Bahrain assumes MENAFATF Vice President post for 2026

Shaikha May bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the Financial Intelligence National Centre and Chairperson of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Policy Committee, assumed the position of Vice President of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) during the conclusion of the group’s 41st meeting.

This achievement reiterates the Kingdom of Bahrain’s standing within the regional financial compliance system and its support for the implementation of the group’s commitments in accordance with international standards. It also reflects the confidence that Bahrain enjoys from international institutions specialised in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

During the meeting, the cooperation priorities between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates for the joint presidency for the years 2026–2027 were approved. These priorities include enhancing member states’ readiness for evaluation rounds, supporting efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and financing the proliferation of weapons, as well as implementing the Financial Action Task Force recommendations.

Shaikha May bint Mohammed commended the role of the UAE as a strategic partner during this stage, emphasising her determination to work jointly to enhance the effectiveness of regional and international efforts to combat financial crimes and to improve the efficiency of compliance and enforcement systems within member states.