Strengthening Financial Integrity: St. Martin’s CFATF Evaluation and the Fight Against Financial Crime
St. Martin Takes the International Stage in Trinidad
A Committed Return Justice Minister Tackling Reflects on Budget Debate and Teamwork
Strengthening Financial Integrity: St. Martin’s CFATF Evaluation and the Fight Against Financial Crime
Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling took her responsibilities global in May 2025, representing St. Martin at the 60th plenary of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) in Trinidad. This high-level regional gathering focused on evaluating how well member states detect, prevent, and combat financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing.
Strengthening Financial Integrity: St. Martin’s CFATF Evaluation and the Fight Against Financial Crime
Minister Tackling led St. Martin through what she described as a rigorous fourth-round evaluation, covering the period from 2019 to 2023. The assessment measured both technical compliance—whether the right laws and regulations are in place—and effectiveness—whether institutions can actually act on suspicious activity and threats.
Real Progress, Real Challenges
The results? Progress, but with a clear message: St. Martin still has work to do. While several areas showed improvement, the evaluation revealed the need for sharper implementation, more targeted supervision, and stronger inter-agency coordination.
Strengthening Financial Integrity: St. Martin’s CFATF Evaluation and the Fight Against Financial Crime
St. Martin is not waiting until the next report in 2026. Minister Tackling outlined plans to roll out targeted actions. These include:
- Strengthening supervisory bodies
- Aligning national strategies with Kingdom and regional partners
- Advancing the national risk-based action plan
A No-Excuses Approach
In her address at the CFATF, Tackling made a firm declaration:
“St. Martin did not come to make excuses. We came to reflect, improve, and act.”
Her presence at the plenary was not just symbolic. It allowed her to engage directly with assessment teams and peers from across the region. She absorbed best practices, discussed technical barriers, and explored how other nations build resilience into their financial systems.
Why This Matters at Home
To some, these international compliance efforts might seem distant. But as Minister Tackling made clear, failing to meet standards can impact daily life. From banking services to ATM access, international evaluations affect the trust and accessibility of the financial system.
Maintaining compliance isn’t just about satisfying regulations. It’s about safeguarding economic stability and ensuring that everyday citizens don’t suffer the consequences of systemic vulnerabilities.
“This is about more than law. It’s about trust, safety, and opportunity for our people.”
International Compliance and How It Impacts Daily Life in St. Martin.