The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) included Egypt’s experience among the world’s best practices in its updated guidance report issued in June 2025, recognizing the country’s success in balancing financial inclusion with compliance to anti–money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) standards.

Governor of Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), Hassan Abdalla stated that this international recognition reaffirms Egypt’s commitment to a national strategic vision that seeks to safeguard the financial system while enabling all segments of society to access formal financial services.

He emphasized that the CBE will continue advancing this integrated approach—aligned with global best practices—to support economic growth and establish financial inclusion as a key pillar of inclusive development.

The FATF report highlighted Egypt’s efforts, led by CBE in collaboration with the Egyptian Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Combating Unit, which played a pivotal role in designing and implementing measures that ensured a balance between adherence to international AML/CTF standards and expanding access to financial services.

It showcased the main regulatory measures adopted by the CBE, including simplified Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures for individuals and microenterprises, as well as initiatives to facilitate account opening for youth starting from age 15, artisans, and self-employed individuals.

The guidance also noted Egypt’s authorization for banking agents to verify customer identities—helping extend financial services to underserved areas—and the development of tailored financial products for various social groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Furthermore, the FATF recognized the CBE’s strides in digital financial inclusion, including the enhancement of financial infrastructure, promotion of e-wallet and prepaid card use, and issuance of regulations for licensing and registering digital banks—enabling institutions to provide banking services through digital platforms and expand access in remote regions.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental body based in Paris, established in 1989, and currently comprising 40 member states. It sets global standards for combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons, assisting national authorities in tackling illicit funds linked to serious crimes such as drug and arms trafficking, cyber fraud, and corruption.

The FATF’s guidance on AML/CTF measures and financial inclusion is developed in consultation with a broad range of international stakeholders—including the Central Bank of Egypt and the Egyptian Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Combating Unit—affirming Egypt’s leadership in this field. The guidance aims to encourage countries to promote financial inclusion while applying a proportionate, risk-based approach.