The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) published the final statement from its 41st Plenary Meeting, confirming the adoption of several member follow-up reports and agreeing key leadership and priority-setting decisions for the next cycle. The Plenary approved the Kingdom of Bahrain to assume the role of MENAFATF Vice-President in 2026 and endorsed the priorities of the joint Presidency of the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain for 2026 and 2027. Discussions covered outcomes from a high-level meeting of Arab central bank and monetary authority governors reaffirming support for MENAFATF, alongside ongoing work and projects aimed at strengthening MENAFATF’s governance. The meeting also reviewed MENAFATF studies and member-country experiences, including challenges in implementing Targeted Financial Sanctions, approaches to emerging crimes and cybercrimes, and recent money laundering and terrorist financing patterns, and it recognised countries and organisations for contributions during 2024 and 2025.
Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) 2025-11-13
Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force approves 2026–2027 joint UAE and Bahrain presidency priorities and confirms Bahrain as vice-president for 2026
The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) concluded its 41st Plenary Meeting by adopting member follow-up reports and setting leadership priorities, with Bahrain approved as Vice-President for 2026 and joint UAE-Bahrain presidency priorities endorsed for 2026-2027. Discussions included support from Arab central bank governors, governance projects, and reviews of studies on financial sanctions, emerging crimes, and money laundering.