Caroline Pickering has made history by becoming the first woman to lead the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), appointed as the director effective January 1, 2025. Her appointment follows the retirement of Razim Buksh, who dedicated 17 years to the role. Reserve Bank Governor Ariff Ali expressed strong confidence in Ms. Pickering’s suitability for the position, citing her over 25 years of professional expertise and her ability to navigate the increasingly digital financial landscape.

Ms. Pickering joined the FIU in 2006 as the manager of policy and compliance, where she played a significant role in developing Fiji’s regulatory framework to combat money laundering and financial crime. Her extensive experience encompasses collaboration with various government agencies and financial institutions to implement safeguards against financial misconduct. Notably, she has taken on the role of acting director on multiple occasions, demonstrating her leadership capabilities.

As Fiji’s anti-money laundering agency, the FIU oversees financial transactions from 172 institutions across various sectors, managing a database that recorded over 30 million transactions as of the 2023 annual report. This extensive oversight underscores the critical role the FIU plays in safeguarding the integrity of Fiji’s financial system.

The transition in leadership is viewed positively, reflecting Fiji’s commitment to enhancing its financial regulatory landscape. Under Ms. Pickering’s guidance, there is optimism for innovative strategies that can address contemporary financial crimes. Her leadership is expected to bolster the FIU’s effectiveness, ensuring proactive measures are in place amid the complexities of the digital financial environment.

In summary, Caroline Pickering’s appointment heralds a promising new chapter for the FIU, reinforcing the nation’s dedication to maintaining a robust framework to combat financial crime. Her experience and strategic insight offer a hopeful outlook for the future integrity of Fiji’s financial systems, ensuring continued vigilance against illicit activities.