A new round of specialized workshops aimed at strengthening the capacities of notaries and real estate professionals in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing was held on 16-17 June in Banja Luka, marking the continuation of the initiative to boost compliance and awareness in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s legal and property sectors.

Organized as a follow-up to a similar event in Sarajevo in early May, which brought together professionals from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this latest session gathered their counterparts from Republika Srpska. The initiative forms part of a broader push to align the country’s practices with international standards in anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism.

A central theme of the workshops was understanding the risk management framework, along with key concepts and international standards, common risks associated with the real estate and legal services sector, and the role and responsibilities of real estate agents and notaries to detect and deter illicit activity.

Special attention was given to the latest findings and recommendations from MONEYVAL, the Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering monitoring body. MONEYVAL’s most recent assessment underscored the necessity of reinforcing the roles of notaries and real estate professionals in overall efforts to combat financial crime. Their involvement has been noted as essential in reducing gaps in property transactions and legal services that can be exploited for money laundering and terrorism financing.

The workshop was held as part of the Council of Europe project against corruption, money laundering, and terrorism financing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, implemented under the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025 and funded through voluntary contributions.