Abu Dhabi played host to a landmark gathering of global anti-money laundering leaders, as representatives of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Global Network Secretariats convened from April 7–9, 2025.
The retreat, organised by the UAE’s General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations Committee (NAMLCFTC), marked a significant milestone in international financial crime cooperation.
The event brought together key regional bodies, including the FATF Secretariat, Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), MONEYVAL, Eurasian Group (EAG), ESAAMLG, GABAC, GAFILAT, GIABA, and MENAFATF.
Designed to foster dialogue and strengthen collaboration, the retreat focused on exchanging best practices and preparing for the upcoming round of mutual evaluations—a critical process in assessing countries’ efforts in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
Hamid Saif AlZaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chair of NAMLCFTC, described the retreat as 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,”
he said.
He stressed the importance of global cooperation, stating,
“No country can fight financial crime alone. Every insight, every collaboration strengthens our collective fight to stop criminals, seize illicit funds, and protect our economies and societies.”
AlZaabi added that hosting this unprecedented event reflects the UAE’s firm commitment to international cooperation and enhancing global financial security.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
