AMAN Hosts Executive Briefing to Strengthen Bahrain’s FATF 2026 Anti-Financial Crime Readiness
MANAMA, BAHRAIN — February 10, 2026
AMAN, Bahrain’s national Anti-Financial Crime platform, hosted an executive briefing in Manama to showcase preparations for the 2026 FATF Mutual Evaluation. The event outlined AML/CTF strategic priorities and public-private collaborations, supported by the Economic Development Board and Tamkeen, highlighting adaptations to Decree-Law No. (36) of 2025.
Overview
The briefing focused on Bahrain’s progress in anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) frameworks ahead of the FATF’s 5th Round Mutual Evaluation. Key topics included the impact of financial crime on businesses, the convergence of financial crime and cyber threats, risk identification, and next-generation compliance solutions. AMAN’s recent AML Readiness Report, based on data from over 80 firms, charts compliance paths for the financial sector.
Stakeholder Perspective A
“FATF readiness isn’t just about passing an assessment — it’s about protecting the people and businesses that depend on the integrity of Bahrain’s financial system every day. The firms that treat this evaluation as a catalyst for genuine improvement, rather than a compliance exercise, will be the ones that come out strongest.”
— Saud Ebrahim, Section Head for Financial Crime at Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK)
Why it matters: This perspective shifts focus from box-ticking to genuine resilience, vital for fintech firms handling high-volume transactions.
Stakeholder Perspective B
“Bahrain continues to strengthen its already mature anti-financial crime frameworks, cementing its position as a safe, trusted international financial centre that is not open to international organised crime groups, transnational crime or companies or people engaged in illicit activities.”
— Dickon Johnstone, Group CEO of AMAN
Why it matters: This statement underscores Bahrain’s proactive stance, reinforcing investor confidence ahead of the evaluation.
Industry Context
Bahrain’s preparations align with FATF’s stricter effectiveness metrics and deeper private-sector scrutiny in the 5th Round. As a MENA fintech hub, Bahrain’s success influences regional neighbors and could attract more digital asset and payment firms, boosting innovation while combating illicit finance.
Conclusion
The briefing positions Bahrain for a robust FATF outcome, enhancing its status as a compliant financial center. Next steps include sustained public-private efforts and AMAN’s ongoing readiness support, promising long-term economic security for the kingdom’s financial services sector.
