Lisette Heerze appointed Acting Head of the Netherlands Financial Intelligence Unit

As of 1 February, Lisette Heerze has been appointed Acting Head of the Netherlands Financial Intelligence Unit for an indefinite period. Her temporary appointment ensures continuity of leadership following the departure of Hennie Verbeek-Kusters, who has taken up a new role elsewhere.

Heerze holds master’s degrees in European Studies and European Politics & Public Administration. She began her career at the European Parliament before moving to ABN AMRO. After several years in the telecommunications sector in London, she spent a decade at the General Intelligence and Security Service, where she served as head of an operational team and later led the foreign relations department.

In 2013, Heerze joined Shell as Cluster Security Manager before transitioning to the Dutch police. There, she served as Head of the International Cooperation Department, Deputy Head of Operations in Amsterdam, and later took responsibility for the Financial and Economic Crime portfolio.

Extensive experience

With a strong background in international cooperation, organisational development, and European decision-making processes in Brussels, Heerze is well suited to guide the organisation during this transition phase. In her new role, she will focus on implementing the European Anti-Money Laundering (AML) package and strengthening collaboration with national and international partners across the public and private sectors.

Well positioned for transition

“We are delighted to welcome Lisette Heerze as Acting Head,” the management team said. “She brings extensive knowledge and experience and is well positioned to lead the organisation through this transitional period. We look forward to working closely with her.”

A crucial role in combating financial crime

Heerze commented: “I am very much looking forward to this new challenge. I thrive in dynamic, ambitious environments where diverse interests come together. This role combines intelligence, investigation, international cooperation, and public–private collaboration. The organisation plays a crucial role in the fight against money laundering. Having previously overseen the Financial and Economic Crime portfolio, I am familiar with the challenges ahead and look forward to providing leadership during this period.”