Last updated: 16 September 2026
The Cook Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (“CIFIU”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is committed to protecting personal information and handling it responsibly.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and share information through cifiu.gov.ck and communications associated with this website. It does not replace legal requirements governing financial intelligence, statutory reporting or investigations.
Information we collect
You can generally browse our website without providing your name or contact details.
When you contact us or submit information through an available website form, we may collect:
- Your name, email address, telephone number and organisation.
- Details of your enquiry or report.
- Documents and other information you choose to provide.
- Additional information needed to respond to or assess your enquiry.
Our website and hosting systems may also record technical information, such as your IP address, browser and device type, pages accessed, and the date and time of your visit.
Please provide only information relevant to your enquiry. Do not send passwords, PINs or one-time security codes.
How we use your information
We use information for purposes connected with its collection, including to:
- Respond to enquiries and provide assistance.
- Assess reports and undertake lawful follow-up.
- Carry out our statutory functions and meet legal obligations.
- Operate, maintain and protect our website.
- Identify technical problems, misuse or security threats.
If you choose not to provide information needed to assess an enquiry, we may be unable to respond fully or take further action.
Sensitive information and reporting
Information about suspected scams, financial misconduct or other matters within CIFIU’s responsibilities may be sensitive. We handle this information subject to applicable confidentiality and disclosure requirements.
We cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality, anonymity or updates on investigations where this would conflict with our legal responsibilities.
Reporting entities should use CIFIU’s designated reporting channels for statutory reports. A general website enquiry does not replace a required statutory report.
If you need to provide sensitive documents, contact us first to confirm the appropriate submission method.
Sharing information
We may share information where permitted or required by law, including with authorised law enforcement bodies, regulators, other financial intelligence units or competent authorities.
Authorised service providers supporting our website, hosting, IT security or communications may process information where necessary to provide those services, subject to appropriate safeguards.
We do not sell personal information or provide it to third parties for their own advertising purposes.
Cookies and technical information
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to support its operation, security and functionality. Cookies are small files stored on your device when you visit a website.
You can manage or delete cookies through your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may affect how parts of the website function.
Technical information recorded by website systems may be used to troubleshoot problems, maintain performance and help protect the website from misuse.
Storage and security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration or disclosure. Access is restricted to people who require it for authorised purposes.
No internet transmission or electronic storage system is completely secure. Please contact us before sending particularly sensitive information so we can advise on an appropriate submission method.
Where service providers store or process information on our behalf, including outside the Cook Islands where applicable, those arrangements must comply with applicable legal and confidentiality requirements.
Retaining information
We retain personal information for as long as necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, taking account of applicable legal, records-management and operational requirements.
Information connected with statutory reporting, investigations or legal proceedings may need to be retained for longer. Information is securely disposed of when it is no longer required and disposal is permitted.
Accessing or correcting your information
You may contact us to request access to personal information about you or to request a correction if you believe information is inaccurate or incomplete.
We may need to verify your identity before responding. Requests will be considered under applicable law.
Access or disclosure may be restricted where necessary to protect confidential information, another person’s privacy, an investigation or other legally protected interests. We may be unable to confirm whether particular intelligence or investigative information is held.
Links to other websites
Our website may contain links to external websites. Those websites operate under their own privacy policies and practices.
Please review their privacy policies before providing personal information.
Privacy concerns and complaints
If you have a concern about how we have handled your personal information, please contact us using the details below.
Describe your concern and provide a way for us to contact you. We will assess the matter and respond as appropriate, subject to applicable legal and confidentiality requirements.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes to our website, practices or legal responsibilities. The latest version will be published on this page with an updated date.
Contact us
For privacy enquiries, requests to access or correct personal information, or privacy complaints, contact:
Cook Islands Financial Intelligence Unit
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (+682) 29182
Address: Ground floor, Financial Supervisory Commission, Bermuda House, Tutakimoa Road, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Postal address: PO Box 594, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am–4.00pm, excluding public holidays.
Website: cifiu.gov.ck
Please mark your enquiry “Privacy enquiry” and provide enough information for us to understand and respond to your request.