The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) has issued a call for Director of the unit after its previous Director, Kenneth Farrugia, took the role of CEO at the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), in June 2023.

Since then, the Board of Governors of the FIAU appointed the previous Deputy Director Alfred Zammit as Acting Director of the financial intelligence and anti-money laundering unit.

Should Mr Zammit wish to take on the more permanent role of Director, he must apply as part of the open call, as procedure dictates.

Mr Zammit started working at the FIAU in 2010 and assisted the director in providing strategic direction to the various sections of the Unit, including the Intelligence Analysis Section, the Supervision and Enforcement Section, and the Legal Affairs Section. He has also represented the FIAU in international forums, such as in meetings of the Egmont Group of FIUs, the EU FIU Platform and Moneyval, among others.

Amidt request for proper expertise and qualifications for one to be able to apply, the FIAU highlighted the need for high levels of integrity, honesty and ethical standards and a commitment to upholding the values of the FIAU.

The Unit is a Government agency responsible for the collection, collation, processing, analysis and dissemination of information with a view to combating money laundering and the funding of terrorism. It falls under the Finance and Employment Ministry, and is an independent body set up to have full operational independence autonomy from the Government.

It holds several functions including the receipt, collection, analysis and dissemination of intelligence, supervision and enforcement of Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/CFT compliance by subject persons, maintaining the Centralised Bank Account Register and monitoring compliance with the Use of Cash (Restriction) Regulations. In addition, the FIAU also provides Guidance and Outreach to subject persons and other stakeholders.