Fiji's APG Mutual Evaluation: An Important Milestone

The recent onsite visit by the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) to Fiji marks a significant milestone in Fiji's Mutual Evaluation process.

The visit provided an opportunity for the APG assessment team to engage with key government agencies, law enforcement bodies, regulators, private sector representatives and other stakeholders to better understand Fiji's anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF) framework, including how effectively it operates in practice.

The preparation for and successful delivery of the onsite visit reflects the significant effort undertaken across Fiji's AML/CFT/CPF community as Fiji progresses through the next stages of the Mutual Evaluation process. The onsite also provided Fiji with an opportunity to demonstrate the progress it has made since its last evaluation, showcase how AML/CFT/CPF measures are being implemented in practice, identify areas for further strengthening, and reinforce cooperation across agencies and sectors in addressing financial crime risks.

APG Deputy Executive Secretary, David Shannon, said the onsite visit marked an important milestone in the evaluation process.

"The Fiji onsite visit was the first APG-only mutual evaluation onsite visit conducted under the Global 5th Round. Over the course of two weeks, the assessment team held more than 70 meetings with government agencies, competent authorities and private sector stakeholders. The strong engagement, openness and cooperation demonstrated by Fijian delegates were instrumental in supporting the assessment team's understanding of Fiji's AML/CFT/CPF framework and how it operates in practice."

The APG Secretariat extends its sincere appreciation to the assessment team, as well as all Fijian agencies, private sector representatives and stakeholders who contributed their time, expertise and commitment throughout the onsite visit.

The Mutual Evaluation process remains a key component of the APG's peer review system, helping members assess the effectiveness of their AML/CFT/CPF measures and identify opportunities to strengthen their frameworks in line with international standards.