International cooperation is one of the cornerstones of ASIF's activities. In an increasingly globalised and interconnected financial environment, the Authority promotes cooperative relationships with supervisory authorities, financial intelligence units, central banks, and international organisations, fostering information exchange, institutional dialogue, and the sharing of best practices.
Through the conclusion of cooperation agreements, participation in international bodies and networks, training and capacity-building initiatives, as well as the organisation of and participation in events and conferences, ASIF contributes to strengthening international standards of integrity, transparency, and financial stability.
Since 2013, ASIF has been a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, within which it actively participates in the activities of the Europe II Regional Group. ASIF is also part of the Delegation of the Holy See (including the Vatican City State) to MONEYVAL, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism.
In these fora, ASIF provides its technical expertise and specialised support to international cooperation activities, contributing to the continuous strengthening of the system for prevention and countering money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing, as well as to the development of an increasingly robust and transparent financial system.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
HIGHLIGHTS
MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING
Memoranda of Understanding are essential tools for the performance of ASIF’s institutional functions and for strengthening cooperation with counterpart authorities.
These agreements set out the arrangements for cooperation and the exchange of information between the parties, thereby facilitating the performance of their respective institutional duties.
Memoranda of Understanding also promote the exchange of experience and best practices, technical and institutional dialogue, as well as cooperation in training, professional development, and capacity-building activities, thereby contributing to the enhancement of the operational capabilities of the authorities concerned.
Through these instruments, ASIF strengthens its network of international relationships and promotes effective and timely cooperation, in line with the highest international standards in the fields of financial intelligence, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing supervision, counter-proliferation financing supervision, and prudential supervision.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND NETWORKS
ASIF plays an active role in the work of the main international bodies and networks operating in the fields of financial intelligence and supervision with a view to preventing and combating money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the financing of proliferation.
Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units
As a member of the Egmont Group since 2013, ASIF cooperates with financial intelligence units worldwide through the secure exchange of information and participation in the activities of the Europe II Regional Group and specialised working groups.
Participation in the Egmont Group enables the Authority to contribute to international operational cooperation among financial intelligence units by facilitating the exchange of financial intelligence and specialised expertise for the prevention and combating of money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing and related predicate offences.
Through engagement with FIUs from other jurisdictions, participation in training and technical assistance initiatives, and contributions to the work of thematic working groups, ASIF also helps promote and disseminate best practices and professional standards, thereby strengthening its operational capabilities and enhancing international cooperation in the field of financial intelligence.
MONEYVAL
ASIF is part of the Delegation of the Holy See to MONEYVAL, the Council of Europe Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism, including proliferation financing.
The Authority participates in plenary sessions and other initiatives promoted by the Committee, following developments in international standards and methodologies adopted within the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) network.
Participation in MONEYVAL's work also fosters dialogue and exchange with other participating jurisdictions, enabling ASIF to share experience, examine major regulatory developments and contribute to the continuous strengthening of the framework for preventing and countering money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
Small States and Territories Working Group (STWG)
ASIF participates in the activities of the Small States and Territories Working Group (STWG), a forum that brings together small jurisdictions and territories engaged in combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
The Group provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation, enabling participating jurisdictions to share experiences, analyse common challenges, and develop approaches and operational tools tailored to the specific characteristics of small States and territories.
INSTITUTIONAL MEETINGS
As part of its supervisory and financial intelligence functions, ASIF maintains regular relations with foreign authorities and institutions engaged in the prevention and combating of money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. These institutional meetings provide valuable opportunities to exchange experiences and best practices, discuss regulatory developments and emerging challenges, and contribute to strengthening international cooperation and the effectiveness of AML/CFT/CFP frameworks.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ASIF supports the continuous professional development of its staff also through participation in international initiatives that provide opportunities for peer-to-peer engagement, the exchange of experiences, and the discussion of best practices in the fields of prudential supervision, financial intelligence, and the prevention and combating of money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.