MENA FCCG Holds Plenary Meeting Celebrating 5 Year Anniversary
On November 2, 2021, MENA FCCG conducted its second virtual Plenary Meeting of the year. During the Meeting, members celebrated the Group’s 5 year anniversary and on this occasion, viewed a new video reflecting the group’s commitment to bring collective action in the fight against financial crime. Click to view video in English or in Arabic.
Chairman and Deputy Chair commented on members’ passion and commitment that have contributed to the significant accomplishments to date, bringing regional and international recognition to the MENA FCCG within a short period of time.
Key initiatives include efforts to establish a MENA FCCG – Europe Chapter dedicated to supporting Arab banks operating in Europe. The Chapter, expected to be officially launched by year-end, will be a regional arm of MENA FCCG and will operate as a distinct body under the umbrella of MENA FCCG. The meeting also provided an update concerning joint initiatives with the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime (GCFFC) – MENA Chapter, namely; supporting the establishment of Public Private Partnerships in the MENA region, contributing to the GCFFC work on corruption, and Trade-Based Financial Crime MENA specific training in the form of educational videos. The meeting also discussed progress on other vital initiatives including paving the way with the Federation of Sudanese Banks for delivering capacity building sessions to banks in Sudan and Project Rose, a consortium of leading banks, including two MENA FCCG members, seeking to establish a Global Sanctions Screening Utility.
Exp. Tarek Mohamed, Head Section – Virtual Assets Crime at Dubai Police HQ joined the meeting and delivered a presentation covering actions undertaken by the UAE to ensure readiness to the future of virtual assets. Mr. Ahmed Buckley, ex-UN Expert, Sanctions – Counterterrorism also attended the meeting and delivered a presentation on implications of current security risks on UN Security Council priorities and challenges.
