The Eurasian Group reported on its participation in the 41st plenary week of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force in Manama, where members approved a number of country progress reports and discussed current anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing issues. The plenary also reviewed the outcome of the meeting of Arab central banks and monetary authorities and covered challenges in applying targeted financial sanctions, responses to new forms of crime and cybercrime, and recent money laundering and terrorist financing trends. From 2026, MENAFATF chairmanship will pass to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain will become vice president. The plenary approved the priorities of the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain co-chairmanship for 2026-2027, which the Eurasian Group said are aligned with the priorities of Russia's chairmanship of the Eurasian Group for 2026-2027, including preparation for and conduct of the third round of mutual evaluations. The Eurasian Group Secretariat and the Russian delegation also briefed participants on events planned on the sidelines of the 43rd Eurasian Group plenary, including a conference for law enforcement and judicial authorities and a seminar for supervisory authorities and the private sector. The Secretariat also highlighted MENAFATF participation in joint initiatives with the Eurasian Group, including a supervisors forum held in Moscow in May, a bulletin project on terrorist organizations in the Eurasian region, and a financial analysis competition.
Eurasian Group (EAG)2025-11-13
Eurasian Group reports on MENAFATF plenary, previews EAG 43rd plenary side events
The Eurasian Group said the 41st MENAFATF plenary approved member progress reports and discussed targeted financial sanctions, cybercrime and AML/CFT trends. It also noted that the United Arab Emirates will take over MENAFATF chairmanship in 2026, with Bahrain as vice president, and used the meeting to preview side events for the 43rd Eurasian Group plenary.