Office Factory Earns AML Certification from the Belgian Workspace Association
We are pleased to announce that Mélanie, a key member of our team at Office Factory, has successfully obtained the anti-money laundering (AML) certification delivered by the Belgian Workspace Association (BWA). This achievement confirms our commitment to upholding the highest standards of compliance and transparency in the domiciliation industry. For our clients — whether you are launching a new company, managing an existing structure, or simply looking for a reliable business address in Brussels — this certification means that every aspect of your onboarding and ongoing relationship with Office Factory is handled by a professionally trained team, in full accordance with Belgian law. It is a mark of trust that reflects who we are and how we work.
What Is the Belgian Workspace Association?
The Belgian Workspace Association (BWA) is the professional federation representing workspace providers across Belgium — including business centres, coworking spaces, and domiciliation providers. Founded to structure and professionalize the sector, the BWA sets quality benchmarks, develops training programmes, and represents its members before Belgian authorities. The association works closely with the SPF Economy (Federal Public Service Economy, SMEs, Self-Employed and Energy) to ensure that providers in the sector meet all regulatory requirements. Membership of the BWA is widely recognised as a mark of quality. Members commit to a strict code of conduct that covers transparency, fair pricing, and full compliance with all legal obligations — including, crucially, anti-money laundering regulations. For clients, choosing a BWA member means choosing a provider that has been vetted against rigorous industry standards.
AML Certification: What Does It Mean?
AML stands for Anti-Money Laundering — a set of legal obligations designed to prevent the financial system from being used for money laundering or the financing of terrorism. Under the Belgian law of 18 September 2017, domiciliation providers are classified as "company service providers" (prestataires de services aux sociétés) and are subject to mandatory AML procedures. The BWA certification programme covers all essential aspects of this framework: core AML concepts and the Belgian regulatory landscape, Know Your Customer (KYC) identification and verification procedures, consultation and verification of the UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) register, risk assessment and client scoring methodologies, continuous monitoring of business relationships, detection and reporting of suspicious transactions to the CTIF (Cellule de Traitement des Informations Financières — Belgium's Financial Intelligence Processing Unit), and the obligation to retain all identification and verification documents for a minimum of ten years. By completing this certification, Mélanie has demonstrated that she is fully trained on every requirement that applies to our activity as a domiciliation provider.
Why This Certification Matters for Our Clients
Mélanie's AML certification delivers five concrete benefits for every client of Office Factory. First, security: our rigorous client verification procedures reduce the risk of fraud, identity theft, and association with illicit activities — protecting both you and the broader business community. Second, legal compliance: by working with a certified provider, you can be confident that your domiciliation arrangement fully satisfies Belgian law, shielding you from potential regulatory issues. Third, professional expertise: our team does not simply process paperwork — we understand the compliance landscape and can guide you through each step, from initial identification to ongoing monitoring. Fourth, reputation: a business address provided by a BWA-certified centre signals seriousness and reliability to your clients, partners, banks, and public authorities. Fifth, peace of mind: you can focus entirely on growing your business, knowing that the compliance side of your domiciliation is managed by trained professionals. In today's regulatory environment, choosing a certified provider is not merely a preference — it is a necessity.
Mélanie: Driving Our Commitment to Quality
Mélanie plays a central role at Office Factory. She manages client onboarding, prepares and oversees domiciliation contracts, and provides day-to-day administrative support to our clients. Her BWA AML certification strengthens her already considerable expertise, equipping her with in-depth knowledge of the full compliance chain — from initial client screening and risk assessment through to ongoing monitoring and reporting. This achievement reflects Office Factory's broader philosophy: we believe that professional, compliant, and human-centred services are not optional extras, but the foundation of everything we do.
The 5 AML Obligations We Uphold
As a registered company service provider, Office Factory rigorously complies with the five core obligations imposed by Belgian legislation:
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1. Client Identification
Complete verification of each company's identity and legal representatives before signing any domiciliation agreement.
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2. UBO Verification
Consulting the UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) register to identify the natural persons who ultimately control or benefit from the company.
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3. Risk Assessment
Analysis and risk scoring of each client's profile before engagement, in accordance with CTIF guidelines.
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4. Ongoing Vigilance
Continuous monitoring of the business relationship and detection of any suspicious transactions or behaviour.
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5. Document Retention
Secure archiving of all identification and verification documents for a minimum of 10 years.
A Mark of Trust for Your Domiciliation
Mélanie's AML certification is part of Office Factory's broader commitment to quality, compliance, and client protection. As a member of the Belgian Workspace Association and a provider registered with the SPF Economy, we place regulatory compliance and transparency at the very heart of our services. Whether you are an SRL looking for a registered office in Brussels, an ASBL establishing your official address, a freelancer separating your personal and professional life, or a startup taking its first steps — you can be confident that you are working with a reliable, certified partner who takes your legal security as seriously as you do.
