maintain effective anti-money laundering (AML) programmes. These programmes are the cornerstone of a strategy to prevent illicit activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing.

An important aspect of these programmes is the presence of a dedicated officer or department responsible for ensuring AML compliance. This officer, commonly known as an AML Officer or Compliance Officer, plays a key role in monitoring and enforcing internal AML policies and procedures. The AML Officer’s main responsibilities include:

1. Developing and updating AML policies and procedures: They create guidelines and procedures that help financial institution staff identify, assess and manage money laundering risks.
2. Training and education: The AML officer organises regular training sessions for employees to raise their awareness of money laundering techniques and how to detect and prevent it.
3. Monitoring and Reporting: Tracking suspicious activity and transactions and ensuring timely reporting to relevant regulatory and supervisory authorities.
4. Regulatory Affairs: Liaising with national and international regulators, ensuring compliance with all legal and reporting requirements.

The effectiveness of an AML programme is directly dependent on the AML officer’s competence and proactivity, analysis and decision-making abilities in a rapidly changing regulatory and economic landscape.

MLRO’s main responsibilities in the Czech Republic

The role of the Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Specialist (AML) covers a number of critical functions within a financial institution or company dealing with virtual currencies. These functions include the following aspects:

1. Developing and maintaining the AML programme: The Specialist is responsible for creating, implementing and continually updating the AML programme to ensure it meets current legislative and regulatory requirements.
2. Transaction analysis and monitoring: Organising the collection of transaction data, analysing suspicious or risky transactions, including those that may be linked to terrorist financing.
3. Reporting and liaising with regulators: Filing compliance reports with the relevant national and international regulatory authorities and maintaining ongoing communication with the Financial Intelligence Unit when suspicions of money laundering arise.
4. Maintain records and reports: Systematically maintain records on high risk clients and ensure this information is available for audits.
5. Risk Assessment System Development: Establish and maintain an effective risk assessment system for various products, services and customers and other AML related aspects.
6. Employee training: Organising and conducting training programmes for employees on AML issues, raising their awareness and competencies for effective detection and prevention of financial crimes.
7. Conducting audits: Organising external and internal reviews, audits to assess compliance with current AML requirements, developing guidelines and methodologies to improve compliance with standards.

The AML Compliance Officer plays a key role in strengthening the protection of the financial system against criminal risks, ensuring that the organisation complies with legislation and minimises opportunities for financial crime such as money laundering and terrorist financing.

AML Compliance Officer position at a Czech crypto company

AML compliance is a dynamic and critical area that requires the AML professional to not only have in-depth knowledge and skills, but also the ability to adapt to changing regulatory requirements. The importance of the AML programme makes it imperative that the compliance officer has a comprehensive knowledge of financial policies, KYC/AML procedures and financial misconduct methodologies. However, the selection of the right candidate for the role should be tailored to the specific needs and requirements of the organisation.

An AML specialist should:

1. Have up-to-date knowledge: The expert should keep his/her knowledge up-to-date in accordance with the latest legislative changes and international standards in the AML field.
2. Have experience in negotiating and interacting with management: The Compliance Officer should regularly interact with the Board of Directors and financial regulators, ensuring open and effective communication.
3. Have sufficient authority: It is essential that the AML professional has sufficient authority within the company to be able to effectively influence change and ensure compliance.
4. Be director level or above: The AML specialist should preferably hold a high position in the company hierarchy, which will give him/her the necessary authority and access to resources to fulfil his/her role.

The right AML officer candidate can significantly enhance the effectiveness of an AML programme and make a company’s financial system more resilient to the risks associated with financial crime.

Employment of KYC/AML officer in the Czech Republic

Regulated United Europe offers highly qualified KYC/AML compliance specialists who have all the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure that your cryptocurrency project complies with the legal and regulatory requirements of the Czech Republic. Hiring such experts not only simplifies the process of obtaining the relevant licences, but also contributes to the sustainable development of your business in the rapidly changing field of virtual currencies. Co-operation with our experts will allow you to:

1. Prepare effectively for licensing: Our experts will help you develop and implement all the necessary procedures and policies to meet regulatory requirements, which is a key prerequisite for obtaining a licence to operate with cryptocurrencies.
2. Minimise regulatory risks: Knowledge of current and constantly updated regulatory requirements can prevent potential violations and associated fines or penalties.
3. Build trust with customers and partners: Having a professionally designed and effectively functioning AML/KYC system builds trust in your business with your customers and business partners.
4. Ensure ongoing compliance: Regular knowledge updates and monitoring of legislative and regulatory changes helps your business respond quickly to changes and maintain a high level of compliance.

We invite you to use the services of our specialists to ensure the successful and safe operation of your cryptocurrency project on the market of the Czech Republic.