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Month: October 2025

British Association of Monaco celebrates 90 years of community, continuity and care

by: Cassandra Tanti
27/10/2025

The British Association of Monaco (BAM), one of the oldest expat associations in the Principality, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this month, marking nearly a century of dedication to supporting the English-speaking community in Monaco and surrounding areas.

Founded on 30th October 1935, the British Association of Monaco began its journey under the leadership of Rear Admiral J.D. Nares, with Admiral Sir Ernest Gaunt as Vice Chairman and a committed group of committee members. What started as a modest initiative to serve British residents in Monaco has grown into a dynamic and respected organisation with a core mission rooted in community and care.

Even during the difficult years of the Second World War, when records from 1941 to 1945 are notably absent, the Association continued to represent British nationals, quietly assisting those in need and maintaining ties with the Consular corps and Princely Government. That commitment to welfare — discreet and deeply human — has remained the beating heart of BAM for nine decades.

A vital part of Monaco’s Anglophone community

Today, BAM has a thriving membership of 250 people and plays a central role in Monaco’s international community. Through its Community Support Team, the Association upholds strict confidentiality standards and assesses each welfare case with compassion and diligence, continuing its founding mission to provide help where it’s most needed.

“The British Association of Monaco was founded to bring together English-speaking people in Monaco and the surrounding areas,” said Yvonne Bernhardt, current President of BAM. “Our focus on welfare has continued through to the present day, and our Community Support Team maintains the same high standards as ever.”

Beyond welfare, BAM fosters connection and cultural exchange through a lively programme of regular monthly events, special celebrations — such as the annual tribute to the King’s Official Birthday — and a monthly newsletter that keeps members informed and engaged. The Association also works closely with Monaco’s administrative bodies, strengthening the bridge between the Anglophone community and local institutions.

Looking ahead with pride and purpose

As BAM enters its tenth decade, the Association continues to grow, powered by a voluntary committee and an enthusiastic team. The group is elected annually by members and works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the organisation active, inclusive and forward-looking.

“The Association continues to go from strength to strength,” said Bernhardt. “We are proud of our history, but just as proud of what we continue to offer today — friendship, support and a sense of belonging to a truly international community.”

From its beginnings in 1935 to its milestone 90th anniversary, the British Association of Monaco stands as a testament to enduring values of solidarity, service and community spirit in the heart of the Principality.

A special event will be held on Thursday 30th October at the offices of the International Hydrographic Organisation, where the first official meeting was held. Past presidents and former committee members will re-enact a “celebratory committee meeting” to mark the 90th anniversary of the British Association of Monaco.

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All photos provided by the British Association of Monaco 

Monaco launches Street Nav app to help people with reduced mobility

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
27/10/2025

Unveiled at a press conference on October 23rd, Street Nav provides real-time route guidance that takes into account stairs, slopes, lifts and roadworks across Monaco’s dense and hilly landscape. 

“This achievement reflects our commitment to implementing the Handipact policy aimed at including all people with disabilities,” said Christophe Robino, Minister of Social Affairs and Health. “This application will enable the movement of people with reduced mobility, whether they are residents, employees or visitors.”

The project represents a collaborative effort between the Department of Social Affairs and Health, the direction des services numeriques, and local disability associations, particularly the Association Monegasque Handicapes Moteurs.

Lionel Galfré, technical adviser and disability delegate, highlighted the importance of mobility for social inclusion. “People with disabilities who have mobility difficulties tend to stay at home due to the inadequacy of the world around them,” he said. “The more you stay at home, the more you become desocialised. Enabling people to go out means socialising, being autonomous.”

The development follows the principle of “nothing about us without us”, with people with disabilities placed at the heart of the design process rather than simply being consulted. This approach may have taken additional time but ensured the app would truly work for people’s daily needs.

During the launch of Street Nav, photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Direction de la Communication

Tackling Monaco’s unique terrain

Arthur Alba, co-founder of Street Nav, praised Monaco’s commitment despite the territory’s unique difficulties. “If someone had asked me which would be the last city to take on this challenge, I would have said Monaco before meeting you,” he admitted during the conference. “You have what I think is the most difficult territory.”

He describes mapping Monaco’s multi-level infrastructure as “an incredible technical and technological challenge,” with underground pedestrian passages, lifts connecting different street levels, and complex vertical connections requiring precise digital mapping to ensure accessibility information was accurate.

Arthur Alba, co-founder of Street Nav, photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Direction de la Communication

The app works alongside Street Co, a companion application that allows trained local ambassadors and residents to report obstacles in real time. This data feeds directly into Street Nav, ensuring route information remains current.

What is truly remarkable about the app, is that it adapts to individual users’ needs. Rather than simply avoiding obstacles by default, it displays them and allows users to describe whether they can navigate them based on their specific circumstances.

The application also features strong digital accessibility, with simplified interfaces for users with cognitive disabilities and support for blind and visually impaired users through audio guidance and a compass function that vibrates when users face the correct direction.

The app is free to download and requires no account creation or personal information. Additionally, it automatically translates into users’ phone language and currently supports five languages, with more to be added soon.

According to Alba, users of Street Nav typically report going out one additional day per week, which translates to more than 50 extra days per year for people who may otherwise rarely leave home.

Monaco’s adoption has already inspired neighbouring cities in the Alpes-Maritimes region, with Cannes, Beausoleil and Le Cannet deploying the technology soon.

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Main photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Direction de la Communication

FATF recognises Monaco’s progress on anti-money laundering reforms, but work remains

by: Cassandra Tanti
27/10/2025

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has acknowledged Monaco’s “steps towards improving” its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) regime, following a review during its plenary session held in Paris from 22nd to 24th October.

In its post-plenary statement, the FATF acknowledged that Monaco has made tangible progress since committing in June 2024 to address weaknesses in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework. Key improvements include expanded resources for the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), stronger international cooperation to trace and confiscate criminal assets, and greater prosecutorial capacity.

“Since June 2024, when Monaco made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MONEYVAL to strengthen the effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime, Monaco has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime on many of its action items,” the FATF said. These included “demonstrating a sustained increase in outbound requests to identify and seek the seizure of criminal assets abroad, completing its resourcing program for its FIU, enhancing judicial efficiency by increasing resources for prosecutors and increasing the seizure of property suspected to derive from criminal activities.”

However, the FATF also called on Monaco to continue implementing its action plan in three key areas: enhancing the application of sanctions for AML/CFT breaches, improving the timeliness of suspicious transaction reporting, and ensuring sanctions for money laundering offences are proportionate, dissuasive and effectively enforced.

Progress report adopted in Paris

A Monegasque delegation presented its second official progress report during the plenary session in Paris. According to the Monaco government, this report — part of an agreed timetable set in June 2024 — outlines reforms already completed, some ahead of schedule.

Authorities in the Principality highlighted a broad national effort behind the improvements, including the strengthening of the FIU, the recruitment of three magistrates to boost capacity within the General Prosecutor’s Office, and an increase in the seizure of criminal assets both domestically and through international cooperation.

The government also underlined that these reforms were not limited to actions scheduled for the current phase of the FATF review but form part of a long-term strategy driven by Monaco’s national coordination committee and supported by a permanent secretariat created in 2024.

Still on the grey list, under continued scrutiny

Monaco remains under increased monitoring by the FATF — a designation that does not trigger automatic sanctions or restrictions, but does signal that strategic deficiencies remain. The FATF does not call for enhanced due diligence against such jurisdictions but encourages countries to take a risk-based approach.

In total, Monaco was one of 19 countries whose progress was reviewed during the October 2025 plenary. Others include Algeria, Lebanon, Venezuela, and the Virgin Islands. The FATF has reiterated its call for all jurisdictions under increased monitoring to complete their action plans “expeditiously and within the agreed timeframes”.

The Principality says it remains fully committed to this process. “Monaco will continue its close cooperation with the FATF and Moneyval,” a government statement said, “with the aim of completing the action plan and leaving the grey list as soon as possible.”

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Photo credit: Richard McCreery, Monaco Life

Leclerc holds off Verstappen as Norris storms to victory and championship lead in Mexico

by: Cassandra Tanti
27/10/2025

Charles Leclerc delivered another commanding drive for Ferrari in Mexico City on 26th October, fending off a late challenge from Max Verstappen to claim second place behind a dominant Lando Norris, whose flawless performance secured him the race win and, crucially, the lead in the drivers’ championship.

The Monegasque star continued his fine run of form following last weekend’s success in Austin, clinching his seventh podium of the season and the 50th of his Formula 1 career. It was also a milestone for Ferrari, marking their 836th podium finish. Leclerc started the race in second, behind pole-sitter Norris, and fought off early pressure from teammate Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen. As the laps unfolded, he committed to a one-stop strategy on Medium tyres — a gamble that paid off thanks in part to a timely Virtual Safety Car caused by Carlos Sainz retiring his Ferrari on lap 65.

“We didn’t come here expecting to replicate what we did in Austin,” said Leclerc after the race. “But we executed a second great weekend, this time one step higher on the podium. I was tempted to stop a second time, but decided to stick with the Mediums and make it work. We had some luck with the Virtual Safety Car, which definitely helped with Max closing in.”

Hamilton penalised, Verstappen fights back

Lewis Hamilton’s race was hampered early on by a dramatic tussle with Verstappen on lap six, during which the Dutchman was forced onto the grass. A subsequent clash between the pair led to the stewards handing Hamilton a 10-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. He served the penalty during his pit stop on lap 23, rejoining in 14th before eventually finishing outside the podium places in seventh.

Verstappen, meanwhile, recovered from his early incidents to secure third place, but admitted post-race that the pace shown by Norris had been “chastening”. The Red Bull driver remains in the title fight but now sits 36 points behind the McLaren driver with just four races remaining.

Norris delivers flawless drive to reignite title hopes

The day, however, belonged to Lando Norris. The McLaren driver was in a class of his own from the moment he took over the car from rookie Pato O’Ward in second practice. His pole lap was one of the most impressive of the season, and in the race he managed the pressure at the start and maintained control throughout.

“In a way, I think it’s just my best performance through a whole weekend,” said Norris. “Every weekend’s a fresh start, and this weekend I just put everything together. We’ve been good for a few races now, and this win puts us right where we want to be.”

This victory marks Norris’ fourth of the season and moves him back ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri in the standings — a significant swing in momentum after a mid-season dip.

Piastri struggles as McLaren sharpens title focus

For Piastri, the weekend was one of damage limitation. He qualified nearly six-tenths behind Norris and spent the race battling through traffic to salvage a fifth-place finish. Team Principal Andrea Stella pointed to the low-grip conditions in Mexico as a factor, suggesting Norris’ adaptability gave him the edge.

“There’s no reason to think one of the final four races will favour one driver over the other,” said Stella. “But what’s clear now is that we have a car capable of dominating, and that’s the key to putting both our drivers in position to fight for the championship.”

With four races to go, McLaren has positioned itself as the team to beat in the 2025 title run-in, while Ferrari and Red Bull remain in hot pursuit.

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Photo source: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre

Track day thrills: Monaco’s BPM Exclusive hosts festival of horsepower at Paul Ricard

by: Richard McCreery
26/10/2025

For the third year in a row, the Paul Ricard race track in the Var was taken over by the 15 car brands represented in Monaco by the BPM Exclusive group to create a truly unforgettable day for their lucky clients. In what can only be described as a festival atmosphere, the 650 invitation-only guests were able to immerse themselves in the world of luxury and sports cars like nowhere else. 

A range of cars were available for test drives on the road, while owners could also bring their own cars and drive them on the track. Guests were invited to enjoy ‘hot laps’ around the circuit with a professional driver, there was an exciting off-road adventure, and the chance to see some very special race cars in action. For car lovers, it doesn’t get much better than this. 

Unlike a traditional car show where most of the exhibits are stationary, here you are surrounded by supercars, race cars and the like, all busy showing what they can do. The Paul Ricard pit lane was transformed into a series of showrooms for Ferrari, Pagani, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, McLaren and Maserati, to name just a few, with race cars from those marques constantly rolling in and out of the pits. You rarely have the opportunity to just wander around in such a special environment, to get this close up to such unique vehicles and to speak to the people who are tasked with maintaining the reputation and the legends that they carry on their shoulders. If you want to create the right atmosphere to show off sports cars, the pit lane on a race track is ideal. 

Guests had a chance to choose from several cars for a test drive, such as a Ferrari, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, McLaren or Range Rover. The area around the circuit offers a chance to drive on open roads, away from the traffic of the city.

First, we tried a McLaren 750s, painted in an eye-catching colour called Tokyo Cyan, with scissor doors and a hard roof that stows away in four seconds – longer than it takes for the car to get to 100km/h. With 750bhp in a car that only weighs 1,389kg, the temptation is to test the agility and acceleration at every opportunity, but it’s also very easy to drive, let’s say, normally. However, at all times, it feels incredibly special and it’s apparent why McLaren is so popular in Monaco. 

From extreme sports to extreme luxury, we then jumped into the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, a spellbinding combination of elegance, engineering prowess and modern technology. I don’t think there is any other car manufacturer in the world who marries these characteristics with quite the same success, and this becomes apparent the moment you set off.

The car has a calming effect on the driver that is hard to explain, you can’t imagine ever experiencing road rage whilst at the wheel of a Rolls as the driver is transported serenely from luxury abode to luxury destination. You wouldn’t want to hand this over to a chauffeur, you’d be missing out. 

Hopping into the shuttle bus (actually a Bentley Bentayga) to get to the Paul Ricard Driving Centre a couple of minutes from the main track, on arrival guests are offered a choice of McLaren Artura, Maserati Granturismo, Rolls-Royce Spectre or Bentley Continental to hustle round the smaller circuit.

The fourth generation Bentley Continental GT Speed is the perfect blend of sportiness and comfortable luxury, with a hybrid powertrain that acts like an electric cattle prod to the thunderous V8 petrol engine when you plant your right foot on the accelerator. Cars like this should come with a health warning because on the track the engine noise, the speed and the thrill of trying to keep up with the car in front are all totally addictive. It might not be a precise track weapon like the McLaren, although it certainly out-corners the three tonne Rolls-Royce Spectre, but you’ll want to keep on the gas as long as possible before you come to the end of the straight, if only to experience that engine roar for a tiny bit longer. 

The Paul Ricard circuit also has an offroad course where guests could test the all-wheel drive abilities of several  of BPM Exclusive’s SUVs. Having climbed onboard a monster truck-style Mercedes G-Wagon 4×4² powered 100% by bioethanol, the Offroad Club Monaco showed us what kind of terrain an experienced driver can cross in the right vehicle, surging through a water tank with ease and powering up a slope so steep you’d struggle to walk up it. And it isn’t every day that you see a Bentley Bentayga bursting though the undergrowth either, but it is a great opportunity to illustrate that luxury SUVs are capable of much more than just the school run. 

Another treat for the guests was the unveiling of the white and gold-coloured Pagani Huayra R Evo Roadster, which is a track-only special with 888bhp and a long-tail body that increases downforce by 45% over the standard car. The race-ready McLaren Artura Trophy and the extremely desirable Ferrari SF90XX were also exclusively revealed on the day. And in a spectacular finale, the many cars that had participated in the event formed a huge parade on the track, the noise of all those engines highlighting the thousands of horsepower that came together at the Paul Ricard circuit. 

Car lovers at the BPM Exclusive Experience Day were in heaven and, like me, they probably spent the day with a smile on their face. It’s like a miniature Goodwood Festival of Speed, a brilliant way to present many of the world’s finest luxury and sports cars in a fun and exciting setting, so much so that ordinary car shows are going to feel a bit boring by comparison. To be able to see, touch, hear and drive such a wide range of very special cars in one place is not only an effective method to sell cars, it is also a way to highlight the things that people love about cars – the speed, the power, the engineering, the glamour, the excitement and the whole atmosphere that it all creates. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event. 

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All photos credit: Richard McCreery

Football: Sébastien Pocognoli earns first win as Monaco manager

by: Luke Entwistle
25/10/2025
Mohammed Salisu celebrates his early opener against Toulouse at the Stade Louis II

Following back-to-back draws, Sébastien Pocognoli got his first win as manager of AS Monaco, beating Toulouse 1-0 at the Stade Louis II on Saturday night.

Four successive draws, two under Adi Hutter and then two under Pocognoli, preceded Le TéFéCé’s visit to the Principality. However, the overriding feeling was one of optimism coming into this game. Even Thomas Frank believed that Monaco deserved more than just one point when Tottenham Hotspur came to town on Wednesday.

But the draw extended what was a barren run both in the league and in Europe, and one that Pocognoli was desperate to bring to an end. They went about it in the right way, getting onto the front foot in the opening exchanges. From a Kassoum Outtara ball into the box, the onrushing Mohammed Salisu found the far corner to build on a positive fortnight. A goal-scorer while on international duty with Ghana, he put in his best performance of the season against Tottenham and signed his timely return to form with another strong display.

Restes keeps Toulouse in the game

Within six minutes, Monaco could have doubled their advantage, but this time, Guillaume Restes was equal to the effort as he rushed off his line to make the save. He then made another big save to deny Folarin Balogun later in the half, before Fati failed to hit the target on the rebound.

After being denied by a goalkeeping masterclass in midweek, Pocognoli would have been fearing a repeat as Restes kept Toulouse in the game. Whilst Le TéFéCé rarely threatened Philipp Kohn in the Monaco goal, they were an ever-present threat with their set-pieces and long throws, the likes of which unsettled the Monégasque defence in midweek.

Restes continued to thwart the hosts in the second half. George Ilenikhena, off the bench, looked to chip the France youth international but misjudged his long-range effort, but his best save of the night was reserved for another substitute, Pape Cabral. The Monaco academy product’s shot was saved by the Toulouse goalkeeper, whose trailing hand diverted the ball back towards Cabral, whose rebound did beat Restes but not the post.

A first win in over a month for Monaco

It made for a nervy finish, but Monaco held on to win their first game in Ligue 1 since 21st September. “It’s a good feeling after five games without a win. A goal and a clean sheet, I am very happy,” reacted Salisu. Under Hutter, there were often results but rarely performances. In the opening two games of the Pocognoli era, there were performances but not the results to match, but against Toulouse, Monaco had both.

Provisionally back on the podium in Ligue 1, the Principality club will hope that this is a turning point. CEO Thiago Scuro said at the time of Pocognoli’s appointment that the club had their season’s objectives “under control”. It is through the newfound defensive solidity and improved performances heralded by the Belgian’s arrival that they will reach them.

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Photo source: AS Monaco