Final Statement of the 40th Plenary Meeting of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (“MENAFATF”)

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Final Statement of the 40th Plenary Meeting of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (“MENAFATF”)
Published Date
08 May 2025
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Amman – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

7-8 May 2025

 

MENAFATF’s 40th Plenary Meeting and its accompanying Working Group meetings concluded today, Thursday, 8 May 2025. The two-day Plenary was held in Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Plenary was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr. Adel Ahmed Al-Sharkas, Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, who praised the role played by the MENAFATF and welcomed the participants and distinguished guests. The Plenary was chaired by Her Excellency Ms. Samya Abu Sharif, MENAFATF President, and His Excellency Mr. Hamed Al-Zaabi, MENAFATF Vice President. The Plenary was attended by heads of delegations, anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and proliferation financing experts from Member Countries, as well as experts from observer countries and international entities, most notably the Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”), the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the Egmont Group.

Numerous follow-up reports from Member Countries were discussed and adopted, as were self-reports submitted by countries whose security conditions prevented conducting onsite visits. The report also discussed the efforts of these countries to strengthen their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (“AML/CFT”) systems. The most important mechanisms for qualifying and providing experts for mutual evaluation and follow-ups were also discussed.

In addition, several Typologies Reports were discussed, including on money laundering and terrorist financing through legal entities and legal arrangements in the region. A methodology for a regional assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing risks in the region was also approved. In addition, for discussing a guidance document for implementing targeted financial sanctions and combating sanctions evasion. The MENAFATF e-learning platform was also developed, with courses contributing to enhancing the expertise of specialists in the region. The report on the MENAFATF’s working groups, committees, and forums was also reviewed and adopted.