As part of the growing importance of the academic sector’s role in combating money laundering and countering terrorist financing, the second day of the 42nd MENAFATF Plenary witnessed, for the first time, the participation of a number of research and training centers in the plenary activities.
As part of the importance of international partnerships and the exchange of expertise, the second day of the 42nd MENAFATF Plenary featured a presentation by the French Republic on asset recovery through the Agency for the Management and Recovery of Seized and Confiscated Assets (AGRASC), alongside a presentation by the Republic of Italy on its experience in the mutual evaluation process under the Fifth Round Procedures of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
The 42nd Plenary of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) commenced today in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, taking place from 11 to 13 May 2026, under the presidency of H.E. Hamid Saif AlZaabi, President of the Group.
“The plenary convenes amid exceptional regional circumstances and rapid developments in organised crime methods, fraud, and cyber threats, stressing that such challenges require faster action and more flexible and proactive approaches.”
Working Groups, Committees, and Forum meetings of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) commenced their this morning, until May 7th, in preparation for the MENAFATF 42nd Plenary next week. These groups, committees, and forums are attended by experts from member countries and observers of MENAFATF, as well as regional and international organizations specializing in combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The Joint Forum of Supervisory Authorities and the Private Sector commenced on the morning of Wednesday, 22 April 2026, under the patronage of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), and in cooperation with the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG), the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), and the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). The forum was held under the theme: “Reasonable Balance and Trust-Based Dialogue.”
The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), chaired by H.E. Hamid Saif Al Zaabi, President of MENAFATF, and H.E. Mr. Suliman Aljabin, Executive Secretary of MENAFATF—participated in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Ministerial Meeting. This meeting was held on the sidelines of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings this week in Washington, D.C.