MENA Financial Crime Compliance eBook

Produced in collaboration with the MENA Fintech Association, this eBook draws on survey responses from 129 compliance professionals and executives across banking and financial services organizations in the region. It examines the strategies, priorities and challenges shaping financial crime compliance programs, including how teams are addressing pressures related to onboarding, screening, monitoring, cost control, data quality and technology integration.

The findings reveal where organizations are prioritizing investment, where operational friction continues to limit compliance effectiveness and how financial institutions are preparing for emerging financial crime risks. The eBook also examines how modern compliance technology, better data and integrated workflows can support stronger decision-making, reduce manual effort and help teams adapt to changing regulatory requirements.

Key findings at a glance

• 58% are confident their organization would satisfy a regulatory audit today
• 23.5% of compliance spend goes to KYC/KYB due diligence, the largest share
• 35% name integrating new technologies as their greatest financial crime compliance challenge
• 28% see crypto laundering as a fastest-growing risk, level with AI-enabled crime

Source: 2026 Financial Crime Pulse: Middle East Under the Lens Survey

Download the eBook to see how your priorities compare with peers and identify opportunities to strengthen compliance operations while supporting business growth.