The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) highlighted an interview with its President, H.E. Hamid AlZaabi, setting the strategic direction for the 2026 Presidency with an emphasis on strengthening regional AML/CFT/CPF systems, increasing MENAFATF’s influence in the FATF Global Network, and delivering measurable results against illicit finance. Priorities set out include supporting member states through the current round of Mutual Evaluations with a focus on demonstrating effectiveness, strengthening MENAFATF’s voice in global standard-setting discussions, and driving practical regional impact linked to economic security and sustainable development. The agenda also points to expanded cooperation with international partners on asset recovery, extradition, and operational information exchange, alongside reinforcing whole-of-government coordination, capacity building, and public–private partnerships as core foundations for resilient frameworks.