This article is part of a series on careers in fighting financial crime and opportunities to learn and study with the Basel Institute. Our colleague Joseph Mihajason Rakotondramanana shares his professional journey, from the private sector and his early steps as an analyst in Madagascar to his current role as a Specialist in Financial Investigation with the Basel Institute’s Green Corruption Programme.

"The link between financial crime and environmental harm is too often ignored. All the more reason to act."

When I look at my colleagues at the Basel Institute, I see people from different backgrounds, each on their individual professional path. But they all share a commitment to confronting illicit finance. Personally, I find this mission profoundly rewarding, and I'm convinced that capacity building plays a key role in forging a career with direction and impact.

From private sector to supporting law enforcement

Switching from my work in a start-up company to my first job as an analyst at the Financial Intelligence Unit of Madagascar was not easy. It took two attempts and a lot of patience. Back then, the term "money laundering" was still unfamiliar to many. My initial motivation was simple: I wanted to learn and grow through hands-on experience.

Over the past 10 years, I have developed a strong investigative mindset and a deep desire to contribute to justice in concrete ways. That commitment led me to my current position as part of the Green Corruption team at the Basel Institute on Governance where I now use my skills to support a cause I care deeply about: to protect ecosystems that are under threat.

As a financial investigation advisor, I focus on building strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies and training local partners in financial investigation techniques related to environmental crime. This capacity building approach empowers them to subsequently support analysts, investigators, prosecutors and judges in real cases. The ultimate goal is to enhance the likelihood of securing convictions and potentially recovering illicit assets.

A shared mission with real impact

Fighting financial crime linked to wildlife trafficking and other environmental crimes is at the heart of my professional mission. Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, one that calls for joint action and long-term dedication.

Working with a team that shares the same values strengthens my sense of purpose and reminds me of the power of working together. When we move forward as one, driven by a common goal, we do so with strength, confidence and clarity.

There is no greater reward than receiving a heartfelt thank-you from a partner agency who applied our guidance successfully and as a result managed to make progress in a case. It’s in those moments that you truly feel the impact your work is having, not only professionally, but also personally.

Learning as a lifelong strategy

Life is a constant learning experience. Like any solid structure, the quality of our foundations determines what we can build. Education is important but it’s just the beginning. I have learned that continuously strengthening these foundations is key to long-term growth and resilience.

That is also why, after my Bachelor’s in Finance and Business Development and my Master’s in Economics and Management, I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Economics and Policy of Natural Resources at the University of Antananarivo.

Professional training has also played an important role in my journey. International courses have helped me reach new goals and build valuable networks. I’ve invested significant time in online training, especially through platforms like Basel LEARN, the Basel Institute’s online learning hub. With courses on topics such as international cooperation and open-source intelligence, I was able to strengthen my skills and stay up to date in this dynamic field.

To young professionals: learn from others and also by yourselves. Take every opportunity to grow, especially through study programmes like our Basel STUDY postgraduate opportunities with the University of Basel. Do not hesitate to join the fight against corruption and financial crime. We need your passion, your perspective and your skills. You are part of the solution.