The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) issued the final statement from its 41st Plenary meeting in Manama, adopting several member country follow-up reports and agreeing leadership and work priorities for the next cycle, including the Kingdom of Bahrain’s appointment as Vice-President for 2026 and approval of the joint United Arab Emirates and Bahrain presidency priorities for 2026 and 2027. The Plenary reviewed the outcomes of a high-level meeting of Arab central bank and monetary authority governors and discussed ongoing projects to strengthen MENAFATF governance. Delegations also considered MENAFATF studies and member experiences on implementation challenges for targeted financial sanctions, approaches to emerging crimes and cybercrimes, and recent patterns of money laundering and terrorist financing. Bahrain is set to assume the vice-presidency in 2026, with the agreed 2026-27 priorities guiding MENAFATF’s work under the joint United Arab Emirates and Bahrain presidency.
Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) 2025-11-13
Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force approves 2026-27 presidency priorities and selects Bahrain as 2026 vice-president
The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) concluded its 41st Plenary in Manama, setting leadership and work priorities for 2026-2027, including Bahrain's vice-presidency and joint presidency priorities with the United Arab Emirates. The Plenary also addressed governance enhancements, implementation challenges for financial sanctions, and trends in money laundering and terrorist financing.