Data gaps, privacy needs of the rich make anti-money laundering checks tough, say agencies

REAL estate agencies and professionals say they face challenges in preventing and combating money laundering, as an inter-ministerial committee set up to strengthen Singapore’s anti-money laundering regime seeks their feedback. 

Their comments follow remarks by Second Minister for Finance and National Development Indranee Rajah, who said at a Huttons awards event last week that she recently spoke with real estate agencies and professionals on how to strengthen Singapore’s system. 

“You have given me valuable feedback on some gaps that need to be closed. We are also looking into how you can do better due diligence checks and file Suspicious Transaction Reports more easily. We are also looking into training real estate professionals on how to carry out this gatekeeper role better,” said the minister, who chairs the inter-ministerial committee to strengthen measures against money laundering.