Prince Albert II inaugurated the 15th edition of Les Journées de l’Art-Bre, the open-air contemporary-art exhibition in neighbouring Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, on Thursday 17th September, unveiling a bust of André Malraux as this year’s event honours the 50th anniversary of the French writer’s death. The Sovereign was welcomed to the French commune by its mayor, Patrick Césari, alongside Martine Césari, president of the tourist office, and Anne-Hélène Mazzoni, director of its tourism events office.
Held each September in the olive grove of the Parc du Cap Martin, Les Journées de l’Art-Bre scatters sculptures and other works through the trees — the name a play on the French word “arbre”, or tree. The free, open-air exhibition, staged as part of the commune’s heritage season, has grown over 15 editions into a fixture of the local cultural calendar, and Prince Albert II has long attended as its guest of honour. Among its permanent features is a trail of busts honouring the many figures who once lived in or passed through Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, from Coco Chanel and Winston Churchill to Joséphine Baker and Jacques Brel.
Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier de Monaco
This year’s edition is dedicated to André Malraux, the novelist, art theorist and statesman — author of La Condition Humaine — who served as France’s first Minister of Cultural Affairs under Charles de Gaulle and died in 1976.
The works on show
The centrepiece of the Prince’s visit was the unveiling of the Malraux bust, created by the artist Cyril de la Patellière, who was present for the ceremony. The Sovereign also saw the unveiling of a work titled “Poséidon” and viewed a portrait of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace by the artist Marcos Marin, before discovering “suspensions” and “basse-cour”, two pieces by Martin Caminiti. The inauguration closed with a speech by the mayor.
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Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier de Monaco
Monaco’s financial crime watchdog blocks €87 million as reports hit record high
Monaco’s financial-crime watchdog froze more than €87 million in suspect transactions, increased its inspections by half and imposed fines of up to €800,000 in 2025 – a year that saw the regulator markedly toughen its enforcement. Suspicious-activity reports also reached a record, as the authority pushed its scrutiny well beyond the banks and into property, luxury goods, yachting and corporate services.
The figures come from the annual report of the Autorité Monégasque de Sécurité Financière (AMSF), which describes 2025 as “a year of strong acceleration” in the Principality’s fight against financial crime. Across reporting, supervision and enforcement, it points to a regulator that is both bigger and more assertive than a year earlier.
The AMSF suspended 10 transactions during the year, together worth more than €87 million. This power allows the authority to temporarily stop an operation linked to a suspicious transaction report when the seriousness or urgency of the case warrants intervention.
All 10 cases were subsequently referred to the General Prosecutor’s Office. One of the suspensions followed a request from a foreign financial-intelligence unit.
Overall, the AMSF’s Financial Intelligence Unit sent 73 reports to prosecutors in 2025, representing a 59% increase compared with the previous year.
Suspicious transaction reports reach record level
The rise in referrals followed another record year for suspicious transaction reporting. The AMSF received 1,479 reports in 2025, up 9.5% from 2024 and more than double the 685 recorded in 2021.
Banks remained the largest source, accounting for 855 reports, or almost 58% of the total. However, reporting also continued to increase across other regulated sectors, indicating that anti-money laundering obligations are becoming more firmly established beyond traditional financial institutions.
Non-financial professions submitted 578 reports, an increase of 14%. Gaming establishments accounted for 235, followed by notaries with 97, real estate agents with 61 and accountants with 57.
Reports from company service providers increased by 71%, while submissions from portfolio management companies rose by 87%.
Inspections and follow-up action intensify
The authority also stepped up its direct supervision of regulated businesses, conducting 54 on-site inspections during the year – 50% more than in 2024.
It completed 54 follow-up procedures, compared with only nine the previous year, as it placed greater emphasis on whether businesses corrected weaknesses identified during inspections. Those weaknesses continued to involve customer due diligence, risk classifications, the verification of sources of wealth and funds, politically exposed persons and transaction monitoring.
Meanwhile, engagement with STRIX, the AMSF’s risk-assessment platform, improved significantly. The authority received 1,294 responses, with the participation rate rising from 84% to 96%.
But compliance with mandatory annual activity reporting was considerably weaker. The AMSF received 631 reports, representing only 59% of the businesses required to submit one.
The rate varied sharply between sectors. Banks recorded a 90% submission rate, compared with just 23% in the yachting industry and 20% among traders in high-value goods.
Hundreds of penalties issued
The AMSF issued 803 formal notices during 2025, mainly to businesses that had failed to submit internal-control procedures or complete the STRIX questionnaire. More than 80% subsequently corrected their position. However, the authority still imposed 166 simplified penalties totalling €384,500.
Seven more serious cases resulted in formal sanction decisions, including a fine of €800,000 issued to Landmark Management SAM and €500,000 against International Corporate Structuring SARL (ICS).
A bigger, busier regulator
The expansion was underpinned by 20 new recruits and a new Legal Department, which between March and December alone fielded nearly 500 queries from regulated businesses on Monaco’s anti-money-laundering rules, due-diligence duties and the treatment of politically exposed persons.
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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti
Monaco United claims historic first Monaco women’s derby
For the first time in history, Monaco United faced AS Monaco FF in the Monaco derby, resulting in a 3-1 victory for Monaco United. The match was filled with passion and emotion, carrying significance beyond the result itself, with an enthusiastic crowd contributing to the atmosphere.
“It was a great opportunity to show that women’s football has its place in the Principality, that it is developing, and that it deserves all the attention it can receive,” said Monaco United coach Marco Simone.
AS Monaco FF opened the scoring first; however, Monaco United remained organised and gradually regained control of possession. This allowed captain of the day, Rachel Robert, to level the score at 1-1 just minutes before half-time. Reflecting on the opening half, she said, “The start of the match was difficult, and it took us some time to impose our rhythm.”
Following the break, Monaco United prioritised regaining greater control of the game and improving its decision-making. The second half also demonstrated the importance of substitutes as several players came on to help maintain the high intensity throughout the remainder of the match.
Monaco United’s Jade Prault won a penalty after a foul from the opposing goalkeeper. Robert stepped up to take the penalty, converting to give Monaco United a 2-1 lead. Léa Rosenberger added to this lead with one of her first touches after stepping onto the pitch. This goal gave Monaco United a level of comfort heading into the closing minutes.
A HISTORIC DERBY VICTORY
The final scoreboard read 3-1 in favor of Monaco United, making the team the first-ever winners of the Monaco women’s football derby. This match marked another strong performance from the team in the second season of its history. With clear ambitions for the 2026-2027 season, the club stepped up in a moment that will certainly remain one of the key fixtures of the season.
“What we are building at Monaco United is not limited to a season or a result,” Simone said. “We want to develop a genuine sporting project with a culture of hard work that will allow us to improve year after year.”
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Gere Foundation have signed an agreement to explore joint initiatives in environmental protection and planetary health.
The memorandum of understanding was signed in Monaco on Saturday 19th September by Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II Foundation, and Ana Buitrago, President and CEO of the Gere Foundation, in the presence of actor and humanitarian Richard Gere.
The agreement does not yet establish a specific project or funding commitment. Instead, it creates a framework through which the two organisations can identify areas of common interest, share knowledge and expertise, promote environmental initiatives and draw on their respective international networks.
“Both foundations share a belief that compassion and responsibility must translate into meaningful action,” said Gere. “I am very pleased to see our organisations open this new chapter together and explore how our experience, networks and shared concerns can contribute to protecting the planet and building a more sustainable future.”
Richard Gere with Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II Foundation, and Ana Buitrago, President and CEO of the Gere Foundation. Photo source: FPA2
Connecting environmental action and community responsibility
The Gere Foundation supports organisations and initiatives working in areas including human and civil rights, community responsibility and environmental protection.
Gere’s environmental involvement includes the Sierra A Mar initiative in Mexico, which brings together local communities, government agencies, developers and other partners to promote regenerative, nature-based development.
For the Prince Albert II Foundation, the agreement expands its network of international partners working across environmental and community-based projects.
“Addressing environmental challenges requires organisations to work across sectors and communities, bringing together different forms of expertise and experience,” said Ciarlet. “This agreement gives us the opportunity to identify areas where our respective strengths can complement one another and support meaningful action for the planet.”
Richard Gere marks Foundation’s 20th anniversary in Monaco
The agreement was signed during a private screening of Wisdom of Happiness at the Théâtre Princesse Grace. Executive-produced by Gere, the documentary features the Dalai Lama reflecting on compassion, inner peace and happiness amid the challenges of the 21st century.
The screening was followed by a discussion with Gere and Tencho Gyatso, the Dalai Lama’s niece and President of the International Campaign for Tibet.
Gere was in Monaco for events marking the 20th anniversary of the Prince Albert II Foundation. The previous evening, he joined Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene as a guest of honour at the Foundation’s anniversary gala at the Salle Garnier.
During the gala auction, Gere offered a private lunch or dinner with himself as one of the fundraising lots supporting the Foundation’s environmental work.
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Main photo: Prince Albert II with Richard Gere at the Palace, credit: Michael Alesi
Forget Me Not walk brings Monaco together for Alzheimer’s
Around 100 people took part in Monaco’s inaugural Forget Me Not walk on Saturday 12th September, joining a five-kilometre route through the Principality in support of families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Created by Danish fashion designer Isabell Kristensen, the event raised funds for the Association Monégasque pour la Recherche sur la Maladie d’Alzheimer (AMPA), with 100% of registration fees pledged directly to the Monaco-based association.
The initiative was inspired by Kristensen’s experience of losing her father to Alzheimer’s disease less than a year ago. Participants were invited to dedicate their walk to someone they wished to remember, honour or celebrate.
A five-kilometre journey through Monaco
The morning began outside the Isabell Kristensen boutique in Monaco-Ville before continuing through several locations across the Principality.
At Place du Palais, walkers gathered for a moment of reflection, accompanied by models wearing Kristensen’s designs and dancers. Participants then carried light-blue parasols towards the Princess Grace Japanese Garden, where a memory-themed treasure hunt formed part of the programme. The route concluded back in Monaco-Ville.
Fashion, art and movement were incorporated throughout the event as a way of addressing Alzheimer’s disease through shared memories and community participation.
Supporting Alzheimer’s research and families
AMPA supports scientific research and exchange, raises public awareness and assists people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families in Monaco.
The walk was held ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day on 21st September and was intended to create a positive space for people whose lives have been affected by the disease.
Following the turnout for the first edition, Kristensen said she hopes Forget Me Not will become an annual event in Monaco, with the possibility of eventually expanding the concept internationally.
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Re-engineering the coastline: Insights from the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous
Held from 20th to 21st September at the Yacht Club de Monaco, the 6th edition of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous brought together international industry leaders to advance sustainable maritime development.
“By uniting innovators, scientists, and green bankers right here in the capital of advanced yachting, the Yacht Club de Monaco and M3 are proving that the future of maritime business isn’t just about sailing forward – it’s about thinking completely outside the box,” Neity Maddock, moderator and yachting industry specialist, told the audience.
Nemo’s Garden. Photo credit: Virginia D’Umas
Nature as a partner: Ecology, engineering, and climate adaptation
Opening with a live call connecting directly from an underwater biosphere dome, the biodiversity conference began its second day with a scientist broadcasting straight from Nemo’s Garden – an innovative experimental underwater farm located off the coast of Noli on the Italian Riviera in Liguria, Italy. Submerged 40 to 80 metres off the shoreline in the Ligurian Sea at a depth of 6 to 10 metres, the project uses transparent, air-filled biospheres anchored to the seafloor to grow terrestrial plants like basil, herbs, and strawberries using natural solar heat and water condensation.
Following the live sub-surface broadcast, Luca Gamberini, head of marketing and co-founder, took the stage to elaborate on this innovative approach, explaining: “We are doing underwater growing with terrestrial plants in the most sustainable way possible – without artificial energy, external freshwater supplies or pesticides. At the same time, we are turning this environmental innovation into an engaging experience for visitors.”
From left to right: Dr. Megan Clampitt (Ponant), Sofía Sonsoles Doyágüez Sánchez (Go Bridge The Gap), Luca Gamberini (Nemo’s Garden) and Gonca Melek Özkan (Setur Marinas). Photo credit: Mesi
Building on this theme of immersive and sustainable environments, the session featured Dr. Megan Clampitt of Ponant, who highlighted how luxury travel and polar exploration intersect through research: “Operating polar exploration vessels allows us to reach remote areas that other ships simply cannot access. By welcoming scientists on board through rigorous committee selection and logistical planning, we turn luxury travel into a platform for vital research. Ultimately, science and tourism share a common heartbeat: discovery. Integrating scientific research into our voyages not only protects and expands our knowledge of extreme environments, but it also elevates the entire journey for our guests.”
Gonca Melek Özkan of Setur Marinas underscored the operational dependence on nature, saying: “Our business directly depends on nature, so protecting coastal ecosystems is really about protecting our own future. The golden rule is to first do no harm and then create a positive impact – replacing traditional concrete with living marine designs that actively support ocean life.”
From left to right: Adrien Griffiths (Chapman Taylor), Haneen Alrawashdeh (Ayla Oasis) and Joe Greene (MSEA Engineering). Photo credit: Virginia D’Umas
Mastering the coast: Urban planning and climate defense
Turning to architecture and engineering in another panel, Adrien Griffiths of Chapman Taylor shared insights on waterfront master-planning in Malta, explaining how they partnered with the government to revitalise the Grand Harbour by opening up commercial access and giving the public welcoming waterfront spaces where none existed before.
Addressing the growing structural threats of climate change, Joe Greene of MSEA Engineering warned that beyond rising sea levels and stronger storms, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events poses a severe danger to coastal infrastructure.
Focusing on accountability and habitat restoration, Haneen Alrawashdeh of Ayla Oasis – a major sustainable master-planned waterfront development in Aqaba, Jordan, built around a network of man-made marine lagoons – explained that the real challenge lies in translating sustainability commitments into measurable key performance indicators and department responsibilities. Highlighting their hands-on success, Alrawashdeh said: “We turned goals into action by expanding our coral nurseries to five sites, successfully cultivating 1,850 corals ready to restore our lagoons.”
Moderator Neity Maddock (at the front) with the conference on capital panel. Photo credit: Mesi
Capitalising the coast: Investment and infrastructure realities
Opening the financial discussions on how modern ports are turning into major investments, Andreas Bäckman of InfraVia Capital Partners said that big financial backers are ready, but the industry first needs to unite its smaller players: “There is already institutional capital in the sector, the real question is when it will become available at scale.” Bäckman explained that attracting this money means treating marinas more professionally: “We need data, benchmarking, and larger-scaled platforms.”
Tackling the lack of space for larger vessels, Marcos Pellejero Ibáñez of Mirazur Capital pointed out that most facilities were built decades ago for much smaller boats. By redesigning docks and deepening waterways, a marina with two hundred small berths can be converted to accommodate larger yachts. He contrasted this fixed European supply against a growing global fleet of over six thousand luxury superyachts averaging nearly fifty metres in length.
Highlighting how ports connect to local economies, Rodrick T. Miller of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council described marinas as powerful economic tools rather than simple recreational spots, stressing the need for public-private teamwork and a clear shared vision.
Winner of the pre-revenue pitch award, Jakub Kwapisz, CEO and co-founder of Kolbev (on the left) and Bernardo d’Alessandri, General Secretary and Managing Director of the Yacht Club de Monaco. Photo credit: Mesi
As the conference continued, pitch sessions took centre stage to showcase new startups ready to reshape the maritime industry. During one of the innovation pitching sessions, Dr. Jakub Kwapisz, CEO and co-founder of Kolbev – who ultimately won the pre-revenue pitch award – presented their winning solution to the logistical hurdles of port electrification: “It is very costly and complex to provide good electric charging or electric boats, which is why we created a B2B turnkey solution using autonomous mobile robots that travel around the marina to quickly and easily recharge any boat.”
Kwapisz explained that their mobile robots let marinas avoid the huge costs of fixing electrical grids, offering an easy way to charge new electric boats before building permanent stations.
Myceen presenting its circular materials. Photo credit: Virginia D’Umas
Surface innovations and post-revenue pioneers
Among post-revenue presenters, Jani-Mikael Kuusisto, co-founder and CEO of The Warming Surfaces Company-who won the post-revenue pitch award-introduced an original thermal innovation: “We are doing for heating what LEDs did to lighting by integrating heating directly into surface structures. Backed by 20 years of research in roll-to-roll production, our technology embeds invisible heaters into everyday materials.” Kuusisto explained how their leading Halia system transforms ordinary architectural surfaces into ultra-low-voltage thermal units, offering seamless climate comfort inside marina facilities, offices, and vessel interiors without high energy costs.
Continuing through the post-revenue showcase alongside Kuusisto, Myceen and One Concept Marine highlighted distinct approaches to sustainable infrastructure and circular materials. Killu Leet, head of science for Myceen, explained their 100% bio-based manufacturing process to Monaco Life: “We grow things with mushrooms, but we do not sell mushrooms. We grow materials—combining mushroom mycelium with abundantly available, unused wood-based residues to create lightweight, fully biodegradable solutions that offer exceptional thermal comfort and acoustic performance.” Based in Tallinn, Estonia, Myceen utilises patented AI-driven production technology to scale their modular manufacturing toward 100 cubic metres per month, helping architecture and maritime markets slash fossil-fuel reliance.
Simultaneously, Thomas Aboulinc, founder of One Concept Marine, presented their clean energy infrastructure solutions: “A marina is the sunniest place in a town, so why does it still buy all its energy?” Aboulinc detailed how they design, manufacture, and install customised solar canopies for marinas and water-bound locations—higlighting their pioneering installation of a solar canopy on an existing floating pontoon at the Yacht Club de Monaco, which generates approximately 9,000 kilowatt-hours annually. Their multi-impact innovations include the Medzen pontoon, featuring an integrated solar canopy, rainwater harvesting systems for boat-washing, and an artificial reef underneath.
Awards ceremony at the 6th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous presented by José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3 (on the right). Photo credit: Mesi
Securing tomorrow’s coastlines
For the scaling revenue category, Giorgio Cucé, CEO and founder of Seares – who secured the scaling pitch award – detailed their automated mooring solution: “Ports and marinas were designed and built for yesterday’s sea, but we are making them resilient for tomorrow’s conditions. Our answer is unique: active and adaptive mooring dampers that absorb energy, measure loads, and prove results.” Cucé emphasised that as extreme weather increases, active mechanical adaptation is vital to protect both infrastructure and vessels.
Complementing these award-winning technologies, additional innovators showcased breakthrough solutions. A representative from Mediterranean Algae explained their blue biotechnology approach: “We provide patented technology to handle this problem in three layers: detection, regeneration, and supervision—using algae to clean up to 95% of the pollution in the water.”
As the 6th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous drew to a close, it became clear that the maritime industry stands at a vital turning point. Bridging the gap between ecological preservation and commercial viability, the event proved that sustainable ports are no longer a distant vision, but an actionable reality.
“As we close this chapter, we look ahead: we will return for another edition of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous next year, take our World Yachting Summit to the Dubai Boat Show, and launch our first-ever edition in Mumbai this December. The work continues,” concluded José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3.
