Mr. Edwin W. Harris Jr., the Director General of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), has been appointed as a temporary member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Steering Group (FSG) under the Guest Initiative. This announcement was made by FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo in an official letter. The appointment, which is grounded in paragraph 87bis of the FATF Internal Governance Principles, is set to last for three Plenary cycles, allowing Mr. Harris and his fellow appointees to gain insights into the Steering Group’s operations, discussions, and strategic direction. Along with Mr. Harris, Mrs. Emma Kershaw, the Head of Delegation for Sweden, also accepted an invitation to join the Steering Group meetings until June 30, 2025.
This appointment comes on the heels of GIABA’s successful completion of an Effectiveness Improvement Action Plan, which Mr. Harris has led with commendable diligence. The improvement plan included considerable advancements in various operational areas, reinforcing GIABA’s capabilities in fighting money laundering. The FATF President expressed that having representation from GIABA, which does not share joint membership with the FATF, is essential for including the regional perspective. Mr. Harris’s experience and insights are expected to contribute positively to the Steering Group’s discussions around current challenges and opportunities, particularly during the forthcoming rounds of assessment.
This historic appointment stands as a testament to the hard work and reform initiatives undertaken by GIABA, particularly under Mr. Harris’s leadership. The organization has been recognized for its drive toward enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in its operational policies, which are vital in the face of evolving financial crimes. GIABA’s successful exit from the improvement action plan has paved the way for its anticipated contributions to the Third Round of Mutual Evaluations, showcasing its ongoing commitment to high-quality outputs and timely assessments in combating money laundering activities.
In welcoming this noteworthy development, the Director-General, along with GIABA’s management and staff, expressed their commitment to making a significant impact on the FATF Steering Group. The participation in this influential advisory body symbolizes an opportunity to bolster cooperative efforts against money laundering at both regional and international levels. It reinforces GIABA’s capacity to engage meaningfully with other key players in the global fight against financial crimes, thus placing the West African region at the forefront of such initiatives.
The FATF Steering Group’s inaugural meeting with GIABA in attendance is currently underway in Paris, coinciding with the preparations for the FATF October Plenary. This meeting signifies a crucial platform for discussions and sharing of insights, where Mr. Harris is expected to bring forth valuable perspectives derived from GIABA’s experiences and operational challenges. The presence of GIABA in these discussions marks an important shift towards a more inclusive representation of the West African region in global anti-money laundering strategies.
The overarching goal of Mr. Harris’s appointment and GIABA’s participation in the FSG is aimed at enhancing regional capacity to combat money laundering effectively. The strategic engagement with the FATF enhances not only GIABA’s operational capabilities but also contributes to the broader international efforts in safeguarding financial integrity. As GIABA moves forward, it remains dedicated to improving its accountability and responsiveness in dealing with financial crimes, fostering partnerships, and sharing best practices with international stakeholders, with the ultimate objective of strengthening mechanisms against money laundering across the globe.
