14/09/2026
As Bhutan prepares for the Asia/Pacific Group (APG) Fifth Round Mutual Evaluation (ME) in 2027, the Financial Intelligence Department (FID) of the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan convened on 8th September, 2026, a one-day seminar on AML/CFT preparedness for the upcoming assessment.
The seminar provided an overview of the Mutual Evaluation process, assessorsโ expectations, and the types of evidence and institutional practices likely to be examined. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of maintaining complete, accurate, up-to-date, and readily available records that demonstrate the actual implementation of AML/CFT measures.
The seminar also included an awareness session on Bhutanโs National Risk
Assessment (NRA), where the key money laundering and terrorist financing risks
identified for the country were highlighted, along with the responsibilities of reporting entities in mitigating these risks. The session underscored that the NRA was a collaborative effort involving stakeholders across the country and serves as an important foundation for strengthening Bhutanโs AML/CFT framework.
Participants also had the opportunity to discuss key preparedness issues, clarify
expectations, identify potential gaps, and strengthen their readiness ahead of the 2027 Mutual Evaluation.
Given the strategic importance of this exercise, the seminar was attended by
representatives from financial institutions, insurance companies, and microfinance
institutions.