Ernesto Chong, owner- PMC International Management Corp. and Management Consulting Consultant, has recently received the ACAMS® Certification.

The Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists® (ACAMS®) provides credentials to the experienced professionals in the field of money laundering detection, prevention and control after a rigorous examination designed by industry leaders.

ACAMS in cooperation with Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP), an independent testing company, started conducting the Certification Examination in March 2003. ACAMS has designed its certification program to ensure that the standards of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) are met.

ACAMS certifies specialists in financial and non-financial businesses and government agencies globally. The organization provides up-to-date information, education, career development and professional networking opportunities as well.

Ernesto Chong commented, “ACAMS Certification is one of the most reputable credentials in our industry. This certification definitely provides a competitive advantage as well as signifies our continued efforts to prevent this activity not only within our firm but in our wonderful country. It will aid my clients in effectively implementing money laundering control policies, procedures & regulations.”

He further adds, “Panama’s geopolitical and economic conditions make our country particularly vulnerable to money laundering and is a serious threat for our financial institutions. Several national and international organizations are struggling hard to prevent money laundering. It is a high time for private sectors to prevent money laundering.”

Panama is considered as major money laundering country. Money laundering is a criminal offence in Panama only if it is linked to narcotics trafficking. It is a severe threat to Panamanian international banking system, which accounts for 80% of the country’s GDP.