Latvia’s experience in the European fight against money laundering

The path to FIU Latvia and professional development

Five years ago, Anna began her work at FIU Latvia’s Strategic and Tactical Analysis Division. Prior to that, she worked for three years at the Ministry of Finance, focusing on data analysis and tax revenue forecasting. This experience proved valuable, as FIU Latvia required a specialist with strong analytical skills, while her knowledge of taxation provided an additional advantage.

Her first impressions of FIU Latvia were very positive – motivated and hardworking colleagues, and a wide range of assignments. At the same time, she felt apprehension, as the topic of combating financial crime was unfamiliar, and she wondered how long it would take to acquire all the necessary knowledge. At that time, colleagues were working on the National Risk Assessment, which helped her quickly gain an understanding of the institution’s scope of responsibilities. Work at FIU Latvia has given Anna confidence in herself and the courage to take on major projects.

“The moment when Latvia began its participation in the new round of the FATF/MONEYVAL mutual evaluation was pivotal for me – it was during this time that I consolidated my knowledge, learned how to apply it in practice, and gained the confidence to represent the institution at the international level. It was undoubtedly an important stage, which gave me the confidence that I was ready to continue my career development within AMLA,” Anna recalls.

For Anna, it has always been important to understand each task – how it works, whether improvements can be made, how risks can be assessed, and what can be enhanced.

“It is interesting to observe myself when I face a new topic where I do not yet have in-depth knowledge. In such situations, one can give in to fear and dissatisfaction, or roll up my sleeves and learn. I always choose the latter,” she explains.

Toms Platacis recalls that Anna’s entry into FIU Latvia was quite symbolic. At the time she applied, a former choir colleague was already working there and could speak to her personal qualities.

“At the beginning, Anna was cautious, preferred precise instructions, and worked strictly according to them. Today, she is completely different – proactive, solution-oriented, supportive of others, and ready to initiate improvements. This transformation demonstrates not only her professional growth, but also the overall development of the Financial Intelligence Unit. This is precisely what we also wish for AMLA – the courage to take initiative, to grow, and to adapt where necessary,” notes Platacis.

AMLA’s significance and Latvia’s contribution

The Head of FIU Latvia emphasizes that AMLA is important for both Europe and Latvia. Therefore, it is essential that the authority is strengthened by experienced professionals – not only analysts, but also managers with a broader perspective. He expresses confidence that Anna will be an excellent addition to the new institution.

“At present, AMLA’s functions are clearly defined, but the question remains of how they will be implemented in practice. This is why it is crucial that Latvia is among the first countries to participate in shaping these processes, decision-making, and discussions,” explains Platacis.

The new position also means closer cooperation between FIU Latvia and AMLA – from drafting procedures to implementing new initiatives.

“Latvia’s contribution will be valuable, as our experience – strategic decisions as well as mistakes made – can help avoid similar challenges, saving European resources and achieving results more efficiently,” adds Platacis.

Personal growth and readiness for the next step

Anna describes herself as a person who values order and structure. However, her work at FIU Latvia has prepared her for tasks under conditions of high uncertainty. She has learned to accept that circumstances change, and to see change as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Her experience with FIU Latvia and the MONEYVAL process has given her the strength to test her potential. Without this period, she believes she would not have developed as much. Now she is ready to share her experience, represent Latvia’s interests, and contribute to AMLA’s development.

“My work at FIU Latvia has given me not only professional knowledge, but also the conviction that I can be part of large-scale change. The evaluation process taught me to overcome fear and unlock my potential, while this new AMLA chapter offers the opportunity to pass on that experience and help build a stronger European financial security system,” says Anna.

Toms Platacis adds: “AMLA is a new authority with broad responsibilities, and its success will depend on how courageously and responsibly we share knowledge and learn from one another. For Latvia, this is the moment to prove that our professionals are ready not only to follow Europe’s standards, but also to shape them.”

What is AMLA?

A new EU agency to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. It will ensure a consistent application of the AML regulation across the EU and will directly supervise high-risk cross-border financial entities.

Main responsibilities:

• AML/CFT[1] supervision: direct supervision of financial sector entities that operate across borders and pose a high money laundering, terrorism financing risk.
• Supporting national FIUs: promote joint cross-border case analysis, ensure information exchange, enable advanced data analysis capabilities, and manage the information system FIU.net.
• Contributing to the EU AML/CFT rulebook: for example, by developing regulatory and technical standards and by issuing guidelines.

Each Member State’s FIU will appoint a national expert to work with AMLA for three years by September 2026, to ensure effective information exchange and cross-border cooperation. After the term ends, Member States will ensure continued representation by nominating either a new expert or re-nominating the same one.