Bankers peeved at label by Canadian newspaper

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Bankers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT) has dismissed international media reports that Trinidad and Tobago is a known money laundering haven where anyone can stash millions of dollars and transfer funds to offshore accounts without being arrested. “These statements are unfortunate and misguided,” said the BATT, which represents all the commercial banks operating here. “Member banks maintain robust banking systems and controls that meet international anti-money-laundering and combating terrorist financing standards (AML/CTF) as set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and in some instances exceed domestic regulatory requirements.”