Impact
ICIJ has redefined what investigative journalism looks like in the 21st century. We have repeatedly conducted journalistic collaborations so big, so visionary and so aspirational that they are unlike any others in history.
Our Offshore Leaks, Panama Papers, Paradise Papers and FinCEN Files investigations were the biggest cross-border journalism projects ever. They have shaken the establishment and led to public protests, to multiple arrests, sweeping legal reform, and official inquiries in more than 70 countries, and to the resignations of the leaders of Pakistan, Iceland and Malta after allegations of corruption.
We helped bring about the Corporate Transparency Act in the United States, hailed as the biggest anti-corruption measure since the Patriot Act of 2001. Our work has also been credited for helping bring more than 130 countries together to sign a worldwide minimum tax rate as a measure to stop giant corporations avoiding their responsibilities.
Feb 22, 2023
Proposed rule would render US company registry ‘effectively useless,’ bankers warn
The American Bankers Association’s criticism is the latest setback for the U.S. Treasury as it attempts to set up a company ownership database.
Sep 20, 2022
New US company owner database ‘taking way too long’ to implement, experts warn
After ICIJ’s FinCEN Files investigation, transparency advocates cheered a new law mandating a beneficial ownership register in the U.S. Two years later, experts are expressing serious concerns.
Apr 29, 2022
As US pledges renewed fight against dirty money, head of financial crime agency says funding shortfalls have caused delays
In testimony, FinCEN's acting chief says ‘outmatched’ team is falling behind on policing cryptocurrency and implementing major anti-money laundering law.
Apr 01, 2022
Are oligarchs hiding money in US real estate? Ownership information is a missing link, research says
As lawmakers propose unmasking those purchasing New York property through LLCs, recent analysis finds shortcomings in federal oversight of money laundering in the housing market.
Mar 30, 2022
US budget proposal seeks to modernize FinCEN and sanctions policy
Despite the requested funding boost, some anti-money laundering experts say Joe Biden’s proposal is just a start to many reforms needed at the agency that leads the global fight against dirty money.
Sep 20, 2021
As reforms sparked by FinCEN Files roll out a year on, key source is behind bars
The global investigation on how trillions in dirty money flows through major banks has been widely credited for key anti-money laundering reforms currently being implemented in the U.S.
Jul 23, 2021
Lessons from award-winning FinCEN Files and Luanda Leaks investigations
ICIJ's editors share reflections from behind the scenes of two award-winning investigations.
Jul 16, 2021
EU to propose watchdog to tackle anti-money laundering failures exposed by FinCEN Files
A leaked European Commission draft indicates urgency to harmonize the bloc’s rules to tackle failings that have made the region a center for financial crime.
Jun 11, 2021
FinCEN Files investigation named Pulitzer Prize finalist
The global exposé by ICIJ and BuzzFeed News revealed how a broken U.S.-led enforcement system allows banks to continue to profit from moving trillions in dirty money.
Apr 03, 2021
The fight against offshore crime will be a long campaign
On the fifth anniversary of the Panama Papers’ launch, experts say there’s been progress in the fight against dirty money — but much more is needed.
Mar 05, 2021
US sanctions Ukrainian oligarch featured in FinCEN Files investigation
The State Department bars Ihor Kolomoisky, saying he ‘undermined the rule of law’ in Ukraine.
Mar 01, 2021
Major reforms needed at ‘struggling’ US agency that leads dirty money fight, report says
A tech-driven ‘Manhattan Project’ at the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is among significant reforms recommended by an anti-money-laundering group.
Feb 01, 2021
ICIJ nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for combating dark money flows
ICIJ and the Global Alliance for Tax Justice among nominees that also include Committee to Protect Journalists, Russian dissident Alexei Navalny and climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Jan 20, 2021
Niger ‘scandal of the century’ exposed in FinCEN Files sparks lawsuit demanding action
Publisher Moussa Aksar was targeted as his reporting on millions in disappearing defense spending was submitted in a request to force a government inquiry.
Jan 19, 2021
Seven things to watch after historic anti-money laundering overhaul in the US
The landmark legislation contains several loopholes, exemptions and shortcomings that may become key vulnerabilities in the fight against corruption and financial secrecy, advocates say.
Dec 17, 2020
Here’s what is changing after the FinCEN Files shook the world of banking
After ICIJ and BuzzFeed News published a joint investigation, officials across the globe began to take action to thwart criminals and illicit financial activity.
Dec 11, 2020
Advocates celebrate major US anti-money laundering victory
The long-sought reforms, effectively ending anonymous shell companies, were included in an annual defense spending bill approved by both houses of Congress with veto-proof margins.
Nov 17, 2020
Belgium’s biggest banks propose system to share suspected money laundering information
The proposal was made at a Belgian parliamentary hearing held in response to the FinCEN Files investigation.
Oct 22, 2020
FinCEN Files sparks fresh UK inquiry into laundering of dirty billions
The Treasury Committee says it will examine the effectiveness of anti-money laundering systems and sanctions, listing areas of concerns investigated by ICIJ.
Oct 19, 2020
6 money laundering reforms that experts say need to happen right now
Failures exposed by the FinCEN Files investigation require urgent intervention, regulators, experts and politicians say.
Oct 15, 2020
Jail bankers who allow money laundering, top Democrat in U.S. Senate banking committee says in wake of FinCEN Files
Sen. Sherrod Brown calls for criminally prosecuting executives who profit from moving money for criminals and corrupt regimes.
Oct 12, 2020
Notorious tax haven British Virgin Islands to introduce public register of company owners
The territory’s secrecy rules have long attracted criminals and secretive companies created there have featured in several ICIJ investigations on offshore finance.
Oct 09, 2020
European lawmakers call for coordinated banking industry reforms in wake of FinCEN Files
A session of European Parliament focused on the need for stronger oversight of money flows across the European Union to fight money laundering.
Sep 30, 2020
Dirty money has ‘metastasized’ within global banking system, top regulator says
New York’s financial regulator acknowledged that the financial system is “awash with trillions of dollars in dirty money,” and has called on banks to help fix it.
Sep 25, 2020
European lawmakers and regulators react to FinCEN Files
The investigation on global banking has prompted action in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Portugal.