Within the framework of broad democratic reform processes in Montenegro, which included changes in the political, economic and legal systems, the anti-corruption efforts played a significant part. Considerable efforts started in 2000 when Montenegro signed the Agreement and Action Plan of the Regional Stability Pact Anti-Corruption Initiative (SPAI). In January 2001, the Government adopted the Regulation on establishing of the Agency for Anti-Corruption Initiative ( "Official Gazette of the Republic of Montenegro" 2/01). The Agency was the first anti-corruption state body in Montenegro, and was responsible for prevention and raising public awareness, as well as proposing the ratification and implementation of international standards, while having had a significant role in drafting anti-corruption laws and the establishment of other anti-corruption bodies. Within the reform of state administration, the Agency in 2004 became the Directorate for Anti-Corruption Initiative and its competences were significantly expanded at the end of 2007.

In addition to the competences set forth by the Decree, the activities, goals and objectives of the Directorate for Anti-Corruption Initiative are also defined in the Innovated Action Plan for implementation of  the Programme for the fight against corruption and organised crime. Moreover, an important part of the activities is implemented in relation to the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, and analysis of the compliance of the domestic legal framework with the provisions of this Convention. Furthermore, the clearly defined activities of the Directorate derive from Montenegro’s membership  in the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) and its mutual evaluation procedure. The role of the Directorate is coordination among the state bodies in evaluating the implementation of the Council of Europe’s standards.

An important part of the activities of the Directorate arise from its membership in regional initiatives, primarily the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI). The RAI is responsible for monitoring of implementation of the Brussels Ministerial Declaration on 10 joint measures to combat corruption in Southeastern Europe. The Directorate submitts annual reports to the RAI on fulfillment of the political declaration signed in 2005.

Furthermore, in cooperation with its international partners, the Directorate applies for various projects. The projects are designed so as to enable or enhance the implementation of the international conventions Montenegro is a party to.

In providing its regular annual funds, the Directorate submitts a budget proposal to the Ministry of Finance for approval of the funds pertinent to the planned tasks and goals. The Ministry of Finance approves and monitors spending of approved funds of all public administration units in Montenegro. The Directorate is independent in using its budget funds.