This stage provided an opportunity to deepen their understanding of financial security, particularly anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT), international FATF standards, financial monitoring, MONEYVAL evaluations and asset recovery, while exploring how to apply their knowledge in practice.

Working in small groups of 2–3, participants engaged with Ukrainian and international experts in financial security. This format allowed for more personalised discussions tailored to individual professional interests, practical guidance from experienced specialists and a better understanding of career development opportunities in the field.

Feedback collected from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value of direct engagement with experts and the opportunity to further deepen their knowledge.

The mentorship programme marked the final stage of the first wave of UPLIFT, complementing theoretical training and international knowledge exchange with practical guidance to support participants’ continued professional development.