Staff Writer
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has welcomed Barbados, Namibia and Thailand as participants in the FATF-Style Regional Body (FSRB) Guest Initiative.
The initiative is central to the FATF priority of strengthening cohesion across the FATF Global Network and broadening insights from across the globe in the FATF’s work.
The three FSRB member jurisdictions will participate under their own flags in the FATF Plenary and Working Group Meetings for a one-year Plenary cycle, starting with the upcoming October 2026 Plenary.
To bolster the global fight against illicit finance, the Guest Initiative focuses on regions of the globe that currently do not have many FATF members involved in their regional bodies as joint members.
Through the initiative, these jurisdictions are encouraged to input directly into the FATF’s work, while also promoting further engagement within their region.
Thanks to these insights, the FATF can better inform its work to address challenges faced across the Global Network of more than 200 jurisdictions.
“Over the last two years, the Guest Initiative has enriched the FATF’s discussions by bringing the perspectives and practical experience of participating jurisdictions directly to the table. Their participation has helped the FATF develop a deeper understanding of the challenges, risks and realities in a broader range of contexts, while enabling Guest Jurisdictions to draw on a wider set of experiences which can support stronger implementation of the FATF Standards in their own jurisdictions and regions,” said Giles Thomson, FATF President.
The Attorney-General of Barbados, Wilfred Abrahams said Barbados sees this opportunity to participate in the FATF’s Guest Initiative as an avenue to contribute to the thinking and work of the organisation.
“Namibia expresses its appreciation to the FATF and the support by ESAAMLG for the opportunity to participate under the initiative. We will contribute and share our domestic and Southern African regional perspectives, sharing practical experiences, and supporting global AML/CFT/CPF efforts,” said Bryan Eiseb is the Director of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).
