FATF ¦ Women in FATF and the Global Network

Women in FATF and the Global Network: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Leadership

The fight against financial crime is complex and ever-changing, requiring diverse talents and perspectives to keep pace with the evolving challenges criminals pose. Recognizing the vital role women play in society and the need to reflect this in anti-financial crime efforts, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), under the Singapore Presidency (2022-2024), launched the Women in FATF and the Global Network (WFGN) initiative. This platform aims to promote gender diversity, empower women, and inspire the next generation of leaders in the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

Leadership Stories: Overcoming Barriers and Championing Change

The WFGN initiative showcases stories from leading women across the FATF and its Global Network, illustrating their journeys, challenges, and successes. These narratives reveal the determination, resilience, and expertise women bring to AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism) fields.

Violaine Clerc, FATF’s first female Executive Secretary, emphasizes that gender equality is not solely a “women’s issue” but requires inclusive partnership with men. Elżbieta Franków-Jaśkiewicz highlights that women often need to work harder to gain recognition but contribute unique creativity and flexibility essential for adapting to new risks.

Fikile P. Zitha’s path into AML/CFT began with curiosity and mentorship, underlining the importance of support networks in navigating a traditionally male-dominated field. Maria Wienker reflects on her career shift from corporate law to public finance and the power of financial flows in revealing global integrity.

Men also play a critical role; Jeremy Weil shares Canada’s Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) tool as a best practice for inclusive policymaking that considers diverse impacts beyond gender, including ethnicity, disability, and economic status.

Bastian Schwind-Wagner_Follow "The Women in FATF and the Global Network initiative underlines the crucial role of gender diversity in enhancing global efforts against financial crime. By fostering mentorship, promoting inclusivity, and sharing inspiring leadership stories, it paves the way for more women to lead and innovate in AML/CFT worldwide."

Mentorship Program: Building Bridges for Growth

One of the WFGN’s landmark achievements is the launch of a pilot mentoring program connecting experienced mentors with aspiring mentees from over 21 jurisdictions. This program fosters knowledge exchange, professional growth, and cross-cultural understanding. Mentors provide guidance on career development and leadership skills, while mentees gain confidence, expand networks, and learn strategies to overcome workplace challenges.

Participants report that the mentoring relationships create safe spaces to discuss obstacles in male-dominated environments and cultivate resilience. The program’s success demonstrates the value of sustained support in empowering women leaders in AML/CFT globally.

Progress and Challenges: Towards Equal Representation

The initiative acknowledges ongoing challenges such as underrepresentation of women as Heads of Delegation or in law enforcement roles within AML/CFT. However, it also celebrates milestones like increased female participation in leadership roles across regions including the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Caribbean.

Leaders advocate for flexible work policies, inclusive organizational cultures, and accountability mechanisms to address systemic barriers. Stories emphasize the importance of self-belief, continuous education, networking, and advocating for one’s contributions.

Conclusion

The Women in FATF and the Global Network initiative embodies a commitment to breaking down barriers so that talent can flourish regardless of gender. It encourages men and women alike to foster inclusive workplaces that recognize diverse strengths and enable meaningful contributions to combat financial crime effectively.

As FATF leadership transitions to women at its helm, this movement signals a more equitable future. The initiative invites all stakeholders to continue building on this momentum by championing diversity, mentoring emerging leaders, and advancing gender equality as integral to a safer global financial system.

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