ABU DHABI, 9th April, 2025 (WAM) -- Representatives of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Global Network Secretariats met in Abu Dhabi, convened by the United Arab Emirates General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations Committee (NAMLCFTC) from 7th to 9th April 2025.

The retreat promoted a dialogue and cooperation among Secretariats. The participants shared best practices to tackle unique challenges in supporting member countries in upcoming round of mutual evaluations.

The FATF Secretariat participated in the retreat alongside the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL), the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG), the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), the Action Group against Money Laundering in Central Africa (GABAC), the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America (GAFILAT); the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) and the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF).

Commenting on this unique event, Hamid Saif AlZaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chair of NAMLCFTC, stated, "This retreat marks a historic moment for the FATF Global Network. For the first time, all Global Network Secretariats are coming together to drive a bottom-up approach-where regional bodies set the agenda, voice their priorities, and tackle the unique challenges their member states face. No country can fight financial crime alone. Cooperation is our strongest weapon, every insight, every collaboration strengthens our collective fight to stop criminals, seize illicit funds, and protect our economies and societies."

"The UAE is proud to host this event as part of its deep commitment to fostering international cooperation and strengthening global financial security," he added.