Recognized as one of the most respected leaders in the global Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) industry, Kim combines a distinguished 40-year career in international financial crime and anti-money laundering with unparalleled investigative experience serving corporate, legal, financial, and government clients on five continents.
Widely known as a pioneer of modern CBI compliance, Kim played a central role in establishing the standards and best practices now used across Citizenship-by-Investment Units throughout Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia.
A defining figure in the CBI industry, his leadership helped drive the reforms that elevated the integrity of CBI programs worldwide.
He was instrumental in creating the professional compliance association for the Citizenship-by-Investment Units in the Caribbean—an initiative that continues to influence policy and operational excellence across the region.
Kim also co-authored a key chapter on compliance in the Cambridge University Press publication, “Citizenship and Residence Sales – Rethinking the Boundaries of Belonging”, further cementing his contribution to the academic and professional understanding of global mobility governance.
Distinguished Law Enforcement and Investigative Background
Kim’s foundation in citizenship vetting and due diligence began with a 25-year career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). He retired as Commander of an International Organized Crime Investigation Unit, where he oversaw a major covert operation spanning Europe, Asia, and North America.
His expertise includes:
Multi-jurisdictional corruption investigations
Bribery and financial crime
Enhanced due diligence
Anti-money laundering investigations
Targeting onshore and offshore global tax havens
National security considerations relating to identity and citizenship
Following his RCMP career, Kim founded a risk management firm that was later acquired by IPSA International, where he rose to become President. Under his leadership, IPSA became a globally recognized authority in vetting, governance, and training for the Citizenship and Residence industry.
A Recognized Global Authority
Kim has shaped government policy, industry compliance frameworks, and investigative methodologies for decades. His work continues to influence how nations safeguard the integrity of their CBI and residency programs.
He is frequently invited to speak globally on topics including:
Due diligence standards
Citizenship and residency program integrity
Financial crime and corruption
Anti-money laundering
International organized crime
National security issues
Kim is also a trusted media source for expert commentary on CBI, compliance, and financial crime investigations.
A Career Defined by Integrity, Leadership, and Global Impact
From commanding major international investigations to pioneering the compliance frameworks that underpin today’s global citizenship industry, Kim Marsh has established a unique legacy and continues to lead the field. His work has set the benchmark for transparency, program credibility, and responsible governance across jurisdictions worldwide.
Kim Marsh remains one of the foremost global experts in Citizenship Compliance—trusted by governments, respected by industry leaders, and recognized internationally for his decades of leadership and achievement.
Kim lectures internationally to public and private entities on covert investigative practices and multinational money laundering operations. He is a regular source for the media on numerous topics.
Kim’s Professional Qualifications Include:
Bachelor of Professional Studies | Concentration in Banking, Cum Laude | Barry University | Miami Florida
Adult Teacher Certificate | Algonquin College, Ottawa,ON
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), 1994
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), 2007
Past chapter board member for CAMS (Vancouver) and CFE (Vancouver, London, UK
Past President - Covert Specialists Alumni