According to a statement, Harris’ appointment, which spans three Plenary cycles, will allow him to engage in Steering Group discussions and contribute his expertise to FATF leadership.
The Director General of the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Mr. Edwin W. Harris Jr., has been appointed as a temporary member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Steering Group (FSG) under the Guest Initiative. The appointment was disclosed in a letter by FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo, in accordance with paragraph 87bis of the FATF Internal Governance Principles (FATF/PLEN (2019)82/REV4).
According to a statement, Harris’ appointment, which spans three Plenary cycles, will allow him to engage in Steering Group discussions and contribute his expertise to FATF leadership. He was appointed alongside Mrs. Emma Kershaw, Head of Delegation for Sweden. Both have accepted the FATF President’s invitation and will participate in Steering Group meetings through June 30, 2025.
The appointment is seen as a significant milestone for GIABA, which recently completed an Effectiveness Improvement Action Plan under Harris’ leadership. The FATF President noted the value of having GIABA represented in the Steering Group, as the organization does not have joint members with FATF. Harris, alongside FATF Executive Secretary David Lewis Clerc, will provide insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by the FATF Secretariat during the upcoming round of assessments.
This recognition highlights the reforms and increased operational efficiency at GIABA under Harris’ direction. The institution has not only successfully exited the improvement plan but continues to deliver high-quality Mutual Evaluations in a timely manner and is well-positioned for the upcoming Third Round of Mutual Evaluations.
The GIABA management, staff, and stakeholders have welcomed this development, expressing their commitment to making a valuable contribution to the FATF Steering Group. The first meeting with GIABA’s participation is taking place in Paris ahead of the FATF October Plenary.
The FATF Steering Group serves as an advisory body chaired by the President of the FATF.
