The Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP) participated in the Latin American Financial Action Task Force (GAFILAT) regional workshop entitled “Engagement with the Private Sector: Fintech, Emerging Technologies, and AML/CFT Transaction Identification,” a forum for dialogue and the exchange of experiences aimed at strengthening collaboration among authorities, financial institutions, and Fintech companies in the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.
The event brought together specialists, private-sector representatives, and key stakeholders from GAFILAT’s 18 member countries to discuss the trends transforming the financial ecosystem and the challenges facing the sector in the areas of anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, cybersecurity, and consumer protection.
Vielka Villarreal, Director of Anti-Money Laundering and Illicit Operations Prevention at the SBP, accompanied by a technical team from the institution, highlighted the importance of promoting financial innovation in a responsible manner while ensuring compliance with high standards of integrity, transparency, and sound risk management.
She also noted that the growth of new financial technologies presents an opportunity to expand access to financial services, while simultaneously requiring close coordination between authorities and the private sector to strengthen risk prevention and mitigation mechanisms.
The SBP’s participation as an institutional partner in this initiative, alongside the Superintendency of the Securities Market (SMV) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), reflects its commitment to strengthening the country’s financial integrity and fostering dialogue that contributes to the development of a more innovative, secure, and inclusive financial system.
Likewise, the SBP’s participation supports Panama’s efforts during its Pro Tempore Presidency of GAFILAT, reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and the adoption of international best practices for the prevention of money laundering, terrorist financing, and other threats that may undermine the integrity of the financial system.
