Speaking in a session on the evolving role of FIUs in the international AML/CFT system, Verbeek-Kusters placed operational independence and autonomy at the centre of her remarks. Without independence, she argued, an FIU cannot be effective, and without effectiveness, trust erodes at both national and international level. She noted that while FATF and European legislation, including AMLD6, set out the principle, independence must also be consciously designed, legally anchored and continuously protected in practice.
Drawing on her experience as Chair of the Egmont Group, she highlighted how independence underpins the cooperation between FIUs across borders. At the same time, she was clear that independence means neither freedom from accountability nor isolation: it goes hand in hand with close connection to national and international partners.
Looking ahead, Executive Board Member Verbeek-Kusters pointed to AMLA's central role in supporting and coordinating FIUs across the Union. For this system to function effectively, she stressed, all FIUs must operate at a consistently high level of independence and autonomy, concluding that for institutions that handle sensitive data and support critical decisions, independence is not a luxury but a necessity.
