The CentralBank of Cyprus said April 7 that it was tightening anti-moneylaundering and anti-terrorist financing rules for its banks.

Following a consultation with local lenders, the central bankamended its directive on preventing financial crimes, strengthening the"know your customer" principle and clarifying banks' obligation toensure the verification of customers. It also strengthened requirements aroundthe handling of third-party companies that do due diligence on the banks'customers.