Money Laundering and Tax Havens Symposium

Friday 7th November, 2008 Program This symposium is the first in Australia to analyse the linkages between money laundering, tax evasion and offshore tax havens. The national importance of these topics is demonstrated by the Australian government’s funding of over $350 million to Operation Wickenby which deals with the laundering of tax monies. The collection of financial data which lies at the heart of Anti Money Laundering systems is increasing being used as a vehicle to detect tax offences and recover hidden funds. These AML measures will significantly impact financial institutions, corporates, and the tax, legal and accounting professions.

The 2008 symposium is a continuation of the successful 2006 conference on Money Laundering & Risk. The 2008 symposium will be highly interactive and will provide an opportunity for an exchange of views and experiences. The symposium will bring together leading specialists from academia, business and governments to tackle the legal, policy and practical issues arising from the money laundering/tax crimes relationship.

Invited Speakers

• Professor Richard Gordon (Case Western Reserve University, USA; Consultant, World Bank/IMF)


• Mr. Neil Jensen PSM (Director, AUSTRAC)


• Ms. Zoë Lester (University of Sydney & St. George Bank)


• Professor Jason Sharman (Queen Elizabeth Fellow, Griffith University; Consultant FATF/APG 2006-7)


• Dr David Chaikin (University of Sydney; Barrister, Consultant FATF/APG 2006-7)


• Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering


• Australian Taxation Office

Topics discussed

• Money laundering and tax evasion interfaces


• The effectiveness of anti money-laundering systems in combating tax evasion


• Financial sanctions in combating money laundering and tax crimes


• Australian Taxation Office’s policy on tax havens


• The roles of states in Europe, the Pacific and the Caribbean as tax and/or money laundering havens


• Legal, banking and compliance challenges of anti-money laundering legislation

Conference Contacts

Ellen Bi (University of Sydney)

David Chaikin (University of Sydney)