On November 4, 2025, the Financial Intelligence Office of the Unitary Police Service hosted the second plenary meeting of the Interdepartmental AML/CFT Working Group in Macao. The session gathered 55 senior officials from 13 key agencies, including the Public Prosecutions Office, the Commission Against Corruption, the Macao Customs Service, the Monetary Authority of Macao, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, the Financial Services Bureau, and law enforcement representatives from the Public Security Police Force and the Judiciary Police.
The meeting focused on aligning Macao’s financial regulations with evolving international standards to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. Participants discussed the latest updates to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) methodologies and how they apply to Macao’s compliance framework.
A major agenda point was the preparation for the “Fourth Round of Macao SAR Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing Risk Assessment.” This project will play a vital role in preparing for the next mutual evaluation by the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), ensuring Macao maintains strong transparency and compliance mechanisms.
Officials reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening legal and enforcement systems, improving cross-agency collaboration, and ensuring effective supervision of both public and private sectors. By combining the expertise of multiple departments, the goal is to enhance Macao’s ability to detect and deter illicit financial activities and protect the integrity of its economy.
Macao’s status as an international tourism and business hub makes it particularly vulnerable to sophisticated financial crimes. Strengthening its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing efforts not only protects its economy but also reinforces its reputation as a secure and compliant financial center.
The Working Group also discussed future steps, including completing the fourth-round risk assessment, improving data-sharing between institutions, upgrading training and enforcement tools, and fostering cooperation between regulatory authorities and the private sector.
This meeting marks a significant milestone in Macao’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its financial system, align with global standards, and maintain its credibility as a trusted and transparent financial jurisdiction.
