(Bandar Seri Begawan, 3rd) The Brunei Central Bank has placed four companies or individuals on its watchlist, namely Qeefiya Enterprise (7256614), HK Shop Bn (7231087 / 7165526), VHS Top Enterprise (8676156), and Lelong Pajak Gadai Brunei (pajak_gadai.bn (Instagram account) / +60 11-6385 2138).
In a statement released, the Central Bank informed the public that the watchlist has been updated and the public may visit the Brunei Central Bank website for information. The Central Bank explained that the watchlist includes entities such as companies and individuals that are not licensed, authorized, or regulated by the Brunei Central Bank.
The purpose of publishing this watchlist is to remind the public not to mistakenly assume that individuals or companies on the list have been licensed, authorized, or regulated by the Central Bank. This list does not prevent the Central Bank from conducting further assessment of activities related to these entities.
The Central Bank also advises the public to transact only with licensed financial institutions and to be wary of unlicensed companies or individuals operating or offering financial services, especially those involving quick-rich schemes and pyramid selling scams. The financial services regulated by the Central Bank include money changing, remittance, and money lending.
It also reminds the public that anyone who chooses to transact with entities, companies, or individuals not licensed or regulated by the Central Bank will not be protected under the Central Bank’s regulatory framework.
The public may also visit the Brunei Central Bank website www.bdcb.gov.bn or follow its Instagram account @centralbank.brunei for more information on the risks of unlicensed financial institutions and how to recognize financial scams.
The Central Bank will continue to prioritize safeguarding the nation’s financial stability and the interests of the financial system and domestic financial consumers, and will also continue to closely monitor any suspicious or unlicensed financial activity. For any information on unlicensed activities, please contact the Central Bank via: phone 2380007 or 8380007; email fci@bdcb.gov.bn; or call the anti-scam hotline 16993.