The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global authority on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT). It sets international standards through its 40 Recommendations, which guide countries in building effective legal, regulatory, and operational frameworks to combat financial crime. As Bahrain prepares for its 2026 FATF Mutual Evaluation, financial institutions, DNFBPs, fintechs, and corporates must align with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)'s enhanced evaluation methodology. This briefing note unpacks what evaluators will look for in 2026, key findings from Bahrain’s last assessment, and how institutions can build effective AML/CFT systems that withstand regulatory scrutiny.
No matter your industry – be it finance, professional services, real estate, jewellery, or beyond – every Bahraini company has a duty to understand and meet its anti-money laundering (AML) obligations. A recent survey we conducted on AML readiness among companies in Bahrain revealed a concerning gap in awareness: only 50% of respondents felt their organisation had a strong understanding of AML legislation, and even fewer were clear about their specific compliance responsibilities. In response, we have developed this practical guide to help companies across Bahrain better understand and fulfil their AML obligations.
1. Bahrain’s AML Legal Framework — Understand your duties under Decree Law No. 4 of 2001, Ministerial Orders, and CBB regulations.
2. Sector-Specific Risk Exposure — Real estate, financial services, jewellers, lawyers and more: see your risk rating and top threats.
3. Practical Compliance Checklist — Get an AML action plan to assess your company’s readiness.
4. High-Risk Red Flags — Explore real-life cases of cybercrime, fraud, terrorist financing, and human trafficking in Bahrain.
5. How to Prepare for FATF 2026 — Learn how Bahrain is aligning with FATF standards and what this means for your business.
6. Tools to Simplify AML Compliance — Explore how the Aman platform can automate your AML checks, screening, and reporting.
As the oldest and most secure financial centre in the Middle East, Bahrain is consistently undergoing evaluations from international regulators and investors. This focus goes beyond regulation; it’s an opportunity to strengthen Bahrain’s position as the Gulf’s most trusted financial centre. Businesses that proactively embrace compliance not only enhance their resilience but also unlock new investment opportunities and secure a competitive edge. With the 2026 FATF evaluation on the horizon, the Kingdom has a valuable chance to showcase its commitment to meaningful enforcement and sustained progress.
The AMAN platform is Bahrain’s only all-in-one AML solution, built specifically for the Kingdom’s regulatory environment. Powered by Themis, it enables real-time screening across 250+ global sanctions lists, automated Customer Risk Calculators, end-to-end Suspicious Activity Reporting to FID, customised EDD reports, monitoring, and compliance training , integrated tools for real estate, precious metals, FIs, and more. Whether you're a compliance officer, MLRO, lawyer, or business owner, AMAN gives you the tools to stay ahead of the law and criminals. This guide offers a comprehensive roadmap to help you navigate regulatory requirements, improve risk management, and enhance your organisation’s financial crime prevention efforts.
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