Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

ISCA Partners COC to Launch New AML and CFT Initiatives to Enhance Charities Sector’s Financial Governance and Resilience

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 October 2024 - Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong announced that the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) will partner the Office of the Commissioner of Charities (COC) to bolster the resilience of Singapore's charities sector through new anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) initiatives.

He made this announcement at Charity Governance Conference 2024 today.

ISCA partners COC to set up Charities AML/CFT Services Panel

Recognising the pressing need for robust governance amid growing concerns over the vulnerabilities in fund-raising practices, ISCA and Office of COC will be rolling out subsidised services for charities in Singapore to help enhance their AML/CFT capabilities. This initiative will be led by a Charities AML/CFT Services Panel set up by ISCA, comprising accounting firms – Forbis Accounting Pte Ltd, InCorp Global and Unity Assurance Pte Ltd.

Charities can approach the panel members for support in conducting due diligence checks, identify potential risks and provide interpretation of the screening results. They can also receive support in the drafting and implementation of AML/CFT policies and procedures at a low bono fee.

ISCA's Community Accounting Programme

ISCA is also spearheading digital transformation in the charities sector through its Community Accounting Programme, which was launched in October 2023 in partnership with the Office of COC and the National Council of Social Service. The programme is designed to accelerate the digital transformation of charities, particularly those with limited resources. It targets to support more than 50 charities and non-profit organisations by end-2024. A pilot programme was recently concluded in March 2024 with three charities which helped to digitalise their accounting and finance processes. For example, Fo Guang Shan (Singapore), a Buddhist organisation, benefitted from a transition to Xero, a cloud-based accounting solution, supported by Singapore Corporate Services Pte Ltd. The transition allowed the charities to automate manual tasks, retrieve supporting documents easily, as well as obtain up-to-date and accurate information for cashflow planning. More importantly, this has improved the charity's financial operations for better accountability and governance.

These initiatives underscore ISCA's and Office of COC's commitment to advancing the charity sector, reinforcing public trust and promoting operational excellence.

Professor Ang Hak Seng, Chairman of ISCA Charity Accounting Committee, said: "ISCA is committed to making an impact in the charities sector by working hand-in-hand with Office of COC. Together, we aim to strengthen charities' governance through initiatives like provision of AML risk consultancy, AML know your donor screening services, as well as our Community Accounting Programme. These initiatives help protect charities from money laundering threats and automation of robust finance processes to enhance transparency and accountability. As the national accountancy body, ISCA is happy to serve as a platform to enable ISCA members to contribute meaningfully and be able to make a lasting difference in the community."

Commissioner of Charities, Mr Desmond Chin said: "We are pleased to partner ISCA to enhance the financial governance and resilience of our charity sector. The Charities AML/CFT Services Panel will provide charities with the tools and knowledge to strengthen their AML/CFT measures. We will continue working together with our partners to foster a culture of transparency and accountability to strengthen public trust in charities."

Hashtag: #ISCA #Accountancy #Accounting #DifferenceMakers #AML #AntiMoneyLaundering #CFT #Counteringthefinancingofterrorism

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore with over 36,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries.

Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Complementing its global mindset with Asian insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards the advancement of the accountancy profession.

ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – designation.

ISCA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries.

For more information, visit .

Powering Shepparton’s Businesses: Expert Commercial Electrical Services You Can Count On

When it comes to running a successful business, having reliable, compliant, and efficient electrical systems is non-negotiable. From small retail ou...

Maximise Efficiency: Cleaner Solar Panels for Optimal Performance

Solar panels are a smart investment in energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term savings—especially here in Cairns, where the tropical sun ...

7 Common Air Conditioner Issues in Melbourne – And How to Fix Them

Image by freepik Living in Melbourne, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. One moment it’s cold and windy, the next it’s a scorchin...

Powering Palm QLD with Reliable Electrical Solutions

Image by pvproductions on Freepik When it comes to finding a trustworthy electrician Palm QLD locals can count on, the team at East Coast Sparkies s...

The Smart Way to Grow Online: SEO Management Sydney Businesses Can Rely On

If you’re a Sydney-based business owner, you already know the digital space is crowded. But with the right strategy, you don’t need to shout the...

What Your Car Says About You: The Personality Behind the Vehicle

You can tell a lot about someone by the car they drive—or at least, that’s what people think. True Blue Mobile Mechanics reckon the car says a l...

The Confidence Curve: Why Boudoir Photography Is the Empowerment Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

Boudoir photography has been quietly taking over social feeds, Pinterest boards, and personal milestones—and for good reason. It’s not just abou...

Understanding Level 2 Electricians: Why Sydney Residents Need Licenced Experts for Complex Electrical Work

When it comes to electrical work around the home or business, not all electricians are created equal. In Sydney, particularly when you're dealing wi...

Retirement Anchored in Model Boat Building for Waterford’s Doug Unsold

WATERFORD — When Doug Unsold sees his ship come in, it’s usually one he’s crafted with his own hands. The 67-year-old retiree from Waterford ...

The Science Behind Alarm Clocks and Your Circadian Rhythm

Waking up on time isn’t just about setting an alarm—it’s about working with your body, not against it. At the heart of every restful night and...

How to Use Plants to Create a Calming Atmosphere in Your Home

In today’s fast-paced world, cultivating a calm, soothing environment at home has never been more important. Whether you live in a busy urban apar...

How Maths Tutoring Can Help Students Master Maths

Mathematics can be a daunting subject for many students, often causing stress and frustration. However, maths tutoring has proven to be an effective...

Refurbished iPads Are Better Than New Ones (Here's Why)

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Apple's refurbished iPad program has quietly become one of the best deals in tech. While everyone obsesses over the ...

Your Guide to Finding the Right GP: What Perth City Doctors Offer Today

Choosing a General Practitioner (GP) is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Luckily, Perth’s vibrant CBD now hosts a new ge...

Why Every Mining Operation Needs a Robust Safety Management System

Mining is one of the backbones of the Australian economy, particularly in Western Australia. Back in 2019-20, mining contributed 10.4% of Australiaâ...

Australian Classic Literature Enjoys Resurgence

Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers...

How to Choose the Right Lawyers in Sydney for Your Situation

When faced with a legal issue, selecting the right legal representation can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with a personal injury, ...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and ...