Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit Welcomes New Director: What’s Next?

Ariff Ali, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), has named Caroline Pickering as the new Director of the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), with her appointment taking effect on January 1, 2025. This position is filled based on the recommendation of the National Anti-Money Laundering Council.

Currently serving as the Manager of Policy and Compliance with the Fiji FIU, Pickering takes over from Razim Buksh, who retired earlier this year. The Governor expressed strong confidence in Pickering’s abilities to lead the FIU into a new phase of growth, emphasizing her extensive 25 years of experience and her strategic leadership skills essential for navigating Fiji’s evolving digital financial landscape.

Having joined the Fiji FIU in 2006, Pickering played a crucial role in the establishment of Fiji’s regulatory framework aimed at combating money laundering and financial crimes. Her experience includes collaborating with various financial institutions and government bodies to ensure the implementation of effective regulatory measures against financial crimes. Additionally, she has frequently stepped in as acting Director during her tenure.

Before her career at the Fiji FIU, Pickering spent over nine years in the Office of the Auditor-General, where she held numerous audit and leadership positions. She graduated in accounting and economics from the University of the South Pacific and is a member of the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants.

The Governor congratulated Pickering on her new role and expressed optimism about her contributions to the ongoing fight against money laundering, which is vital for maintaining the safety and integrity of Fiji’s financial system.

This leadership change at the FIU holds promise not just for the institution but also for Fiji’s financial sector as it addresses increasingly sophisticated financial threats. Strong leadership in this area is crucial for fostering a secure economic environment and showcasing Fiji’s commitment to international standards in financial integrity.