High-profile investigations, from the Panama Papers to the more recent FinCEN Files, have drawn widespread attention to the essential role of certain professional industries in relation to international money laundering, financial fraud, corruption schemes, and tax evasion. 

The Unifying Framework is a value‑based self‑regulatory framework for private sector intermediaries who are strategically positioned to prevent or interrupt illicit financial flows – collectively referred to as “gatekeepers”. The framework consists of five core practices and is intended to realize three fundamental principles within and across gatekeeping industries worldwide. The framework was developed by gatekeepers for gatekeepers, be they individuals, entities, or professional associations. It aims to unite a broad array of similarly situated private sector professionals and serve as a mechanism for complementing, reinforcing, or enhancing existing regulatory measures.

The framework was developed by a cross-sectoral taskforce of industry leaders convened by the World Economic Forum's Partnering Against Corruption Initiative (PACI) and Global Future Council on Transparency and Anti-Corruption. The Gatekeeper task force includes leaders in finance, investment, corporate law, art and antiquities markets, and real estate, and was supported by the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative.

The Framework was launched at an official side event to the UN General Assembly special session against corruption (UNGASS) on 02 June 2021. The launch event was organized by the Government of Slovakia and co-hosted by the Italian G20 Presidency, World Economic Forum’s Partnering Against Corruption Initiative (PACI) and Global Future Council on Transparency and Anti-Corruption, and by the StAR Initiative.

All gatekeepers are invited to publicly endorse the Unifying Framework and to begin or continue to take concrete steps towards implementation of the framework’s core principles and practices. This includes, among others, accountants, art advisers, bankers, corporate service providers, lawyers, luxury goods dealers, notaries, private wealth managers, real estate agents.

List of companies that endorsed the framework and organizations that support the framework (continuously updated)

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The Role and Responsibilities of Gatekeepers in the Fight against Illicit Financial Flows: A Unifying Framework
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