Caroline Pickering has made history by becoming the first woman to lead the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit (Fiji FIU), marking a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to combat financial crimes such as money laundering. Her appointment as director, effective January 1, follows the retirement of Razim Buksh, who held the position for 17 years. Reserve Bank Governor Ariff Ali expressed strong confidence in Ms. Pickering’s capabilities, emphasizing her extensive experience of over 25 years and strategic leadership skills, which are essential for guiding the FIU through an increasingly digital financial landscape.

Since joining the FIU in 2006 as the manager of policy and compliance, Pickering has been instrumental in shaping Fiji’s regulatory and supervisory framework designed to tackle financial crimes. She has worked with a variety of financial entities and government agencies to ensure that regulatory safeguards are in place, reflecting a strong commitment to maintaining the integrity of Fiji’s financial systems. The FIU currently supervises transactions from 172 financial institutions across various sectors, having recorded over 30 million transactions as of its latest annual report.

Pickering’s previous experience also includes a significant tenure at the Office of the Auditor-General, where she held several positions that have enriched her understanding of financial oversight. As she steps into her new role, she is expected to promote robust strategies and foster collaboration across governmental and private sector entities, enhancing the unit’s capacity to address the evolving challenges of financial crime.

This leadership transition represents a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s financial regulatory efforts. With Pickering at the helm, there is optimism for proactive initiatives that will further solidify the nation’s defenses against illicit financial activities, fostering a secure economic environment for all citizens.

In summary, Caroline Pickering’s appointment as director of the FIU signifies a pivotal moment in strengthening Fiji’s financial integrity, highlighting the progress being made towards enhancing governance in the face of modern financial challenges.