The Financial Intelligence Agency is committed to protecting the personal, financial, and confidential information it receives in the performance of its mandate. As Botswana’s financial intelligence unit, the FIA receives and processes sensitive information from reporting entities, competent authorities, accountable institutions, and other stakeholders. This information is handled with strict confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
Data protection is an important part of public trust. The FIA recognises that information submitted to the Agency may include personal data, financial records, transaction details, identification information, contact details, and other sensitive material. The Agency therefore applies appropriate safeguards to ensure that information is collected, used, stored, shared, and retained only for lawful and authorised purposes.
The FIA processes information in line with its legal mandate to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing, and other financial crimes. Information received by the Agency is used for intelligence analysis, risk identification, compliance monitoring, cooperation with competent authorities, and fulfilment of national AML/CFT/CPF obligations. Access to information is limited to authorised personnel and is managed through internal controls, security procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
The Agency also recognises Botswana’s national data protection framework. The Data Protection Act, 2024 commenced on 14 January 2025 and provides for the continuation of the Information and Data Protection Commission, the regulation of personal data, and the protection of privacy in relation to personal data.
The FIA is committed to ensuring that personal information is processed fairly, securely, and responsibly, while also meeting the legal obligations placed on the Agency as a financial intelligence authority. Where information must be shared with law enforcement, supervisory bodies, foreign financial intelligence units, or other competent authorities, such sharing is done in accordance with applicable law, authorised procedures, and the purpose for which the information is required.
The Agency continues to promote a culture of confidentiality, accountability, and responsible information management. This includes protecting data against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. The FIA also supports awareness among staff and stakeholders on the importance of data protection, secure reporting, and responsible handling of confidential information.
Data protection at the FIA supports both individual privacy and national security. By protecting information responsibly, the Agency strengthens confidence in Botswana’s financial intelligence framework and supports the wider objective of safeguarding the integrity of the financial system.
Key Commitments
Confidentiality: Information received by the FIA is treated as confidential and accessed only by authorised personnel.
Lawful Processing: Personal and financial information is processed only for lawful purposes connected to the FIA’s mandate.
Security: Appropriate administrative, technical, and organisational safeguards are applied to protect information.
Accountability: The FIA promotes responsible information management and compliance with applicable legal requirements.
Purpose Limitation: Information is used only for authorised intelligence, regulatory, compliance, or law enforcement cooperation purposes.
Responsible Sharing: Information is shared with competent authorities only where permitted by law and required for legitimate AML/CFT/CPF purposes.
Relevant Authority
Regulatory Authority: Information and Data Protection Commission
Legal Framework: Data Protection Act, 2024
Commencement Date: 14 January 2025
Purpose: To regulate the protection of personal data and ensure that the privacy of individuals in relation to their personal data is maintained.
