FAQ

FAQ

General Information

What is the role of FIU Curaçao?

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Curaçao is the national authority responsible for receiving, analyzing, and disseminating reports of unusual transactions (UTRs) to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and related crimes. FIU Curaçao is an administrative FIU.

The Supervision Department of the FIU is responsible for overseeing designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs), ensuring they comply with AML/CFT/CFP (Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism Counter Financing of Proliferation) regulations through desk- and onsite reviews.

Who does FIU Curaçao work with?

FIU Curaçao has a network of cooperation with the private sector, supervisory authorities, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. On international level, FIU Curaçao works closely with the FIUs in the Dutch Kingdom and other international FIUs.  

How does FIU Curaçao collaborate internationally?

FIU Curaçao has been a long-standing member of the Egmont Group of FIUs, allowing secure exchange of information with over 170 FIUs worldwide. Collaboration with the FIUs, that are not members of the Egmont Group, takes place based on an MOU with the FIU of the non-member. FIU Curaçao signs bilateral and multilateral MOUs with these FIUs and relevant authorities. These agreements facilitate secure and lawful exchange of financial intelligence, ensuring collaboration while safeguarding confidentiality and compliance with international standards.

What is FIU Curacao’s role within the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF)?

Curaçao is an active member of the CFATF, a regional body that ensures countries implement effective measures against money laundering and terrorist financing and proliferation. Membership allows Curaçao to benefit from peer reviews (Mutual Evaluations), regional cooperation, and technical assistance.

Our FIU is a key player in ensuring that Curaçao fulfills its CFATF obligations. As the national agency responsible for receiving, analyzing, and disseminating financial intelligence related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing, FIU Curaçao participates in CFATF Mutual Evaluations, contributes to policy and typologies development and benefits from the technical assistance and trainings guidance and training to strengthen its analytical capabilities and legal framework.

How does Curaçao comply with the FATF Recommendations?

Curaçao is committed to implementing the FATF 40 Recommendations, which set the global standard for Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing and Proliferation of arms (AML/CFT/CPF). Through legislation, regulation, supervision, and FIU operations, Curaçao continuously strengthens its framework. Compliance is periodically assessed via CFATF Mutual Evaluations and follow-up processes.

How can I contact FIU Curaçao for further information or assistance?

Email: info@fiucuracao.cw

Phone: +5999 4626588

Fax: +59994626522

What is the role of the Supervision Department at FIU Curaçao?

The Supervision Department at FIU Curaçao is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with AML/CFT/CFP (Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism Counter Financing of Proliferation) among Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs). Its tasks include:

  • Conducting (partial) investigations based on a risk-based approach and taking enforcement actions where necessary.
  • Providing information sessions and presentations to stakeholders.
  • Identifying and capturing signals from the DNFBP sectors.
  • Acting as a knowledge and advisory point for stakeholders.
  • Drafting guidelines for stakeholders to ensure compliance.
  • Maintaining registrations of DNFBPs.
  • Building expertise and knowledge about DNFBPs and their activities.
  • Collaborating with key partners such as other Supervisory Authorities, the Chamber of Commerce, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and others.

Who needs to register with the FIU Supervision Department?

According to Article 1 paragraph a, 12°, 13° and 15° of the NOIS and NORUT legislations, all designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) that (such as notaries, real estate brokers and project developers, lawyers, dealers in precious metals and stones, accountants.) must register with the Supervision Department.

Is there an online registry available of registered designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) with the Supervision Department?

Based on Article 15a, paragraph 3 of the NOIS, the Supervision Department is authorized to publish a list of all entities registered as DNFBPs. For a complete overview of registered entities, please click here.

How can I register with the FIU’s Supervision Department?

If your entity provides or intends to provide services as described above, you must complete a mandatory registration process. 

What happens if I fail to register?

Failure to register may result in administrative sanctions, fines, or restrictions on your ability to legally provide services.

How often does the FIU conduct supervisory inspections?

Inspections may be conducted on a risk-based schedule, meaning higher-risk sectors and entities may receive more frequent visits, while others may be reviewed periodically or upon specific triggers.

What is expected during an on-site or off-site inspection?
The FIU will review and assess compliance with AML/CFT/CFP obligations, including registration, record-keeping, reporting of unusual transactions, and internal controls. Entities should have their compliance policies, procedures, and training records available. A report will be issued indicating whether the supervised institution is in compliance with the AML/CFT/CFP regulations.

What documents should I keep available for supervision purposes?

Entities are expected to maintain:

  • A copy of their AML/CFT/CFP compliance manual
  • KYC (Know Your Customer) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) files
  • Transaction records (at least 5 years)
  • Compliance training materials and attendance logs for staff
  • Unusual transaction reports

Can the FIU impose penalties based on non-compliance with AML/CFT/CFP obligations?

Yes, the FIU has the legal authority to impose penalties when supervised entities do not comply with their AML/CFT/CPF obligations. These range from administrative fines and instructions to referrals for criminal prosecution, depending on the seriousness of the breach for non-compliance.

How can I contact the Supervision Department?

For inquiries related to Supervision, you can send an email to supervision@fiucuracao.cw.

Who is required to report unusual transactions to FIU Curaçao?

All entities and professionals falling under the National Ordinance on the Reporting of Unusual Transactions (NORUT) are required to report. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Financial institutions (banks, insurers, money transfer companies, investment firms)
  • Designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs). These are: real estate, car dealers, dealers in building materials, dealers in precious metals and stones (jewelers), notaries, lawyers, accountants, tax and legal advisors and administrative offices.
  • Gaming entities, such as casinos.

What types of transactions must be reported?

Institutions are required to report Unusual Transactions. These may be:

  • Transactions that meet objective criteria (e.g., cash transactions above a set threshold)
  • Transactions deemed unusual based on their nature, structure, or context (subjective criteria)

Is there a deadline for reporting unusual transactions?

Yes. Unusual Transactions must be reported without delay.

What is goAML and how do I register?

The goAML system is FIU Curaçao’s secure online system for reporting unusual transactions to the FIU. Institutions must apply for registration by sending an email to goaml@fiucuracao.cw after which FIU Curaçao verifies the information and provides login credentials to the designated reporting officer(s).

What happens after I file a report?

FIU Curaçao receives and analyzes the report. If the transaction is deemed suspicious, it is disseminated to competent authorities (law enforcement, prosecutors, or supervisory bodies).

Can supervisory authorities access FIU reports?

No. Only FIU Curaçao can access reports. However, FIU may disseminate information to supervisory authorities when necessary and permitted by law.

What support does FIU Curaçao provide to reporting institutions?

  • Reporting guidelines and manuals
  • Typologies and red flag indicators
  • Training sessions and workshops
  • Direct assistance by phone, email or during meetings.

Are there sanctions for failing to report unusual transactions?

Yes. Institutions that fail to comply with reporting obligations may face administrative penalties and sanction.

What should I do if I am unsure whether a transaction is unusual?

If in doubt, report the transaction. The obligation is to report unusual transactions, not suspicious ones. FIU Curaçao will conduct the analysis.

How does FIU Curaçao protect the confidentiality of reports?
The law strictly prohibits FIU Curaçao from disclosing the identity of reporting institutions or their employees. Additionally, FIU Curaçao operates with secure IT systems to protect sensitive information.

Is my institution protected when we report?
 Institutions and employees are protected from liability when reporting in good faith.

About FIU

Discover key information about FIU Curaçao, its role, responsibilities, and commitment to combating financial crime.

Awareness

Explore FIU Curaçao’s resources on information and awareness to stay informed about financial regulations and compliance.

MISSION & VISION

Learn about FIU Curaçao’s mission to combat financial crime and its vision for a secure, transparent financial system.

ANNUAL REPORTS

Explore FIU Curaçao’s annual reports for insights into its activities, achievements, and efforts to combat financial crime.

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