FASU STATEMENT ON BSP NOT ENDORSED BY BPNG

Governor of Bank of Papua New

Guinea Loi Bakani has clarified that the statement released by The Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit on Monday July 12, 2021, was done independently based on the Anti-money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) Act 2015.

Governor Bakani in a statement yesterday says “The Bank of PNG (BPNG) disassociates itself from the statement made by FASU. The use of the Bank logo was not authorised and the statement was no endorsed or approved by BPNG. FASU should have consulted BPNG on the statement before releasing it. This would have avoided any potential contradictions and conflict with Acts under BPNG and its objectives.”

He added, “BPNG is concerned about the adverse impact of the Media Statement by FASU and BSP, PNG’s largest bank and the stability of the financial system, which have been achieved and sustained well before the AML/CTF Act came into being.

Governor Bakani reassures the public that the banking system, including

BSP, is sound and meets all regulatory requirements and standards under the Banks and Financial Institutions Act (BFIA) 2000.

On Monday this week, The Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit released a media release on the regulatory actions taken against the Bank South Pacific (BSP).

Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape says he will not question the credibility of BSP Financial Group Ltd amidst allegations of money laundering raised through a recent article in the Australian Financial Review.