ASK MAT - DOES Tony Blair (EX-UK PM) remain a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) even though he has been out of office for 18 years

ASK MAT - DOES Tony Blair (EX-UK PM) remain a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) even though he has been out of office for 18 years

MAT SAYS –

• Thank you for such a great question that causes much debate and disagreement.
• Many may disagree with my answer, either because of the rules in their jurisdiction (I'm in Jersey) or their interpretation of the FATF rules that dictate what a “PROMINENT PERSON” Politically Exposed Person (PP-PEP) is.
• And as can be seen from the FATF guide, a “PROMINENT PERSON” Politically Exposed Person (PP-PEP) is someone with a PROMINENT FUNCTION – but as you can see, there is confusion or a lack of clarity

https://www.fatf-gafi.org/content/dam/fatf-gafi/guidance/Guidance-PEP-Rec12-22.pdf.coredownload.pdf

• However, I have considered all the factors and the broad definitions with the FATF guidelines, and I’m of the view that
• Tony Blair remains a PEP [as a “PROMINENT PERSON” Politically Exposed Person (PP-PEP)] because of the influence he has on the global political stage through his activities and associations

MY FINDINGS AND THOUGHTS ARE AS FOLLOWS

1. Tony Blair [TB], former UK Prime Minister (1997–2007), should be classified as a “PROMINENT PERSON” Politically Exposed Person (P-PEP) under Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines due to his sustained influence and involvement in high-risk sectors and jurisdictions.
2. Despite being out of office for over 17 years, his ongoing global activities justify being categorised as a “PROMINENT PERSON” Politically Exposed Person (P-PEP) subject to enhanced due diligence when onboarding and perpetually thereafter.

Key Reasons for P-PEP Status

3. Ongoing Influence

1. 1. FATF Guidelines: FATF emphasises a risk-based approach, prioritising influence over strict time limits for PEP status. Former high-ranking officials like TB remain PEPs if they retain significant public or private sector roles.
   2. UK politics:
      1. TB’s efforts to revive the “progressive centre” in British politics and his engagement in global issues keep him prominent in public and political spheres.
      2. TB has been actively working to revive the "progressive centre" in British politics.
         1. He believes the centre ground has a supply problem, meaning it fails to offer what voters want. TB has emphasised the need for a "muscular centre" that can effectively address people's concerns and counter the rise of populism.
         2. His efforts include advocating for policies that balance economic growth with social justice and promoting a pragmatic approach to governance.
      3. It has been reported that he wants to participate in public life,
         1. He wants to participate in public life, engage with new ideas and policy initiatives, be heard, and influence the wider debate. His dismay is motivating his re-engagement.  
            1. https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2016/11/tony-blairs-unfinished-business
   3. Global politics
      1. On the global stage, TB remains prominent through his engagement in various international issues. He has been involved in discussions on geopolitics and security, often addressing the challenges posed by authoritarian populism and the impact of globalisation.
      2. His work with the TB Institute for Global Change focuses on improving governance, promoting peace, and addressing global health challenges.
      3. TB's continued involvement in domestic and international affairs helps him maintain a significant presence in public and political spheres. His insights and initiatives aim to foster a more stable and progressive political environment, both in the UK and globally  
   4. Global influence
      1. TB’s relationships with political leaders, business executives, and organisations enhance his influence.
      2. His role as a broker in private international meetings underscores his ongoing relevance in global affairs.

4. Business Ventures & Advisory Roles:

1. TONY BLAIR ASSOCIATES [TBA].
   1. This consultancy, modelled after Kissinger Associates, provides strategic advice to governments and private firms globally. THROUGH TBA, HE HAS advisory roles with entities like JP Morgan (since 2008), PetroSaudi, and the Saudi government (with reported fees of £41,000 monthly plus commission from PetroSaudi), sustaining his prominence in international networks.
2. TONY BLAIR INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL CHANGE (TBI):
   1. TB founded TBI, which advises governments and corporations worldwide. It reportedly received substantial funding (e.g., £200 million from Larry Ellison), demonstrating its continued global influence.
3. WINDRUSH AND FIRERUSH VENTURES:
   1. These entities manage TB’s commercial activities. With a reported turnover of £19.4 million and profits of £2.6 million, they reflect significant financial resources.

5. High-Risk Sectors and Jurisdictions

1. Sensitive Sectors:
   1. TB’s advisory work spans high-risk sectors such as oil (e.g., UI Energy in Iraq), finance (e.g., JP Morgan in Kenya), and technology. These align with FATF’s focus on industries vulnerable to financial crime.
2. High-Risk Jurisdictions:
   1. His engagements with governments in countries like Saudi Arabia (post-Khashoggi), Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi involve jurisdictions flagged by FATF for money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
3. Related Activities:
   1. TB’s wife, Cherie Blair (A PP-PEP family member), serves as an “ethical adviser” to NSO Group, an Israeli intelligence firm, further linking his network to sensitive sectors.

6. Conclusion

1. TB’s post-political career, marked by extensive business interests, advisory roles in high-risk sectors and jurisdictions, and sustained global influence, aligns with FATF’s criteria for a PEP.
2. His activities necessitate enhanced due diligence to mitigate potential financial crime risks, regardless of the legitimacy of his ventures.

References

• https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2016/11/tony-blairs-unfinished-business
• https://institute.global/insights/geopolitics-and-security/tony-blairs-speech-progressive-policy-institute
• https://archive.org/details/CSPAN_20200316_075700_Former_British_Prime_Minister_Tony_Blair_on_Progressive_Politics_
• https://www.newsweek.com/2015/04/17/democracy-isnt-working-inside-blair-inc-320933.html
•  https://britishhistoryhub.com/tony-blair/
•  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1224190/Inside-Blair-Inc-Complex-web-official-duties-secretive-private-companies-business-deals-make-life-No-10-lucrative.html