of ECOWAS
Working
Our approach is rigorous, collaborative and results-oriented.
GIABA assesses, studies and supports its Member States in building robust frameworks.
- Mutual evaluation
- Typologies
- Technical assistance
- ECOWAS
- FATF Standards
- AML/CFT
- Cooperation
- Institutional development
- Partnerships
- 17 Member States
A word from the Director General
Our priorities
- Rigorous mutual evaluations
- Support for national FIUs
- Stronger regional cooperation
Our mission
GIABA is a specialised institution of ECOWAS responsible for combating money laundering and terrorist financing in West Africa.
It protects the national economies and the financial and banking systems of its Member States against the proceeds of crime.
- A regional mandate recognised by the FATF
- Seventeen committed Member States
- International standards at the heart of our work
Our vision
We want a West Africa where illicit financial flows find no safe haven and where financial integrity supports development.
This vision guides each of our evaluations, our studies and our support activities with Member States.
- Strong national institutions
- Attractive and secure economies
- Citizens protected against financial crime
Our commitments
GIABA supports each Member State with rigour and impartiality, and with full respect for its sovereignty.
We assess national frameworks objectively, share best practices and build the capacity of AML/CFT stakeholders for the long term.
- Objective and transparent evaluations
- Support tailored to each country
- Sustained follow-up of reforms under way
A call for collective action
Financial crime knows no borders: no country can fight it alone.
Governments, financial institutions, the private sector, civil society and international partners all have a role to play. I invite you to join this common effort.
- Stronger regional cooperation
- Active public-private partnerships
- An engaged and informed civil society
Expert support for Member States
-
Mutual evaluations of
Member States - Monitoring compliance with FATF Standards
- Follow-up reports and action plans
- Analysis of ML/TF methods
-
Regional trends
and risks - Reference studies and publications
- Support for financial intelligence units
- Training of national AML/CFT stakeholders
- Strengthening legal frameworks
- Cooperation between Member States
- FATF and FATF-Style Regional Bodies
- Mutual legal assistance and information exchange
Together, let us protect the economies of West Africa.
More than twenty years of commitment
Since its establishment by ECOWAS, GIABA has supported its Member States in building financial systems that are safer, more transparent and compliant with international standards.
Our work in support of Member States
Real projects, measurable results. We judge our work by its impact, not by the effort it takes.
units
supported
One financial intelligence unit per Member State, supported by GIABA.
regional
workshops
To train investigative journalists, since 2010.
countries
engaged
Shared vigilance across the whole region.
Why get involved?
- Protect your business
- Comply with the law
- Safeguard your country’s reputation
The fight against money laundering concerns every sector
Banks and financial institutions
As the financial system’s first line of defence, banks must identify their customers and beneficial owners, monitor unusual transactions and report any suspicion to the national financial intelligence unit (CENTIF / FIU). GIABA helps Member States strengthen these frameworks and their supervision.
Insurance and microfinance
Life insurance, early surrenders, small loans and deposits can be used to inject or move funds of illicit origin. Insurance companies and microfinance institutions apply due diligence measures proportionate to the risks, without hindering financial inclusion.
Bureaux de change and money transfer services
Fast, often cash-based and cross-border, currency exchange, money transfers and mobile money are particularly exposed. Licensing of operators, customer identification, transmission of originator and beneficiary information, and suspicious transaction reporting are essential.
Notaries, lawyers and accountants
When they set up companies, manage funds or carry out transactions for their clients, these professionals can be used unknowingly to conceal the origin of money. They are subject to due diligence and reporting obligations, in line with professional secrecy as defined by law.
Real estate agents
Real estate is one of the sectors most used to launder money in West Africa, as GIABA’s typology studies show. Agents must identify buyers and sellers, verify the source of funds and report large cash payments or unusual arrangements.
Non-profit organisations
Associations, NGOs and charities play an essential role, but they can be misused to finance terrorism. Transparent governance, traceability of donations and sound knowledge of partners protect their work without restricting their freedom to act.
Seventeen Member States united against financial crime
A network of committed States and partners
FATF Recommendations
Mutual evaluation round
FATF-Style Regional Bodies
Associate Member
Core functions
Discover GIABA on video.
GIABA presents its work to ambassadors and technical and financial partners in Dakar.
The GIABA Director General calls on Member States to step up their efforts against financial crime.
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