West Palm Beach (HedgeCo.net) – Two new legislations were introduced in Bermuda January 1, requiring regulated financial institutions to comply with various obligations under the recently updated legislative framework, according to Cayman Islands law firm Conyers Dill & Pearman.

The firm said that the updated legislation defines ‘Financial Institutions’ as persons who, among other things, carry on the business of a ‘fund administrator’, or are ‘operators’ of investment funds. 

The BMA expects Financial Institutions, under its supervision, to address their management of the relevant risks in a thoughtful and considered way, and to establish and maintain systems and procedures which are appropriate and proportionate to the risks identified.

Investment fund operators and fund administrators are required to appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (“Reporting Officer”) to whom reports should be made and who shall have responsibility to make reports when suspicious circumstances require.    

It is a requirement for “non-licensed persons” to register with the BMA by 30 June 2009 using the BMA’s prescribed form and paying the relevant fee. Failure to comply will result in their inability to carry on business activities, the firm said.

Alex Akesson