Maria Kyrmizi-Antoniou: We are building bridges between the public and private sector for security

The importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors in effectively combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism was emphasised by Maria Kyrmizi-Antoniou, Senior Legal Counsel of the Republic and Head of the Cyprus Financial Intelligence Unit (MOKAS), at the 11th International Compliance Forum, presented by ECOMMBX.

In an environment of rapid transformation, such collaboration is a powerful tool for safeguarding economic integrity and securing Cyprus’ international credibility, she explained.

Kyrmizi-Antoniou stressed that this cooperation hinges on information sharing, technological innovation, and the establishment of trust. This initiative was born out of the need to utilise the wealth of information and expertise held by the private sector in order to produce strategic analyses, identify emerging risks and threats, and direct resources more effectively toward their mitigation. It is a pioneering initiative implemented for the first time in Cyprus, a point she proudly highlighted.

The creation of a structured platform for regular interaction between the public and private sectors was presented as a central element of this collaboration. Within this framework, efforts are made to bridge differences, pool experiences, data, and technological tools to detect real and emerging threats. The role of trust was particularly underscored as a foundational element for successful cooperation.

She also placed special emphasis on asset recovery, which not only helps protect the system and curb the expansion of organised crime, but also allows victims to reclaim their funds—thereby enhancing the tangible value of public-private sector cooperation.

The fireside chat was moderated by Grigoris Dellas, Group Chief Compliance & Risk Officer at ECOMMBX and Chair of the ACAMS Cyprus Chapter.