Changes In PMLA Can Adversely Impact Foreign Investment Facilitation, Say CAs
Industry sources said there is no way that an accountant can know whether the money that an investor is bringing into India is bonafide.
Chartered accountants are seeking clarifications on the finance ministry's recent notification on extending the ambit of the anti-money laundering law, as it can adversely impact ease of doing business and facilitation of foreign investments.
According to industry sources, chartered accountants and company secretaries often act as formation agents for foreign companies setting up businesses in India and often provide their own addresses for communication in the initial phase.
They also act as resident directors of the foreign company trying to establish a presence in the country and operate bank accounts on behalf of their clients.
Industry sources said there is no way that an accountant can know whether the money that an investor is bringing into India is bona fide or laundered money and verify its source.
In view of the pending review by the global watchdog on terror financing and money laundering scheduled later this year, the finance ministry has in recent months tightened and expanded the scope of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
As part of the exercise, chartered and cost accountants and company secretaries have been included in the ambit of the PMLA if they undertake specified activities on behalf of their clients.
These transactions include the buying and selling of properties; the management of bank accounts or other assets; and the management of companies, limited liability partnerships, or trusts.
In another notification, the ministry said that entities and individuals working as "formation agents" or acting as directors, secretaries, or partners too would be covered under PMLA provisions. It would also apply to individuals or entities that provide a business address or correspondence address for a company, LLP, or trust.
According to industry sources, the activities mentioned in the notifications are performed by CAs for foreign companies trying to start their business in India.
"Chartered accountants cannot check the money trail for companies bringing money to India to start business. It is the job of the Financial Intelligence Unit and RBI to check the source of investment," a source said.
According to sources, the chartered accountants are in touch with the finance ministry and seeking guidance on the recent changes in the anti-money laundering law.
At the most, a monetary penalty may be imposed on CAs, not the strict provisions of the PMLA law, as several of these activities are part of the temporary hand-holding and accounting support required for facilitating foreign investment.
