New Zealand was represented at the 21st International Anti-Corruption Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania by former Governor General and conference Vice Chair Sir Anand Satyanand, TINZ Chair the Hon Anne Tolley and by TINZ CEO Julie Haggie. The conference attracted outstanding defenders of ethical behaviour and governance.

The International Anti-Corruption Conference in Vilnius Lithuania was a great opportunity for learning and networking and for catching up with international colleagues. At the same time it was sobering to realise how much more needs to be done to combat corruption.

Special attention to politically exposed persons (PEPs) in anti-money laundering regimes is important because political corruption can affect a country’s economic performance by diverting public funds away from essential services including education, health, housing and law enforcement.

Virtual assets have created new avenues to commit crimes and new secure payment methods for criminals. Applying AML/CFT regulations to digital currency transactions can help fight cybercrime.

The Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI) has been established to navigate the complex intersection of information, fairness and technological progress.

A very busy time for TINZ includes finalising an Indo Pacific Partnership agreement, a visit from TI chair Francois Valerian and monitoring the rise of organised crime in the Pacific.