Democratic Republic of Congo AML & Sanctions Compliance - ANQA

Democratic Republic of Congo AML & Sanctions Compliance

Navigate the challenging regulatory landscape of AML and sanctions compliance in the DRC with Anqa's country-specific solutions.

Regulatory Framework

The DRC's AML/CFT framework is primarily governed by Law No. 04/016 of July 19, 2004, on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing, as amended by Law No. 16/002 of 2016. The framework continues to evolve as the country works to address FATF recommendations.

Key regulatory authorities include:

  • Financial Intelligence Unit (CENAREF) - Financial intelligence unit
  • Central Bank of Congo (BCC) - Central bank
  • Financial Market Authority (AMF) - Securities regulator
  • Insurance Regulatory and Control Authority (ARCA) - Insurance regulator

FATF Status

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Non-Compliant

The DRC is a member of the Task Force on Money Laundering in Central Africa (GABAC). The country faces significant challenges in implementing an effective AML/CFT regime due to limited resources, governance challenges, and ongoing conflicts in parts of the country. The DRC's AML/CFT framework has substantial technical deficiencies and implementation effectiveness issues.

Compliance Requirements

Core Obligations

  • CDD/KYC: Financial institutions must identify and verify customers. The legal framework establishes basic CDD requirements, but implementation is inconsistent across different institutions and regions.
  • Beneficial Ownership: Legal requirements exist to identify beneficial owners, but implementation is limited due to lack of verification mechanisms and corporate transparency.
  • Transaction Monitoring: Financial institutions are required to monitor transactions for unusual or suspicious patterns, but automated systems are not consistently implemented.
  • Record Keeping: Minimum 10-year retention period for all customer records and transactions.
  • Reporting: Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) must be filed with CENAREF, but reporting volumes remain low.

Key Challenges

  • Resource Exploitation: Significant illegal mining and natural resource exploitation creating specific money laundering vulnerabilities.
  • Conflict Zones: Ongoing conflicts in eastern regions complicating implementation of AML controls.
  • Dollarization: Dual-currency economy (Congolese franc and US dollar) creating monitoring complexities.
  • Cash Economy: Predominantly cash-based transactions with limited banking penetration.
  • Cross-Border Risks: Porous borders with nine neighboring countries facilitating illicit financial flows.
  • Limited Infrastructure: Weak identification systems and limited digital infrastructure hampering effective CDD implementation.

Sanctions Considerations

The DRC has been subject to various UN and other international sanctions regimes, primarily targeting armed groups, human rights abusers, and individuals involved in corruption. Financial institutions must conduct enhanced due diligence on transactions related to mining, minerals, metals, and gemstones from the DRC.

Particular attention should be paid to the eastern provinces (North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri), where conflict minerals and armed groups present high risks. Financial institutions should screen against UN sanctions lists, as well as US, EU, and UK targeted sanctions related to the DRC.

Key Compliance Challenges

Understanding the unique obstacles facing financial institutions in the DRC

1

Resource Exploitation

Significant illegal mining and natural resource exploitation creating specific money laundering vulnerabilities, particularly in the mining and extractive industries sector.

2

Conflict Zones

Ongoing conflicts in eastern regions complicating implementation of AML controls and creating unique challenges for financial institutions operating in these areas.

3

Dual Currency Economy

The coexistence of Congolese franc and US dollar transactions creates complex monitoring requirements and potential vulnerabilities in the financial system.

4

Limited Infrastructure

Weak identification systems and limited digital infrastructure hampering effective CDD implementation and transaction monitoring capabilities.

5

Cross-Border Risks

Porous borders with nine neighboring countries facilitating illicit financial flows and creating challenges for effective border control and monitoring.

6

Regulatory Implementation

While the legal framework exists, implementation remains inconsistent across different institutions and regions, creating compliance challenges.

Anqa's Approach for DR Congo

Our comprehensive AML solution tailored for DR Congo's unique regulatory landscape and market requirements.

1

Digital KYC & Onboarding Platform

Electronic KYC integration with DR Congo's identity verification systems, centralized repository, and assisted onboarding tools for agents and field staff.

2

Customer Risk Assessment Engine

Five-dimensional risk classification with DR Congo-specific parameters and behavior-driven risk adjustments aligned with local regulatory requirements.

3

Sanctions & Watchlist Screening

Comprehensive screening with Levenshtein and phonetic matching algorithms optimized for DR Congo's naming conventions and local watchlists.

4

Conflict Mineral Due Diligence

Specialized risk assessment and enhanced due diligence procedures for the mining and natural resources sector, with focus on conflict minerals supply chains.

5

Compliance Workflow Platform

Centralized case management with customizable workflows aligned with DR Congo's regulations and reporting requirements.

6

Deployment & Pricing

No setup fees, modular pricing, cloud-based with scalable licensing (user or transaction-based).

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) — AML & Compliance FAQs

  • AML compliance in the DRC is regulated by the Cellule Nationale des Renseignements Financiers (CENAREF). CENAREF oversees anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) regulations for financial institutions, fintechs, and designated non-financial businesses under the national DRC AML compliance framework established by Law No. 04/016.

  • Businesses operating in the DRC must implement robust customer due diligence (CDD) policies, monitor transactions for suspicious activities, maintain accurate transaction records, and file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) with CENAREF. Understanding the KYC obligations in DRC and following proper CENAREF STR filing procedures are critical for achieving and maintaining full DRC AML compliance.

  • An STR must be filed with CENAREF when there are reasonable grounds to suspect money laundering, terrorism financing, or other financial crimes. Prompt reporting through the appropriate CENAREF STR filing procedures is essential for maintaining DRC AML compliance and for assisting national authorities in combatting illicit financial flows.

  • Yes. Fintech companies, mobile money operators, and digital finance providers are fully subject to DRC AML compliance obligations. They must implement strong KYC verification systems, monitor transactions continuously, and file STRs in line with mobile finance AML regulations DRC, ensuring alignment with national financial crime prevention goals.

  • Anqa Compliance offers tailored, mobile-friendly compliance solutions designed to help businesses in the DRC meet evolving AML/CFT requirements. Our platform streamlines KYC onboarding according to KYC obligations in DRC, automates transaction monitoring, and facilitates fast, accurate STR reporting to CENAREF — supporting seamless DRC AML compliance at scale.

Dig Deeper – Country Compliance in Focus

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