Mnisi: Eswatini committed to financial integrity

Governor Phil Mnisi addressed Eswatini's ambassadors, emphasizing their crucial role in attracting investment while upholding the nation's financial integrity.

He highlighted Eswatini's firm commitment to transparency, accountability, and compliance with international financial standards, particularly Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) obligations.

Mnisi stressed that modern investors seek stable and predictable regulatory environments aligned with global norms.

Therefore, ambassadors must showcase Eswatini's robust legal and institutional frameworks designed to monitor financial flows, ensure due diligence, and prevent illicit activities.

These measures are presented not as investment barriers, but as vital assurances that legitimate investments are protected and sustainable, enhancing the country's reputation.

He urged ambassadors to underscore the necessity of proper documentation and source-of-funds verification.

Governor Mnisi cautioned against unsolicited "funders" promising large investments without transparent details on their identity or fund origins.

Such offers, often pressuring quick action or bypassing standard procedures, expose Eswatini to significant reputational, legal, and financial risks, including fraud, money laundering, and corruption.

He mandated that all proposed funding must be backed by verifiable documentation, credible counterparties, and clear source-of-funds information, processed exclusively through established channels.

Mnisi also affirmed Eswatini's facilitative regulatory approach, ensuring efficient and investor-friendly processes while meeting international obligations.

Foreign direct investment is a key driver for jobs and growth, with genuine investors appreciating due diligence as it protects capital and ensures project sustainability.