Ireland’s Department of Finance announced a contribution to a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) trust fund that will help countries combat money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption and other illicit finance. Minister of State Frank Feighan announced the contribution at the IMF and World Bank 2026 Annual Meetings in Bangkok. The Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Corruption Thematic Fund will begin operations in 2027, providing technical assistance and capacity building to strengthen countries’ legal, regulatory and supervisory frameworks. It will also help authorities identify and investigate financial crime risks and improve institutional capacity and international cooperation, reducing opportunities for criminals to exploit weaker jurisdictions. Ireland’s funding totals USD 3 million over 2026–2031, covering both the predecessor fund and its successor. An initial USD 500,000 contribution has been made in 2026 to the final phase of the Anti-Money Laundering / Counter the Financing of Terrorism Thematic Fund. Ireland will then contribute USD 500,000 annually to the successor fund through 2031.
Ireland’s Department of Finance announces contribution to new International Monetary Fund trust fund to combat illicit finance
Ireland’s Department of Finance announced support for a new International Monetary Fund trust fund beginning operations in 2027 to help countries strengthen their defences against illicit finance. Ireland’s USD 3 million funding over 2026–2031 comprises USD 500,000 already contributed to the predecessor fund in 2026 and annual contributions of USD 500,000 to its successor through 2031. The new fund will provide technical assistance to improve financial crime frameworks, authorities’ investigative capabilities and international cooperation.