Due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19, FINTRAC understands that businesses (i.e., reporting entities), subject to obligations under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) and associated regulations, may face challenges in meeting their obligations in situations where staff may be reduced or unavailable to do their regular work.
We expect that reporting entities will do everything possible to meet all of their obligations, including in relation to reporting. However, we understand that some reporting entities may find themselves in a situation where they are unable to meet some of their obligations. In such a case, FINTRAC is asking that reporting entities document the reasons why and keep a record of it. Given the situation, FINTRAC will take a reasonable approach with its compliance activities.
When it comes to reporting, priority should be given to submitting suspicious transaction reports (STRs). In a situation where reporting entities may be in possession of critical information related to national security matters that should be normally submitted to FINTRAC but, for some reason, cannot be provided in a timely manner, we would ask that you send an email to emergencyreport-declarationurgente@fintrac-canafe.gc.ca, and someone will then contact you. A written report should follow as soon as possible.
Given the current high level of calls related to COVID-19 on the Government of Canada telephone lines, FINTRAC will no longer be offering telephone support for inquiries about the following: compliance obligations, reporting system access issues, and MSB registration obligations. For these matters or any other urgent inquiries, please contact your regional compliance officer or send an email to guidelines-lignesdirectrices@fintrac-canafe.gc.ca.
For technical assistance, please contact FINTRAC’s Tech Support team at the following email:
Note that depending on the volume of requests, you may experience a slower level of response.
Date Modified: 2020-03-19