BSP closes the loop on junket AML squeeze

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What happened

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has directed Philippine banks to apply heightened scrutiny to accounts linked to junket operators. This move follows PAGCOR's own regulatory actions flagging VIP gaming and junket arrangements as material AML weak points, and tightening controls over foreign capital flows into those channels. The result is a two-sided squeeze: the gaming regulator pressing from the licensing and operational side, and the central bank pressing from the financial infrastructure side.

Why it matters

Junket operators depend on fast, discreet capital movement across borders. That model breaks down when banks treat junket-linked accounts as high-risk relationships requiring enhanced due diligence, transaction monitoring, and potentially suspicious transaction reporting. Three practical consequences follow.

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Sources: Signal by DRS

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WOMO is a network of 4,000+ affiliates and micro-influencers across Southeast Asia, built by Digirockstars. It connects iGaming, fintech and tech brands with local partners who reach the players and users they want.

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