Chief Minister opens Countering Financial Crime Conference

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK highlighted the importance of public-private sector collaboration as he opened the flagship Countering Financial Crime Conference at the Villa Marina today, Wednesday 9 October.

 

Addressing an audience of almost 600 people, he called on everyone to play their part in maintaining the integrity of the Island’s financial services sector.

 

‘Combatting the scourge of financial crime requires a robust and co-ordinated national response,’ the Chief Minister said. ‘We must keep pace with developments, maintain high standards and work together to protect the Island from those who seek to exploit our financial systems.

 

‘Maintaining the Island’s reputation as a first-class international finance centre is a political priority. I am determined to lead from the front to ensure the Isle of Man can look forward to a vibrant, diverse and sustainable future.’

 

Today’s conference brings together a diverse group of experts, practitioners, and policymakers to share their professional insight and highlight best practice.

 

The line-up of speakers includes:

  • Eric van der Schild of Europol, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation
  • Donald Toon, Head of Financial Crime Threat Mitigation for the Natwest Group
  • Kathryn Westmore, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Finance and Security at the Royal United Services Institute
  • Ruth Dearnley OBE of Stop the Traffik, a campaign coalition which aims to bring an end to human trafficking
  • Zoe Warren and John Tanagho of the International Justice Mission
  • Scott Johnston, Head of Public Sector Operations at Chainalysis
  • Cindy van Niekerk of IOM Fintech Innovation Challenge winners Umazi

 

The speakers will explore a range of financial crime topics and challenges, including work aimed at countering money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing, human trafficking and modern slavery.

 

Panel discussions focus on data and innovation, the importance of collaboration, and how the Isle of Man can make a positive difference as a small jurisdiction with a big financial footprint.

 

The conference will also see the official launch of the Financial Crime Partnership, a public-private sector initiative coordinated by the Isle of Man Financial Intelligence Unit.