Free diving initiation sessions return to Stade Nautique Rainier III this summer

19/06/2025

Following the popularity of last year’s sessions, the Monaco Town Hall is once again partnering with the Club d’Exploration Sous-Marine de Monaco (C.E.S.M.M.) to offer a series of free introductory scuba diving experiences at the Stade Nautique Rainier III. The four dedicated dates—25th June, 16th July, 6th and 27th August 2025—promise to bring aquatic adventure to participants as young as eight years old.

Held within the iconic open-air pool complex along Port Hercule, these sessions offer a safe, fun and educational introduction to scuba diving, under the expert guidance of trained professionals from the C.E.S.M.M. All participants, regardless of prior experience, will be given basic diving instruction and the chance to take their first breaths underwater using real scuba equipment.

The activity itself is completely free, though standard entry to the pool must be paid, and advance reservation is required on-site.

Young divers aged under 18 must bring a signed parental authorisation form, downloadable from the Monaco Town Hall website.

Submerged in the spirit of summer

Whether you’re an adventurous child, a curious parent, or simply seeking to try something new, these diving days are a standout way to cool off and learn a new skill this summer.

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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Monaco enshrines shared custody in law to support child welfare after separation

by: Cassandra Tanti

19/06/2025

A landmark family law reform passed by Monaco’s National Council on 18th June formally recognises and regulates alternating residence for children of separated parents. Law no. 1.106 is designed to prioritise the child’s stability, welfare and rights in cases of family separation, while ensuring both parents remain equally involved in their upbringing.

Presenting the bill to the National Council, Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urbanism, affirmed that the child’s best interest remains a guiding principle for the Princely Government. The new legislation reinforces this by establishing a clear legal framework for alternating custody, aligning with previous reforms and reflecting commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. “This text, though concise, carries great ambition,” she said during the assembly, emphasising its lasting impact on family life in the Principality.

a modern approach to parental equality

The new law builds on existing legal tools introduced in 2003 and 2017, which first opened the door to shared custody arrangements. By formally embedding these provisions in civil law, Law no. 1.106 ensures a stable, predictable approach to co-parenting, even when parents disagree. Government and Council collaboration has been key to refining the bill’s scope and legal balance, with all proposed amendments accepted by the executive.

strengthening family resilience

Crucially, the law is not only about structure, but about support. It asserts that children should not bear the burden of adult disputes, and that the legal system has a role in safeguarding emotional and developmental continuity. “The law is a framework,” said Caron-Dagioni, “but also a guide, a guarantor, and sometimes a path to peace.”

Photo source: National Council of Monaco

Prince Albert II celebrates fifth Sohn Monaco Conference, uniting finance and philanthropy

by: Cassandra Tanti

19/06/2025

Under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Sohn Monaco Investment Conference returned for its fifth edition on 12th June at the Yacht Club de Monaco, drawing together Europe’s leading investors, policymakers, and philanthropists for a day that fused cutting-edge market insights with a powerful charitable mission.

Prince Albert’s presence underscored Monaco’s deep-rooted commitment to global health and scientific progress and also served as a poignant tribute to the philanthropic spirit at the heart of the conference. During the day, the Prince met with conference organisers, speakers, and beneficiaries, recognising their shared efforts in funding paediatric cancer research and pushing forward innovation in medical science.

A celebration of leadership and legacy

This year marked a milestone for the Sohn Monaco Conference, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the flagship Sohn New York event. Co-chairs Justin Hilbert and Florence Tournier were formally acknowledged for their enduring leadership in bringing the conference to the Principality. “We are proud to unveil a remarkable lineup of speakers, all joining us to invest in the future of children battling cancer,” they said, as they highlighted the dual mission of advancing finance and paediatric health.

Insightful investment pitches for a greater cause

As in previous years, the conference delivered investment insights from some of Europe’s most respected fund managers. Featured speakers included Ali Akay of Carrhae Capital, Pedro De Noronha of Noster Capital, Per Johansson of Origo Funds, Margaret Jones of Taconic Capital, Eric Knight of Knight Vinke Asset Management, and Per Lekander of Clean Energy Transition, among others. Their high-level presentations offered a glimpse into evolving strategies across sectors, while reinforcing the conference’s mission to channel finance toward tangible social impact.

Prominent guests reflect Monaco’s global reach

Adding to the calibre of the event were distinguished guests such as Pierre-André Chiappori, Monaco’s Minister of Finance, Jean-François Peyron, Research Director at Inserm, Olympic Taekwondo champion Pascal Gentil, and the co-founders of DĀNA Mécénat, Davina de Beaurepaire and Nathalie Chateau-Rudzinski. Their presence reflected the broad interdisciplinary support that Sohn Monaco continues to attract across science, policy, and philanthropy.

Investing in cures through collaboration

Proceeds from the 2025 edition—including ticket sales, raffle contributions and sponsorships—will directly support institutions such as the Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Department at the University Hospital of Nice, operated in conjunction with Inserm/C3M.

As the sun set over Port Hercules during the closing reception, attendees reflected not just on portfolio performance, but on the lives their investments help to change.

Photo provided

Sir Stelios doubles donations as gala raises €200,000 for Make A Wish International

by: Kyriaki Topalidou

19/06/2025

The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation raised €200,000 for Make-A-Wish International at ‘Together for Wishes’ fundraiser held at their Conference Hall in Monaco on 16th June. Founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, in an extraordinary gesture, matched all guests donations euro-for-euro.

International model and television personality Victoria Silvstedt hosted the evening, which brought together friends, philanthropists, and global change-makers in support of children battling critical illnesses worldwide.

The total amount raised includes all guests donations generously matched by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, doubling the impact of every pledge made during the night.

The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the Wishmaker of the Year 2025 award to Sir Stelios himself. Luciano Manzo, CEO of Make-A-Wish International, and Konstantine Antonopoulos, 2024 Wishmaker of the Year, jointly presented the award in recognition of his commitment to the Make-A-Wish mission.

Guests were also moved by the emotional testimony of Katerina Karaindrou, a child whose wish already came true, who shared her journey of hope and healing thanks to the wish that changed her life.

*Ms Katerina Karaindrou, Mr Konstantine Antonopoulos, Mrs Eleni Constantinidi, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Mr Luciano Manzo, photo credit: Alain Duprat*

“This evening was a celebration of hope,” said Sir Stelios. “Thanks to every guest who contributed and to the team who made the night possible, we are making real change in children’s lives.”

All proceeds from the event will go directly to Make-A-Wish International, helping to bring joy, strength, and hope to children and families who need it most.

The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation’s euro-for-euro matching commitment doubled the evening’s impact, amplifying the hope delivered to children around the world.

Main photo credit: Alain Duprat

Monaco highlights progress in anti-money laundering efforts amid EU grey listing

by: Cassandra Tanti

19/06/2025

At a pivotal meeting on 17th June, Monaco’s Coordination and Monitoring Committee for the national anti-money laundering strategy reaffirmed its commitment to financial transparency and reform. The gathering, chaired by Minister Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, showcased key improvements and addressed the Principality’s recent inclusion on the European Union’s high-risk list.

The dual sessions of the committee, which included both public and private stakeholders, reviewed Monaco’s latest report adopted by the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) plenary on 13th June. The report noted significant progress in achieving goals set under the ongoing ICRG monitoring process. These gains include strengthened institutional procedures and legal adjustments aligned with international expectations.

Reforms and legal evolution continue

Among the latest legal milestones is the Sovereign Ordinance no. 11.242, published on 30th May, which allows a magistrate to chair the sanctioning body of Monaco’s Financial Security Authority (AMSF). The government also announced the signing of an amendment to the 1963 Customs Convention with France and the introduction of two legislative texts: one on the judicial reserve and another converting a proposed law on plea bargaining into a government bill.

Clarifying Monaco’s EU listing context

Addressing recent media attention, officials reiterated that Monaco’s inclusion on the EU’s high-risk list stems automatically from its grey-listing by the FATF. This technical correlation, they stressed, does not reflect new shortcomings but follows standard EU procedures. The government has encouraged ongoing cooperation across all sectors, urging continued momentum ahead of the forthcoming MONEYVAL evaluation.

See also:

Greylist: FATF acknowledges Monaco’s robust progress in anti‑money laundering reforms

Photo credit: Stephane Danna, Government Communication Department

Monaco Police warn of sophisticated scams targeting public figures and executives

by: Cassandra Tanti

19/06/2025

Monaco’s Sûreté Publique has issued a public warning following a spate of attempted scams in which fraudsters impersonate high-level figures of the Principality. Using official-looking documents and spoofed calls, the frauds are designed to trick recipients—often company leaders or personal associates—into transferring money abroad.

According to the Sûreté Publique, these scams have grown increasingly sophisticated. Impostors are using electronic messages, video calls on platforms like WhatsApp, and forged documentation featuring official Monaco letterheads and apparently authentic signatures. In some cases, fraudulent calls appear to come directly from the telephone numbers of government agencies. The scams often revolve around fabricated financial emergencies, pressuring recipients into sending funds to foreign bank accounts.

A call for heightened vigilance

The public is urged to remain highly cautious and sceptical when receiving any unexpected or unusual communication of this nature. The police recommend that individuals verify all requests through direct, trustworthy channels and avoid acting on messages or calls that seem urgent or out of character. Anyone approached in this manner should contact Monaco’s Judicial Police Division immediately on +377 93 15 30 15 or via email at csco@gouv.mc.

Protecting the community from digital deception

These scams represent a concerning evolution in cyber-enabled fraud, targeting Monaco’s close-knit and high-profile community. Authorities say they are actively monitoring the situation and have reiterated their commitment to keeping residents informed and protected. As ever, vigilance remains the first line of defence against such threats.

Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Day: 19 June 2025