Ariff Ali, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), has appointed Caroline Pickering as the new Director of the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), starting from January 1, 2025. This appointment follows a recommendation from the National Anti-Money Laundering Council.
Pickering currently holds the position of Manager of Policy and Compliance at the FIU, where she has gained significant experience since joining the organization in 2006. She succeeds Razim Buksh, who retired from the role in 2023.
In his announcement, Governor Ali expressed confidence in Pickering’s ability to lead the FIU during a critical time, particularly as the financial landscape in Fiji becomes increasingly digital. He noted her over 25 years of professional experience, strategic leadership abilities, and her track record of working effectively with a wide array of partners in both government and the private sector.
Caroline Pickering has played a vital role in establishing Fiji’s regulatory framework to tackle money laundering and financial crimes. Her extensive background includes collaboration with various financial institutions and governmental agencies to implement regulations aimed at preventing financial crime. Moreover, she has frequently stepped into acting Director roles within the FIU, displaying her versatility and leadership.
Before her tenure at the FIU, Pickering contributed over nine years to the Office of the Auditor-General, where she held various audit and leadership positions. She holds degrees in accounting and economics from the University of the South Pacific and is a member of the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Governor Ali congratulated Pickering on her new appointment, looking forward to her contributions towards enhancing the safety and integrity of Fiji’s financial system as it tackles the challenges posed by financial crimes.
This appointment not only reflects the RBF’s commitment to fighting financial crime but also brings renewed hope for an effective and responsive financial regulatory environment in Fiji. Pickering’s extensive expertise could lead to significant advancements in maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the financial sector.
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