Organisations that meet the definition of a reporting institution under the Financial Transactions Reporting Act 2017 must maintain effective systems and controls to identify reportable activity and submit prescribed reports to the Cook Islands Financial Intelligence Unit.
Timely, accurate and complete reporting supports CIFIU’s analysis of financial misconduct and helps protect the integrity of the Cook Islands financial system.
Review the purpose and timing of each report type below.
Each report button currently opens a temporary login page.
Provide complete information and retain supporting records.
An organisation is a reporting institution when, as a business, it undertakes an activity specified in the Financial Transactions Reporting Regulations 2017. Obligations apply according to the activities undertaken and the nature of the customer relationship or transaction.
This includes banks, insurers, trustee and corporate service providers, money-changing and remittance businesses, and other regulated financial-service providers undertaking activities covered by the legislation.
This may include real-estate businesses, high-value item dealers, lawyers and accountants when performing specified services, and other businesses or professions carrying out activities listed in the Regulations.
Unsure whether your organisation is covered? Review the legislation and sector guidance on the Laws and Guidance page or contact CIFIU before submitting.
Select the report type that best matches the activity. Each button opens the temporary reporting-login page and passes the selected report type to that page.
Report suspicious activity connected with an ongoing business relationship, a completed or intended transaction, or information that gives rise to knowledge, suspicion or reasonable grounds to suspect financial misconduct or a serious offence. There is no monetary threshold.
Timing: Normally within 2 working days; within 24 hours where the activity concerns a person of interest.
Report cash transactions valued at NZ$10,000 or more, including the foreign-currency equivalent, in accordance with section 45 of the Financial Transactions Reporting Act 2017.
Timing: Within 3 working days.
For reporting institutions undertaking banking or money-transfer services, report electronic funds transfers into or out of the Cook Islands in accordance with section 46 and applicable exclusions.
Timing: Submit electronically in batches within 5 working days.
Report the physical movement, sending or receipt of covered currency across the Cook Islands border where the total value is NZ$10,000 or more, as required under the currency-declaration framework.
Timing: Complete the declaration at the time required for the relevant border movement, sending or receipt.
Report qualifying transactions involving cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, virtual assets, digital wallets, electronic money, mobile-payment systems and other forms of digitally transferred value.
Timing: Follow the applicable CIFIU direction and reporting requirements.
Use the applicable legislation, regulations and CIFIU guidance when preparing a report. The points below are a practical summary and do not replace the legal requirements.
Provide full and correct information, explain the relevant activity clearly, and include the identifiers and supporting details required by the selected form.
Apply the statutory timeframe for the report type. If a suspicious activity report concerns a person of interest, the shorter 24-hour timeframe applies.
Keep the report, relevant supporting records and the reporting register securely for at least six years, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
Do not disclose knowledge or suspicion, the existence or content of a suspicious activity report, or information that could prejudice an investigation. Restrict access to authorised personnel and use secure reporting channels.
This page summarises key reporting requirements drawn from the Financial Transactions Reporting Act 2017, Financial Transactions Reporting Regulations 2017, CIFIU practice guidance and the currency-declaration framework. It is general information and is not legal advice.
Contact CIFIU before submitting if you are uncertain about the correct report type or the information required. Do not include sensitive customer information in an ordinary enquiry unless CIFIU instructs you to use an approved secure channel.
