Winners and awardees of the International Olympiad on Financial Security not only enjoy privileges when applying to universities of the International Network AML/CFT Institute but also attract the attention of potential employers within the banking sector and national financial intelligence units. Some of the finalists receive unique offers and invitations for interviews at national financial institutions and agencies.
Among those who received an offer is Nursuluu Kozhonazarova, the winner of the II International Olympiad on Financial Security, embarking on her career at the State Financial Intelligence Service under the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic.
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ITMCFM: Please tell us about your experience at the International Olympiad on Financial Security. How did you discover it, and what compelled you to participate?
Nursuluu: I first learned about the International Financial Security Olympiad at my university – the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic named after Zhusup Abdrakhmanov. The Academy’s website featured details about the selection process for the Republican Olympiad on Financial Security. At first, I doubted my chances, believing this field had little relevance to my academic focus in state and municipal management. However, I opted to challenge myself, selecting Jurisprudence as my preferred Olympiad subject. I took the test at the Academy, securing a score that advanced me to the subsequent stage of the Republican Olympiad. There, I achieved commendable results and got the 3rd place. This accomplishment granted me a spot in the national Kyrgyz team, and allowed me to take part in the International Olympiad on Financial Security and ultimately in the Olympiad finals at Sirius.
ITMCFM: What have you gained from participating in the Olympiad?
Nursuluu: First of all, I gained extensive knowledge in the field of financial security, particularly AML/CFT. I apply this knowledge in my daily life and in my work, constantly striving for further enrichment. Additionally, I forged new connections during the Olympiad finals, which spanned over a week and was replete with engaging events. It stands out as one of the defining moments of my life, featuring encounters with educators, experts, and, notably, exceptional young individuals from across the globe, many of whom I maintain contact with. Recently, I learned that a close friend from Uzbekistan, Dinislam, competed at the III International Olympiad on Financial Security in 2023 and was one of the winners, which I am very happy about.
ITMCFM: Your current position at the State Financial Intelligence Service – what motivated your choice and what does your role entail? Have your expectations of working in financial intelligence been met?
Nursuluu: Absolutely! I am currently employed at the State Financial Intelligence Service. Following the Olympiad, I realized a profound interest in this field and had a great desire to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, immersing myself in financial intelligence work.
Simultaneously invited to interviews at both the State Financial Intelligence Service and the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, I opted for the former due to the captivating nature of financial intelligence. Although I am still in the early stages of my tenure, I acknowledge there is much to absorb. Nevertheless, the reality of working within the financial intelligence unit surpasses my initial expectations, proving to be more challenging and intriguing than anticipated. I envision a future where I evolve into a financial security expert within this field.
