Officials to BNA: National anti-money laundering plan to boost Bahrain’s reputation, protect economy
Manama, Sep. 14 (BNA): Zeyad Adel Darwish, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Social Development, spoke on the sidelines of the launch of Bahrain’s National Strategy to Combat Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Weapons Proliferation (2025–2027).
The event was held in the presence of Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and the Chairman of the Committee for Combating Extremism, Terrorism Financing, and Money Laundering, along with representatives of government and private entities.
This comes through supervising the civil sector, including charities, endowments and non-profit institutions, by updating financial oversight to align with international frameworks and standards, protecting public funds and directing donations properly.
Darwish explained that the Ministry of Social Development is an integral part of this system through its role in supervising the civil sector, which includes charities, endowments and non-profit organisations. He noted that financial oversight is being strengthened and updated to align with international frameworks and standards, safeguard public funds, and ensure that donations and charitable resources are directed appropriately.
He underlined that the launch of the National Plan to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing is an important strategic step reflecting Bahrain’s commitment to international standards in this field. He commended the efforts of the Ministry of Interior and the national team that prepared the plan with a clear and integrated vision.
He noted that the new oversight system not only monitors the civil sector closely but also protects its institutions from misuse that could damage their reputation or expose them to legal risks. He added that civil associations in Bahrain have shown great cooperation with these efforts.
Darwish said that the National Plan is based on a renewable framework subject to regular updates, taking into account the national risk matrix and legislative developments, in line with best international practices, strengthening Bahrain’s position in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
Darwish added that these efforts are the result of cooperation among 19 government entities and 45 private sector institutions working together to safeguard the national financial system and preserve the gains of civil work, thereby achieving the objectives of the plan and supporting security and stability in the Kingdom.
On his part, Dr. Mohammed Mujbel, Assistant Undersecretary for State Cases and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, said the launch of the National Strategy (2025–2027) marks an important stage in Bahrain’s efforts to enhance national and international action in this vital field.
He explained that the plan continues Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening its legal and regulatory system and fulfilling its international obligations, thereby protecting the economy and ensuring the soundness of the financial system. He commended the efforts of the Interior Minister, and the joint national team that worked collectively on the strategy.
He highlighted the Ministry of Justice’s participation in the national team, emphasisng the importance of institutional cooperation and confirming that the strategy reflects Bahrain’s commitment to fulfilling its international pledges and reinforcing its standing as a reliable partner in global efforts against financial crime.
Mujbel noted that financial crime is cross-border by nature and requires continuous international cooperation. He underlined that Bahrain, through this plan, reiterates its commitments to regional and international partners and strengthens cooperation with the GCC and relevant international organisations to protect the financial system and reinforce security and stability.
Raghdan Saleh Qassim, Deputy CEO for Foreign Relations Policies at the National Bureau for Revenue and member of the Committee for Combating Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Weapons Proliferation, said the Bureau plays a central role in supporting the strategy’s implementation by evaluating data related to taxable and non-taxable businesses and ensuring its accuracy to detect any unlawful activities that may affect the economy.
She noted that these efforts help safeguard the national economy from any illicit use of funds, whether inside or outside Bahrain, and that risk assessments and compliance monitoring strengthen the financial environment.
Qassim added that the plan will also inspire confidence among international investors as it reflects Bahrain’s commitment to providing a safe and competitive investment climate grounded in comprehensive legislation. She said this emphasises Bahrain’s leading position in financial transparency and combating economic crimes.
She underlined that joint national efforts reflect Bahrain’s serious commitment to protecting its economy and consolidating its reputation as a safe and attractive hub for investment regionally and internationally.
Alaa Al Hamad, Chief of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Officer at ila Bank, emphasised that the National Strategy (2025–2027) is a key step in enhancing Bahrain’s international standing. She said the plan will help boost investor confidence by consolidating the Kingdom’s status as a secure financial environment aligned with international standards.
She explained that the banking sector’s role lies in adopting the plan’s objectives and translating them into practical compliance frameworks and internal policies. She confirmed that banks are committed to continuous monitoring and follow-up to ensure implementation.
Al Hammad added that the plan will reinforce banks’ internal strategies by integrating its objectives into their operations, strengthening compliance systems to better address potential risks.
She underlined that the combined efforts of the public and private sectors will bolster Bahrain’s ability to maintain its advanced financial position and confirm its serious commitment to combating financial crimes in line with top international practices.
