
Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants Seeks Input on Anti-Money Laundering Measures
Tokyo, Japan – July 1, 2025 – The Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (JICPA) has announced a survey targeting its members, focusing on the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds and measures against money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The survey, published on July 1, 2025, aims to gather valuable insights from accounting professionals on these critical regulatory areas.
What is the Survey About?
The survey is designed to understand the current practices, challenges, and perspectives of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and audit firms regarding the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds (APTCP). This law is a cornerstone of Japan’s efforts to combat financial crime, requiring designated professionals, including accountants, to implement measures to prevent the illicit movement of funds.
Specifically, the survey delves into:
- Money Laundering: This refers to the process of disguising the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by means of transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses.
- Terrorist Financing: This involves the provision or collection of funds, by any means, directly or indirectly, by members of a terrorist group or by those who intend to carry out terrorist acts.
CPAs and audit firms play a crucial role in identifying and reporting suspicious transactions, contributing to the integrity of the financial system and the fight against organized crime and terrorism.
Why is JICPA Conducting This Survey?
JICPA, as the representative body for CPAs in Japan, is committed to ensuring its members are well-equipped to meet their legal obligations and contribute effectively to national security. This survey serves several key purposes:
- Understanding Current Practices: To gauge how CPAs and audit firms are currently implementing the APTCP and related regulations.
- Identifying Challenges: To pinpoint any difficulties or obstacles that members face in complying with these measures. This could include issues related to technology, training, or understanding of specific requirements.
- Gathering Feedback for Improvement: To collect suggestions and recommendations from professionals on how these measures can be made more effective and practical.
- Informing Policy and Guidance: The findings from this survey will help JICPA provide better guidance and support to its members, and potentially inform its advocacy efforts with regulatory bodies.
Who is Invited to Participate?
The survey is exclusively for Certified Public Accountants and Audit Firms in Japan. Their unique position within the financial ecosystem makes their input particularly valuable.
How Long Will It Take to Complete?
JICPA estimates that completing the survey will take approximately 5 minutes. This brief time commitment makes it accessible for busy professionals to share their expertise.
Why is This Important for CPAs and the Public?
For CPAs, participating in this survey is an opportunity to:
- Contribute to shaping future regulations and guidance.
- Share best practices and learn from peers.
- Ensure that compliance measures are practical and effective.
For the public, the efforts of CPAs in combating money laundering and terrorist financing are vital for:
- Maintaining a secure and stable financial system.
- Preventing criminals and terrorists from exploiting financial channels.
- Upholding the rule of law and protecting society.
How to Participate:
The survey is accessible via the JICPA website. Members are encouraged to visit the provided link: https://jicpa.or.jp/news/information/2025/20250701cbi.html
JICPA emphasizes that cooperation with this survey is highly valued and will contribute significantly to strengthening Japan’s anti-financial crime framework.
【公認会計士及び監査法人限定】犯罪収益移転防止法及びマネー・ローンダリング・テロ資金供与対策に関する調査へのご協力のお願い(回答時間の目安:5分)
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The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-07-01 04:52, ‘【公認会計士及び監査法人限定】犯罪収益移転防止法及びマネー・ローンダリング・テロ資金供与対策に関する調査へのご協力のお願い(回答時間の目安:5分)’ was published according to 日本公認会計士協会. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.