A money laundering expert who helped the UK toughen its approach to financial crime has been appointed to lead Guernsey’s Financial Intelligence Unit.
Neil Allen joins the organisation as Head of the FIU, following a long career with HM Revenue & Customs, where he led intelligence and investigative teams targeting organised financial crime.
Mr Allen said he was “delighted” to take on the role and planned to place the FIU “at the heart” of law enforcement efforts in the Bailiwick, by improving intelligence and sharing.
His appointment was announced on International FIU Day (9 June), which highlights the role of financial intelligence units in protecting global financial systems from abuse.
Mr Allen is credited with helping HMRC expand its ability to detect and investigate money laundering, as well as increasing the focus on prosecuting offenders.
He also worked with senior leaders to redirect resources towards the criminal networks responsible for moving and concealing illicit funds, and to strengthen cooperation with UK and international agencies.
Cooperation
The FIU acts as a key link between Guernsey’s financial services sector and law enforcement, analysing reports of suspected money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crime.
It works with local firms, overseas partners, and international organisations including the Egmont Group to identify risks, trace funds, and support investigations.
Most recently, Mr Allen served as HMRC’s International Threat Lead for illicit finance, sanctions evasion and strategic exports, building cooperation with global partners to prevent criminals accessing illegal funds.
He said: “The island has a strong and respected financial sector and protecting it from those who seek to exploit it is a responsibility I take very seriously.
“By building trusted partnerships, improving intelligence sharing, and working closely across the Bailiwick and internationally, we can disrupt money launderers and protect our community and our industry.”
He added that strengthening links with overseas agencies and preparing for emerging threats – including the increasing use of cryptocurrencies – would be key priorities, alongside ensuring the jurisdiction is well-positioned ahead of the next Moneyval review in 2032.
Mr Allen said he is looking forward to leading the FIU as it develops its capabilities and works to ensure Guernsey remains “a hostile environment for illicit finance.”