New Leadership for Fiji’s Financial Intelligence Unit: Meet Caroline Pickering

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

Previously serving as the Manager of Policy and Compliance at the Fiji FIU, Pickering takes over from Razim Buksh, who retired in 2023. The Governor expressed confidence in Pickering’s ability to lead the FIU into its next growth phase, noting her extensive 25 years of professional experience and her strategic leadership skills. These qualities are crucial for navigating the dynamic and digital landscape of financial services in Fiji and for collaborating with both government and private sector partners.

Pickering joined the Fiji FIU in 2006, where she played a significant role in establishing Fiji’s regulatory framework aimed at combating money laundering and financial crime. Her experience includes extensive collaboration with various financial institutions and government entities to ensure robust regulatory measures are in effect to detect and prevent financial crime. She has also stepped into the acting Director role on several occasions throughout her tenure.

Before her work with the FIU, Pickering spent more than nine years at the Office of the Auditor-General in various audit and leadership capacities. An alumna of the University of the South Pacific, she holds degrees in accounting and economics and is a member of the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants.

The Governor congratulated Pickering on her new appointment, emphasizing the importance of her role in safeguarding the integrity and security of Fiji’s financial system against money laundering activities.

This appointment reflects a commitment to strengthening financial governance and enhancing the security of Fiji’s financial sector. With Pickering’s proven track record and expertise, there is a hopeful outlook for improved measures against financial crime in the coming years.