Training

Q&A: Why civil society and journalists need asset recovery skills – and how they can gain them

Investigative journalists and civil society organisations are often the first to uncover corruption, suspicious financial flows and hidden assets. But turning those discoveries into successful financial investigations and recovered assets requires specialised knowledge that many practitioners have never had the opportunity to acquire. To help bridge this gap, the Basel Institute's International Centre for Asset Recovery ICAR has developed a new training course on Asset Recovery for Civil Society and Journalists. Combining practical exercises, open-source intelligence techniques and a realistic corruption case simulation, the course equips participants with a deeper understanding of how assets are traced, investigated and ultimately recovered. In this Q&A, ICAR trainers Tom Walugembe and Emmanuel Mringo explain why the training was developed, what makes its approach distinctive, who it is designed for and the impact they hope participants will have after completing it. What specific gap or need led to the development of this course for civil society and investigative journalists? In the past two decades we have seen major financial crime scandals, such as the Panama and Pandora Papers leaks, in which efforts by organisations like the International Consortium for Investigative Journalists ICIJ and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project OCCRP have led to financial crime investigations and prosecutions. Yet in many parts of the world, journalists and other non-state actors like civil society organisations CSOs are under-equipped with the knowledge of asset recovery processes needed to carry out their core work effectively. For CSOs, that often includes advocacy for policy reform. For journalists, it means evidence-based investigative reporting, as well as the skills to trace illicit financial flows, understand money laundering typologies and gather actionable information whose exposure can trigger financial investigations and lead to the recovery of stolen assets. There is international recognition of their importance in the fight against corruption – e.g., Article 13 of the UN Convention Against Corruption, which requires state parties to take measures to promote the participation of CSOs and individuals in the fight against corruption. But when it comes to investigating and recovering proceeds of corruption, there is little or no targeted training to enable CSOs and journalists to play this role effectively. We developed the course to address these capacity gaps. How does this course fit within and complement ICAR’s wider training and learning offer? This course complements ICAR’s broader training portfolio by broadening its traditional audience. ICAR training programmes focus heavily on law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, financial intelligence units and judicial authorities. This new module extends ICAR’s reach to non-state actors while aligning with ICAR’s uniquely effective methodology and offerings. It also integrates with Basel LEARN, the Basel Institute’s online learning platform, which enables blended learning and pre-course preparation. The course emphasises core ICAR themes, including parallel financial investigations, international cooperation, and asset tracing, freezing and confiscation. And ICAR’s postgraduate programmes on asset recovery? Unlike the ICAR-led Certificate of Advanced Studies CAS programme on Combating Financial Crime Through Asset Recovery, this is a short professional training course rather than a university-accredited academic programme. The CAS programmes, delivered in partnership with the University of Basel, run over six months and require around 300 hours of study. By contrast, this course provides a focused, accessible introduction to asset recovery concepts and practical skills. The aim is to enable individuals to strengthen their contribution to transparency, accountability and anti-corruption efforts without the substantial time commitment of a postgraduate programme. What makes the course’s approach – especially the use of a simulated case and OSINT –distinctive for this audience? Like other ICAR training modules, the course focuses on developing practical skills through the “learn by doing” methodology. Participants do not simply learn theoretical concepts in a classroom setting. Working in teams, they conduct a simulated corruption and money laundering investigation. They learn to follow financial trails wherever they lead, through layers of international banking transactions and the misuse of offshore shell companies. As this audience of CSOs and investigative journalists lacks investigative powers such as accessing bank accounts or searching premises , the course emphasises alternative methods for securing information that could trigger or support financial investigations. These include using access to public information laws and open-source intelligence OSINT . What kind of real-world impact do you realistically hope participants will have after completing the training? First, better investigations. Individuals who complete the course will gain stronger OSINT skills to effectively gather information on financial crime and illicit assets. They will have broader knowledge to detect modern bribery and money laundering schemes. They will understand anti-money laundering frameworks and the meticulous process of conducting financial investigations. They will have greater capacity to analyse financial records, such as bank statements, company documents and procurement records. Second, more objective reporting. The course will expose participants to the practical challenges of financial investigations and asset recovery, including capacity gaps, asset management and slow international cooperation. This will lead to, among other things, more objective press reporting on financial crimes and asset recovery cases. Third, a stronger accountability role. Upon completing the course, participants will also have the broader knowledge needed to report on and follow up on the reuse of recovered assets, ensuring they are used effectively. Fourth, a stronger network. The course will provide a platform to foster better cooperation among CSOs, investigative journalists and law enforcement agencies. It will also foster regional and international cooperation among CSOs and Investigative Journalists. Our dream? That CSOs and journalists go from being external observers and reporters to complementary actors who ensure that financial investigations are effective and transparent, and that stolen assets are quickly detected, traced, seized, well-managed, confiscated, repatriated and deployed to achieve sustainable development. Ambitious, but essential to making a dent in the corruption and financial crime that hinder development and prosperity worldwide. Interested in bringing this training to your organisation or network? The Asset Recovery for Civil Society and Journalists course can be delivered either onsite or online for booked groups of approximately 25–30 participants. It is suitable for national, regional or international audiences and can be tailored to specific contexts and learning needs. For individuals, the course is also offered online as an open enrolment programme, allowing participants from anywhere in the world to join. To learn more or discuss delivery options, contact training@baselgovernance.org.

New training courses expand access to financial investigation and asset recovery skills

The Basel Institute on Governance is expanding its training offer to help more professionals build practical skills in financial investigations and asset recovery. Building on decades of global experience, we are launching new courses for both public-sector practitioners and non-state actors. Our hands-on, case-based training is now accessible to a wider audience than ever before. Reaching new audiences For the first time, our flagship financial investigations and asset recovery training is available as an open enrolment online course for individual public-sector practitioners. We are also expanding our offer for civil society organisations, investigative journalists and other professionals outside government. These groups play a growing role in exposing financial misconduct and supporting accountability. The new courses build on the success of our popular Introduction to blockchain: Crypto investigation and AML compliance course. This course equips participants to tackle the misuse of cryptoassets for financial crime. New course for public-sector practitioners The financial investigations and asset recovery online course is a five-day, instructor-led training for investigators, prosecutors, judges and financial intelligence practitioners. Participants work through a realistic case. They apply practical techniques to follow financial leads across jurisdictions, analyse financial flows, gather evidence using open-source intelligence and develop effective investigative strategies. The first open-enrolment course will take place from 20–24 July 2026. New courses for civil society and journalists We are also launching Asset recovery for civil society and journalists, tailored to non-state actors working to uncover corruption and track public funds. This includes private-sector professionals working in compliance or investigations. Two formats are available: An online course for individual participants, with the first open-enrolment session planned from 2–5 November 2026. A tailored training programme for organisations and groups, delivered on site or virtually. Both formats are built around a realistic corruption case. Participants gain hands-on experience in tracing assets, analysing financial information and understanding how asset recovery works in practice. Part of a wider learning offer These courses complement our broader learning ecosystem. This includes Basel LEARN, our free eLearning platform, and Basel STUDY, our academic programmes. Together, they provide flexible pathways for professionals to build and deepen their expertise. A proven track record The training courses are led by practitioners from the Basel Institute's International Centre for Asset Recovery ICAR . Over the past 18 years, ICAR has trained more than 5,800 practitioners from financial intelligence units, law enforcement, prosecuting and judicial authorities in over 138 countries. An independent study by Fondazione Safe found that our case-based, "learning by doing" approach drives meaningful institutional change and strengthens the effectiveness of efforts to tackle corruption and related crimes. Thierry Ravalomanda, Head of Training at ICAR, explained: “We know from experience that practical, skills-based training makes a real difference in the fight against financial crime. By opening up our flagship courses to individual practitioners and expanding our offer for civil society and journalists, we are helping more people develop the tools they need to trace assets, follow the money and support accountability.” With these new courses, we aim to make our expertise accessible to a broader community working to prevent, detect and address financial crime.

A career with purpose in public finance management: Límberg Chero

Our colleague Límberg Chero has played an important role in establishing the Basel Institute’s strong presence in Peru. From the early years – even before a formal office existed in Lima – to his current work with the Subnational Public Finance Management Programme Programa GFP Subnacional , his journey reflects a great passion for fighting corruption. It began far from the capital, in an ancient town in northern Peru, and was strengthened through rigorous academic training and years of public service. This article is part of a series on careers in fighting financial crime and opportunities to learn and study with the Basel Institute. The take-off in Peru My journey at the Basel Institute on Governance began even before the Lima office existed. In 2014, together with colleagues from the Basel Institute – including our dearly missed Managing Director of two decades, Gretta Fenner, and my colleague Óscar Solórzano – we launched a public finance management project funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland SECO . Although centred on macroeconomics and fiscal policy, its essential goal was to make the public budget tangible and meaningful for citizens. To do this, we moved beyond traditional approaches and integrated innovative tools, like the use of behavioural science to prevent corruption and foster integrity in the management of public finances. This comprehensive perspective – a novelty in Peru at the time – was key to the project proposal’s success. Since then, the Subnational Public Finance Management Programme for regional and municipal governments in Peru has retained SECO’s trust for more than 10 years. The secret behind this success lies not only in improved processes and fiscal discipline, but in the continuous work with people committed to change. Internally, the Basel Institute’s team is multidisciplinary, open to change and committed to bridging practice and academic insight. Bridging differences for sustainability Working at the Basel Institute on Governance is truly a privilege. Our Lima office has gained remarkable regional recognition thanks to a distinctive approach: practical, rigorous and focused on building strong relationships with key actors in the fight against corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing. I currently lead the Subnational PFM Programme’s Interinstitutional Coordination, ensuring the programme’s effectiveness and, above all, the sustainability of reforms at subnational levels, in alignment with national efforts. This work requires the continuous reconciliation of the different “languages”, worldviews and objectives of people across Peru’s diverse regions. Our aim is to craft strategies and messages that resonate equally to ministries, regional governments and municipalities – aligning technical agendas with political ones, and engaging civil society and academia along the way. This challenge becomes more manageable because of my background: I come from an ancient town in northern Peru, Monsefú. Being perceived as someone close yet trained in competitive academic and professional environments fosters trust and legitimacy. From economics to a global mission As a child, leaving my town felt impossible. Universities were located in other regions and the educational options available largely led to local career paths tied to a modest economy with little real opportunities. At that time, the country had not yet experienced the trade openness or business development it has today. Through hard work and the trust of people who believed in me, however, I earned scholarships that allowed me to study in highly competitive environments in Peru’s capital, Lima, more than 1,000 kilometres away from my hometown. My foundations were solid: I completed my undergraduate studies in economics and later specialised through the Central Bank’s Economics Programme, which admits only 30 candidates out of thousands of applicants, as well as through an internship at the World Bank in Korea. I worked as an economist at institutions such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Central Reserve Bank of Peru, the Andean Community CAN and the Inter-American Development Bank IDB . At that time, my professional life felt complete: it combined specialised technical work with teaching and active participation in international networks. These included the Andrés Bello Agreement Network, which brought together university researchers from multiple countries to reflect on and advance regional integration in Ibero-America, as well as the Puentes Network, which focused on promoting transparency in investment by Latin American companies. But everything changed when I fully grasped the scope of the challenges posed by global corruption. I never imagined my economics degree would only be the starting point of a much bigger journey. From that moment on, my purpose became clear: to dedicate all my experience to strengthening this fight against forces that hinder global prosperity. Innovating with little budget In Latin America, the Basel Institute is known for results-oriented innovation. I have witnessed firsthand how every new skill quickly finds a practical application and how we can make significant contributions without the need for additional funding. For example, I could draw on my Master’s degrees in Process Innovation and Government Control, and in Public Management and Education Andragogy to enrich various initiatives we pursued, such as: supporting regional governments in implementing structural reforms in significantly shorter timeframes; strengthening Peru’s Public Finance Management Experts Network, which was recognised during Peru’s National Innovation Week; and reducing dropout rates and increasing course completion in our Internal Control and Integrity courses through, among other things, the introduction of “virtual coffee breaks”. During the pandemic, we leveraged my background in education to enhance our online learning and training approach and results. For example, we started to deliver courses and training across the country via Facebook, a platform that at the time did not charge for mobile data usage and allowed public officials to participate even using low-end mobile phones. These courses have since been integrated into Basel LEARN – the Basel Institute’s online training and learning hub. Together, these efforts enabled us to develop courses that reached more than 6,000 participants in five years – all without additional funding. It’s all about people My work has focused on ensuring the sustainability of tangible improvements to public finance management that the PFM Programme’s experts helped implement in areas as varied as: distribution of vaccines and educational materials for children; property tax collection in major cities; restitution of confiscated funds; and the fight against “green corruption”. In this context, the most valuable asset is our network. I have more than 20,000 contacts on my business phone – all professionals who directly or indirectly contribute to the Programme’s goals, and above all, friends committed to building a better Peru. This network generates mutual benefits: it enables the rapid dissemination of good practices, drastically reduces event preparation costs we secure many venues at zero cost and ensures massive impact. Colleagues across the Basel Institute are a vital part of this network. Our close collaboration has led me to take part in a wide range of diverse and fascinating projects – from serving as a director and writer for several programme-produced videos, to moderating international events on asset recovery, and exchanging methodologies used in public finance management that can be applied to asset recovery and repatriation. The foundation that inspires and sustains hope The Peruvian context presents unique challenges. There is high political volatility, evidenced by the fact that there have been eight presidents in the past 10 years despite only two presidential elections in that period. This means that “VUCA” volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity and the notion of “chaos” are part of daily life. Yet, beneath this instability lies a “subsoil” of ethically committed public officials and technical professionals who allow progress to continue. They are my daily source of inspiration. As I often say: There are more good people than bad – they just make less noise. This reflects a reality: the visible efforts of honest Peruvians provide a stronger foundation than the corruption cases that shake us, even if public perception sometimes suggests otherwise. In sum, I am deeply grateful for the privilege of engaging with my country and its challenges through work that strengthens public integrity and the fight against corruption. Thank you, Basel Institute – and its magnificent team around the globe – for allowing me to continue serving the world, and especially my country. Inspired? Take a look at the learning opportunities we offer at the Basel Institute for individuals who are equally passionate about fighting corruption and financial crime: Basel LEARN – our online training and learning hub with free eLearning courses and lots more Basel STUDY – our postgraduate programmes on anti-corruption and asset recovery with the University of Basel

Una carrera con propósito en gestión de finanzas públicas: Límberg Chero

Nuestro colega Límberg Chero ha desempeñado un rol importante en la consolidación de la presencia del Basel Institute en Perú. Desde los años previos a la apertura de la oficina en Lima hasta su trabajo actual en el Programa GFP Subnacional, su trayectoria refleja un profundo compromiso con la integridad pública y la lucha contra la corrupción. Su camino comenzó lejos de la capital, en un pueblo milenario del norte del país, y se fue forjando a través de una rigurosa formación académica y años de servicio público. Este artículo forma parte de una serie sobre carreras vinculadas al crimen financiero y sobre las oportunidades de aprendizaje y formación que ofrece el Basel Institute. El despegue en Perú Mi camino en el Basel Institute on Governance comenzó antes de que la sede de Lima existiera. En el año 2014, junto a varios colegas del Basel Institute, incluyendo a nuestra recordada Directora General durante 20 años, Gretta Fenner, y mi colega Óscar Solórzano, iniciamos la puesta en marcha de un proyecto de finanzas públicas financiado por la Secretaría de Estado para Asuntos Económicos de la Confederación Suiza SECO . Aunque el núcleo del proyecto era la macroeconomía y la política fiscal, el objetivo esencial era asegurar que el presupuesto público fuera tangible y significativo para la ciudadanía. Esto nos obligó a trascender los enfoques tradicionales e integrar herramientas innovadoras, tales como las ciencias del comportamiento, para fomentar la integridad y prevenir la corrupción en la gestión de finanzas públicas. Esta visión integral, una novedad en el país en aquella época, fue vital para el éxito de la propuesta. Desde entonces, el Programa de fortalecimiento de la Gestión Financiera Pública de gobiernos regionales y locales del Perú ha mantenido la confianza de SECO por más de diez años, una longevidad prácticamente inigualable. El secreto de este éxito no radica solo en la mejora de procesos o la disciplina fiscal, sino en el trabajo permanente con las personas que impulsan el cambio. Para ello, el Basel Institute cuenta con un equipo multidisciplinario, abierto al cambio y comprometido con crear puentes entre la práctica y la academia. Uniendo lenguajes para la sostenibilidad Trabajar en el Basel Institute on Governance es un verdadero privilegio. Nuestra oficina en Lima ha logrado una notable aceptación regional gracias a un enfoque de trabajo único: práctico, profundo y enfocado en construir relaciones sólidas con actores clave en la lucha contra la corrupción, el lavado de activos y el financiamiento del terrorismo. Actualmente, lidero la Coordinación Interinstitucional del Programa GFP Subnacional. Mi rol busca asegurar la buena marcha y, sobre todo, la sostenibilidad de reformas en los niveles subnacionales, en coordinación con el nivel nacional. Esto implica un esfuerzo constante por conjugar los lenguajes, cosmovisiones y objetivos completamente diferentes de personas de las distintas regiones del país. Nuestra meta es crear estrategias y mensajes que sean relevantes tanto para un ministerio, un gobierno regional o una municipalidad por igual, para así alinear las agendas técnicas con las políticas, incluyendo tanto a la sociedad civil como a la academia. Este desafío se facilita gracias a mi origen: provengo de un pueblo milenario del norte del Perú, Monsefú. El ser percibido como alguien cercano, pero que se pudo formar en ambientes académicos y profesionales competitivos, facilita la confianza y legitimidad. De la economía a una misión global Durante mi niñez, salir de mi pueblo parecía imposible. Las universidades estaban en otra ciudad y solo brindaban la oportunidad de seguir alguna carrera local, enfocada en actividades de una economía poco desarrollada y con escasas oportunidades reales. Por ese entonces, el país no tenía la apertura comercial ni el desarrollo empresarial que tiene hoy. Gracias a mucho esfuerzo y la fe de personas anónimas, pude acceder a becas para formarme en ambientes altamente competitivos en Lima, la capital de Perú, a 1.000 kilómetros de mi ciudad natal. Mi base fue sólida: estudié economía como carrera de pregrado y luego me especialicé con el curso de Economía del Banco Central donde solo entran 30 de entre miles de postulantes y haciendo una pasantía en el Banco Mundial en Corea. Luego trabajé con temas de macroeconomía en instituciones como el Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas, el Banco Central de Reserva del Perú, la Comunidad Andina CAN y el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo BID . Por ese entonces, mi vida profesional parecía completa: no solo incluía mis actividades profesionales especializadas, sino que también la docencia y la participación en redes internacionales. Por ejemplo, participaba en el Convenio Andrés Bello, que unía a investigadores de universidades de varios países para reflexionar y actuar en temas de integración en Iberoamérica, y en la Red Puentes, que unía esfuerzos en torno a la transparencia de las inversiones de las empresas translatinas. Pero el giro llegó al entender a fondo los megadesafíos globales de la corrupción. Nunca imaginé que mis estudios en economía serían tan solo el punto de partida de una ruta mucho más importante. Desde entonces, mi propósito ha sido volcar toda mi experiencia para fortalecer la lucha contra los flagelos que impiden la prosperidad global. Innovando con presupuesto cero El Basel Institute en Latinoamérica se caracteriza por su innovación orientada a resultados. Yo mismo soy testigo de cómo cada nueva habilidad encuentra un espacio de aplicación y permite realizar importantes aportes sin requerir de presupuesto adicional. Por ejemplo, mis maestrías en Innovación de Procesos y Control Gubernamental y en Gerencia Pública y Educación Andragogía han sido canalizadas para enriquecer diversas iniciativas: ayudando a gobiernos regionales a realizar cambios estructurales en plazos mucho menores al promedio; enriqueciendo la Red de Expertos GFP del país iniciativa reconocida en la Semana Nacional de Innovación de Perú , reduciendo la deserción a la vez que aumentando el número de aprobados en nuestros cursos de Control Interno e Integridad, gracias a la implementación de "coffee breaks virtuales". Durante la pandemia, aprovechamos mi formación en educación para potenciar una iniciativa de educación y entrenamiento que permitía llevar cursos y capacitaciones a todo el Perú a través de Facebook. En ese entonces, la red social no cobraba por el uso de datos móviles y permitía el acceso a todos los funcionarios públicos, incluso si solo tenían celulares de gama baja. Ahora, esos cursos se han integrado a Basel LEARN, la plataforma educativa del Basel Institute. En conjunto, logramos implementar cursos que contaron con más de 6.000 alumnos durante cinco años, todo sin usar presupuesto adicional. La importancia de las redes de contacto Mi labor ha estado enfocada en asegurar la sostenibilidad de mejoras tangibles desarrolladas por los expertos del Programa GFP en temas tan variados como: la distribución de vacunas y materiales educativos a niños, la recaudación predial en ciudades principales, la restitución de fondos decomisados y la lucha contra la "corrupción verde". En este contexto, lo más valioso es la red de trabajo. Actualmente, tengo más de 20 mil contactos en mi teléfono, todos profesionales relevantes directa o indirectamente en la actividad del Programa GFP, pero principalmente amigos comprometidos con el ideal de un Perú mejor. Esta gran red genera beneficios mutuos, ya que permite la difusión de buenas prácticas, reduce drásticamente los costos de preparación de eventos tenemos muchos locales a costo cero y asegura un impacto masivo. Los colegas dentro del mismo Basel Institute son también parte importante de esta red. Nuestra estrecha colaboración me ha llevado a participar en proyectos tan diferentes e interesantes como director y guionista en varios videos producidos por el programa, moderar eventos internacionales de recuperación de activos e intercambiar metodologías usadas en finanzas públicas para la recuperación y repatriación de activos. La base que inspira y sostiene la esperanza El contexto peruano presenta retos únicos. Hay una alta volatilidad política, evidenciada por el hecho de haber tenido ocho Presidentes en los últimos diez años, cuando en teoría elegimos uno cada cinco años. Esto hace que los entornos “VUCA” volátiles, inciertos, complejos y ambiguos y conceptos como “caos” cobren un sentido literal en nuestro día a día. No obstante, existe un "subsuelo" de funcionarios y técnicos éticamente responsables que permite que el trabajo avance y que me inspira día a día. Como suelo decir en mis charlas: "Los buenos somos más, pero hacemos menos bulla." Esta frase refleja la realidad: el esfuerzo visible de los peruanos honestos es una buena base que supera en valía a los casos de corrupción que nos golpean, aunque muchas veces la percepción nos diga lo contrario. En suma, el privilegio de aproximarme al país y a sus desafíos, implementando temas que sé que aportan al fortalecimiento de la integridad pública y la lucha contra la corrupción, hace que agradezca la oportunidad: Gracias, Basel Institute, gracias a su grandioso equipo en todo el mundo, por la oportunidad de seguir sirviendo al mundo y, especialmente, a mi país. ¿Te gustó esta historia? Si también te interesa o apasiona dedicarte a la lucha contra la corrupción y el crimen financiero, te invitamos a revisar la oferta educativa del Basel Institute: Basel LEARN: nuestra plataforma de aprendizaje en línea, con cursos virtuales gratuitos y otros recursos Basel STUDY: nuestros programas de postgrado en anti-corrupción y recuperación de activos, dictados en conjunto con la Universidad de Basilea

Holding the line: Betsy Andersen on corruption and hope in uncertain times (The Academy Bulletin)

Corruption corrodes trust, weakens institutions, and undermines societies. Few people understand this better than our Executive Director Elizabeth Andersen. With more than two decades of experience advancing the rule of law around the world, Betsy brings a wealth of insight into why corruption matters and how to confront it. In the fifth issue of the Bulletin of the International Academy of Financial Crime Litigators, Betsy is in conversation with the Bulletin’s co-editor Dr Maria Nizzero. She discusses what drew her to the Basel Institute, the challenges of sustaining anti-corruption momentum in a turbulent geopolitical climate, and why, despite the setbacks, she remains deeply optimistic about the fight ahead. The interview is republished here with permission from the Academy. Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself and what drew you to the Basel Institute on Governance? Elizabeth Andersen: I’ve spent more than 20 years working to strengthen the rule of law globally, and one of the most pressing challenges we face is corruption. It undermines institutions, harms societies and erodes trust in government. The Basel Institute’s reputation for impact made it a compelling place to continue this work. What especially attracted me is its model: combining hands-on technical assistance with research and policy engagement. I was particularly drawn to the way in which the Basel Institute transforms lessons learnt from their very impactful technical assistance and case-based assistance on the ground into policy recommendations. These recommendations contribute to global conversations and policymaking that can in turn deliver systemic change. This virtuous cycle of on-the-groundwork, learning and policy engagement was really very attractive to me as a terrific model. You previously led the World Justice Project. What lessons are you bringing to Basel? EA: Both organisations share a commitment to data-driven, evidence-based solutions. At the World Justice Project, I saw how indices can be powerful diagnostic tools and motivators for change, as countries or jurisdictions work to strengthen their scores. They open the door for really important conversations on the path forward for change. I intend to carry this work forward to the Basel Institute, as I believe the Basel AML Index – our flagship tool for assessing risks of money laundering and related financial crimes at the country level – has the potential to achieve even more than what it is already doing. Another key point these organisations have in common is the value they place on multi-stakeholder approaches. The rule of law isn’t just for lawyers and judges: it requires governments, businesses and civil society to work together. At the Basel Institute, one of the ways in which we’re advancing that vision is through Collective Action initiatives. These bring together the private sector and other stakeholders – typically government and civil society – in sustained, collaborative efforts to overcome shared corruption challenges and raise standards of business integrity and fair competition. I look forward to building on the Basel Institute’s track record in convening such multi-stakeholder initiatives, so critical to combating corruption effectively. From geopolitical shifts, to the threat of war, to tariffs, to climate change, with so many urgent global issues, how do you keep anti-corruption on the agenda? EA: This is something I have been thinking about a lot – in particular about the ways in which we need to frame, or reframe, the work that we do in terms of the policy priorities that prevail today. We have to link corruption to today’s top policy concerns, whether that’s defence spending, organised crime or the energy transition. There is an important corruption dimension to all of these contemporary priorities. By highlighting that connection through research, we can make the case that anti-corruption work isn’t a distraction or unnecessary expense; it’s foundational and an investment in long-term success. Illicit financial flows are another critical issue. These are not victimless crimes, but ones that rob communities of resources. Especially at a time when development assistance is shrinking, asset recovery and international cooperation to return stolen funds are more urgent than ever. That has always been at the core of the Institute’s work, but it feels all more urgent now. Some argue momentum on asset recovery is waning. Do you agree? EA: In fact, demand for our support in partner countries is growing. We have more demand than we can currently meet from governments asking us to help them develop capacity to investigate, prosecute and recover assets. We’re also seeing governments adopt stronger legal tools, such as non-conviction based forfeiture and improved anti-money laundering frameworks. And international cooperation mechanisms are maturing, which gives me confidence that progress is possible. There may be some fatigue, but there is also a growing awareness that asset recovery is not only a strategy for recovering stolen assets and obtaining much needed resources; it also acts as a deterrent and signals that organised crime will not pay. We also find a lot of promise in the work of the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre IACCC , the ongoing Global Forum on Asset Recovery GFAR Action Series and the GlobE Network – the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities. This kind of international cooperation on anti-corruption and asset recovery is essential, and there are a lot of opportunities to enhance it through such initiatives. In this context, UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy’s commitment to tackling illicit finance and the announcement of a summit next year on this topic are really important. The summit represents a great opportunity for financial centres in particular to re-energise and re-focus the fight against illicit finance. How does the Basel Institute bridge the gap between international standards and local realities? EA: This is a really important question, and its answer is a legacy of Gretta Fenner, the Basel Institute’s Managing Director for many years who tragically passed away in 2024. I am proud to say that we never parachute in with a one-size-fits-all presentation. For example, each Basel Institute training on financial investigations and asset recovery is tailored to the local context – to reference the local laws, the local procedures, even the local evidence and context in which crime happens. And this training is typically followed up with mentoring by expert advisors who are often embedded directly with partner agencies in the country. This high-touch approach is time intensive, but it’s the only way to ensure international standards translate into meaningful local practice, and this is something the Institute really excels in. Funding challenges, especially rising from the new US administration’s decisions to cut USAID, have shaken civil society. How is the Basel Institute responding? EA: We’re incredibly fortunate to have a loyal group of donors who have sustained or even increased their support. We don’t take it for granted, however, so we’re also working to diversify funding, including by engaging the private sector. Many companies now recognise that good governance is essential to their bottom line. We’ve also received generous support for education from individuals, such as scholarships for our new graduate-level anti-corruption and asset recovery courses with the University of Basel. Investing in the next generation of leaders is something I’m particularly excited about. I really want to give a shout out to the International Academy of Financial Crime Litigators, which has through the Academy itself and a couple of generous members committed to fund two scholarships for talented professionals who would otherwise not be able to attend the course. Talking about the private sector, what role does the private sector play in fighting corruption? EA: It’s a critical role. We’ve promoted Collective Action for decades, helping to establish initiatives like the Wolfsberg Group and the Metals Technology Initiative. On our B20 Collective Action Hub – a leading free resource centre on this approach – we’ve documented over 300 such initiatives. This growing dataset allows us to identify what works when engaging the private sector in fighting corruption. It allows us to push beyond rhetoric or box-ticking towards initiatives that have meaningful impact. Despite setbacks, what keeps you hopeful? EA: Above all, the people. My colleagues at the Institute, many recruited by my predecessor Gretta Fenner, are extraordinarily talented and committed. Our partners around the world often take up this cause at personal risk, which is deeply inspiring. And then there are the broader networks drawn from government, businesses, civil society, the media and ordinary citizens, standing up against corruption. When you see that collective energy, it’s impossible not to feel optimistic. Finally, what research is the Basel Institute prioritising next? EA: We’re looking closely at how to strengthen legal tools while safeguarding human rights, for example, with a comparative study of non-conviction based forfeiture laws. We’re also exploring mechanisms to help ensure fines from foreign bribery cases can be used to support anti-corruption initiatives, including in communities that have been harmed by corruption. Both areas aim to make anti-corruption and asset recovery frameworks not only more effective, but also more just. The Academy's Bulletin has been established to transmit the work of Academy Fellows, draw attention to matters of importance to the legal community and provide high-level analysis of cutting-edge issues in global financial crime investigations and litigation. The Basel Institute on Governance acts as Secretariat to the Academy.

Political economy in the weeds: Embracing complexity in anti-corruption work – lessons learned from an anti-corruption programme in Malawi