Strengthening financial resilience across Europe through international cooperation

A delegation of 12 Moldovan officials from the FIU, National Bank of Moldova, National Commission for Financial Market, Ministry of Finance, and law enforcement agencies, alongside Finnish authorities and experts interacted on subjects of encrassé interests. The purpose of the exchange was to share practical experiences in implementing FATF and EU AML/CFT standards, as well as to explore emerging challenges in financial analysis, supervision, and the regulation of digital assets.

Finland, being among the first EU member states to implement the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) Regulation, offered a particularly valuable perspective. Participants had the opportunity to learn from Finnish authorities about the practical aspects of MiCA enforcement, its alignment with FATF standards, and the broader EU regulatory landscape for virtual assets.

The program featured insightful presentations, interactive discussions, and exposure to the latest research on cryptocurrency markets and financial supervision. Topics included the implementation of FATF recommendations, the emerging EU AML/CFT framework, and the integration of digital finance within resilient regulatory systems.

Advancing good governance and sustainable financial systems

From the MAI perspective, the visit underscored the importance of collaborative learning and evidence-based policymaking in strengthening institutional capacity. The Martti Ahtisaari Institute – guided by its mission to advance good governance, sustainable economic development through knowledge exchange and leadership education – played an active role in facilitating dialogue and promoting research-driven solutions for the financial sector.

Such initiatives exemplify MAI’s commitment to fostering international cooperation, policy innovation, and cross-sectoral learning. By connecting academia, regulators, and practitioners, the Institute contributes to the development of robust and adaptive financial systems capable of responding to contemporary global challenges.

Collaboration and shared learning remain at the heart of MAI’s mission – building bridges between institutions, enhancing transparency, and supporting the creation of more resilient, well-governed financial systems across Europe and beyond.