Italy's Financial Intelligence Unit

Italy's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) ( Italian - Unità di Informazione Finanziaria per l'Italia) is the national authority responsible for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. It was established on January 1, 2008, under Legislative Decree No. 231/2007.^[1] It independently operates within the Bank of Italy, succeeding the former Italian Foreign Exchange Office.^[2]

The FIU collects and analyzes data on financial transactions. It primarily receives suspicious transaction reports (STRs) from financial institutions, professionals, and other obligated parties.These reports serve as a crucial tool for identifying suspicious or illicit financial activities.

The Unit works closely with national supervisory authorities and law enforcement agencies. It is also a member of the Egmont Group, an international network that supports cooperation among financial intelligence units worldwide.^[3]