Jordan Steps Up Preparations for 2027–2029 MENAFATF Mutual Evaluation
Jordan has reaffirmed high-level political commitment to preparing for its next mutual evaluation of its anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing framework, following a visit by a senior delegation from the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF).
The September 13 meeting in Amman was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Muhannad Shehadeh and attended by MENAFATF President Hamid Saif Al Zaabi, senior MENAFATF officials and representatives of Jordanian authorities responsible for the AML/CFT/CPF system.
Evaluation process runs through May 2029
According to the official statements, Jordan is preparing for a third-round mutual evaluation process that will examine both compliance with FATF standards and the effectiveness of the country’s AML/CFT/CPF framework. The process is expected to continue until May 2029, when the final evaluation report is scheduled for discussion and adoption.
Jordanian authorities said preparations include continued legislative, supervisory and procedural reforms, stronger risk-based supervision, improved beneficial ownership transparency, and enhanced information-sharing among competent authorities.
Central Bank of Jordan Governor Adel Al-Sharkas, who chairs the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Committee, also highlighted a legislative amendment plan and a national risk assessment project involving both government agencies and the private sector.
Focus shifts from grey-list exit to sustained effectiveness
Jordan was removed from the FATF list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring in October 2023 after completing its action plan. MENAFATF said the reforms implemented since then provide an important foundation for the upcoming evaluation.
The current development does not create new AML/CFT obligations by itself. Instead, it signals a renewed government-wide effort to demonstrate that existing laws, supervision, risk assessment, beneficial ownership controls and inter-agency coordination are operating effectively in practice.
For financial institutions and other regulated sectors in Jordan, the evaluation cycle is likely to increase supervisory focus on implementation evidence, particularly where authorities need to demonstrate effectiveness rather than the existence of formal rules alone.
Sources: Jordan News Agency (Petra), 13 September 2026; Emirates News Agency coverage of the MENAFATF delegation visit, 13 September 2026.
