Jurisdiction refers to the legal and Regulatory Framework governing a specific geographical area or country where a business or financial institution operates, or where its customers are located. Jurisdiction encompasses the local laws, regulations, enforcement practices, and regulatory bodies that oversee financial activities, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures and Counter Terrorist Financing (CTF) protocols.

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Understanding the jurisdiction is crucial for compliance purposes, as it determines the specific Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, due diligence standards, and reporting obligations that must be adhered to by businesses and financial institutions. Different jurisdictions may have varying levels of regulatory rigor, transparency, and enforcement capabilities. For example, jurisdictions classified as high-risk or non-cooperative by international bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) are subject to enhanced due diligence procedures to mitigate risks associated with money laundering, terrorist financing and other financial crimes.

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Financial institutions must be aware of the jurisdictions in which their clients are based or operate to ensure they comply with relevant regulations and avoid engaging with entities that may pose higher risks. Effective KYC processes involve continuously monitoring jurisdictional risks and adapting compliance measures accordingly to maintain the integrity of financial operations and ensure adherence to global standards.

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Specific to high risk jurisdictions, read more about its definition and see the latest version of the list of high-risk third countries here.