MENAFATF, Palestinian Delegation Discuss Strengthening National Anti-Money Laundering, Counterterrorism Financing Framework
Faizan Hashmi
Published August 27, 2026 | 10:45 PM
ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 27th Aug, 2026) The middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) held a high-level meeting with the State of Palestine to review the latest developments related to enhancing the effectiveness of its national anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework, as well as shared priorities for the next phase.
The MENAFATF delegation was headed by Hamid Saif Al Zaabi, President of MENAFATF, and included Shaikha May bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Vice President of MENAFATF, and Suliman bin Rashid Aljabrin, Executive Secretary of MENAFATF.
The Palestinian delegation was headed by Yahya Shunnar, Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing and Governor of the Palestine Monetary Authority. The delegation also included Eng. Bashar Al-Saifi, Undersecretary of the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy; Dr. Omar Awadallah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates; and Dr. Firas Morrar, Director of the Palestinian Financial Follow-up Unit.
The meeting addressed national efforts to develop legislative and institutional frameworks and strengthen compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Standards. It also provided an opportunity to discuss national priorities for the next phase, particularly the implementation of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Strategy, arising from the findings of the updated national and sectoral risk assessments in the State of Palestine.
The Palestinian side reviewed the progress made in implementing national priorities, including developing legislation, strengthening coordination among the relevant national authorities, further embedding the risk-based approach among the competent authorities and the private sector, and continuing to implement a comprehensive national capacity-building project in the field of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.
The meeting also addressed the current circumstances and economic challenges facing the State of Palestine and their implications for the banking sector, particularly the challenges related to the continuity of correspondent banking relationships. These issues were considered in light of specialised reports issued by MENAFATF and relevant international bodies, which highlighted the measures taken and the progress achieved in enhancing the effectiveness of the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework, particularly within the financial sector.
Hamid Saif Al Zaabi, President of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), said: “We highly appreciate…” (The rest of the quote is not provided in the given text.)
