Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force convenes first 2026 Advisory Committee meeting to advance capacity building and working group governance

The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) held its first Advisory Committee meeting of 2026 over 12 and 13 January in Abu Dhabi, chaired by its President, H.E. Hamid Al Zaabi. Discussions centred on capacity building, governance and regulatory enhancement mechanisms, progress of MENAFATF working groups, and preparations for the upcoming MENAFATF Plenary and MENAFATF’s participation in the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. The first day included visits to the Emirates Institute for Financial Studies and the Abu Dhabi Global Market Academy, framed around exchanging expertise and strengthening capacity-building efforts. The second day focused on the status of current working groups and options to enhance their governance, alongside broader agenda items aimed at improving capacity building and operational efficiency. MENAFATF also reiterated its ongoing priorities under the United Arab Emirates’ chairmanship, including strengthening regional readiness for mutual evaluations, coordinating efforts among member states, and developing tools and mechanisms to support a safe and sustainable financial system.