GCFFC Financial Crime Fighter of the Year – 2024 – To: Gretta Fenner 1975 – 2024

The Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime is delighted to announce that Gretta Fenner, a tireless anti corruption campaigner and formerly Managing Director of the Basel Institute on Governance until passing away in 2024, is the prestigious recipient of this year’s Financial Crime Fighter of the Year award for 2024

We have recognised Gretta’s longstanding campaigning on anti corruption over 2 decades, combining both her knowledge and expertise and remarkable personal qualities, working with those in advanced and less developed parts of the world effectively. Whilst her professional relationships were numerous, so many turned into long lasting friendships, and it will as much her spirit kindness and selflessness that she brought to her work that singles her out. It’s not just the way but that way you do it – encapsulates the Gretta Fenner that is awarded this years GCFFC Financial Crime Fighter of the Year 2024. For more on Gretta Fenner see: https://gretta.baselgovernance.org

Runners up and nominees for his years award are all worthy in their own regard and we honour and congratulate them too for their contributions to fighting financial crime. These are:

Runners up and Nominees are:

• Hamid AlZaabi Head of UAE AML/CTF Executive Office 2022 – Present

• T Raja Kumar, Former FATF President 2022 -2024 

• Alan Ketley, Executive Secretary, The Wolfsberg Group 2019 – 2024

• Mechelle BJ Moore, CEO Asia Global Alms Inc 2014 – Present 

• Raluca Pruna, Head of Financial Crime Unit in DG Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union (FISMA), EC

• Jurgen Stock, Former Secretary General, Interpol 2014 – 2024 

• Olga de Truchis, Soc Gen Group Compliance Coordinator on Crypto and Blockchain & UNODC & OSCE Expert on Crypto Assets

In a tribute from Colleagues at the Basel Institute on Governance at being notified of the award they stated that, 

“Gretta was a true global ambassador for the fight against financial crime. She was also a strong supporter of the Global Coalition and its work: she believed passionately that if we want to make real progress in the fight against corruption, we have to join together in coalitions that cross borders, sectors and perspectives. This award is one more reminder of the inspiration she instilled in her peers. We are grateful to all who continue working to achieve the goals to which Gretta dedicated so much time, fire and energy”.

Chair of the GCFFC John Cusack stated that “I met Gretta for the first time 20 years ago at a Wolfsberg Group meeting when we were discussing what was then the Draft Anti Bribery and Corruption Paper and was immediately struck by her knowledge and clear eyed focus on what was needed and what she expected the Banks to do to assist. She did this though with empathy and humour and grace without compromising on what was needed. We became friends and colleagues ever since and the shock at her passing will sit alongside the admiration, respect and continued support for her cause that corruption is a scourge and needs strong campaigners to stand up against it and help those that are looking for assistance. There was no one stronger or who did more than Gretta on this and no more fitting tribute than to carry on her life’s work. This award is in recognition for her tireless work and the way she worked. Our thoughts are again with all her family including her boys and many friends and colleagues”.

The Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime congratulates Hamid AlZaabi, T Raja Kumar, Alan Ketley, Mechelle BJ Moore, Raluca Pruna, Jurgen Stock & Olga de Truchis for their outstanding leadership and contribution to fight financial crime and to all financial crime fighters. We keep fighting.

Note to editors: The Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime Annual “Financial Crime Fighter” award is given to the person or organisation that has provided outstanding leadership in the field of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, for example, in the prevention or detection of financial crime or financial crime harm reduction or in collaboration and or innovation, in the public, private or civil society sectors. Nominations and voting to decide the final outcome are carried out via the Members of the GCFFC and the many experts that work with the GCFFC. The results are announced on the Financial Crime Fighter Day, which takes place on 15 December.