30th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Terrorism and Illicit Financing

Mr. Walsh reaffirmed his strong opposition to terrorism and praised the young cadets for choosing a path of integrity and service. He highlighted El Salvador’s years-long transformation toward security and stability, noting that its success now brings new responsibilities—particularly in modernizing financial systems, strengthening banking infrastructure, and embracing emerging digital assets such as stablecoins and cryptocurrencies.

Mr. Walsh stressed the urgency of updating transaction monitoring, artificial intelligence, and compliance frameworks to stay ahead of rapidly evolving criminal networks. He emphasized the importance of transparency, information-sharing, and public-private cooperation, warning that secrecy weakens collective security. Drawing on his international experience, he noted that El Salvador’s progress positions it as a regional leader with a duty to support other nations.

He warned that terrorist groups, organized crime, and hostile actors seek to undermine El Salvador’s success, underscoring the need for coordinated global responses. Mr. Walsh concluded by urging regulatory modernization, greater financial inclusion, and continued international cooperation, affirming that El Salvador’s achievements are closely watched and widely supported worldwide.