Bahrain's Shura Council passes decree-law to strengthen financial safeguards

The Shura Council in Bahrain passed Decree-Law No. 36 of 2025, approving changes to the country's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules ahead of a Financial Action Task Force (FATF) assessment due in March 2026. The amendments update key definitions, widen the forms of the money laundering offense, and tighten confiscation rules to cover proceeds and the means used, while protecting the rights of good-faith third parties. The decree-law also expands the powers of the Financial Intelligence National Centre (FINC) as the implementing body, broadening its scope in financial inquiries, analysis, and coordination. The changes aim to align Bahrain's legal framework with international standards and enhance the country's ability to combat evolving financial crimes.