Manama: Shaikha May bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the Financial Intelligence National Centre (FINC), concluded her term as Vice Chair of the Egmont Group and Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa, leaving behind a legacy of notable achievements that elevated Bahrain's regional and international standing.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Shaikha May bint Mohammed expressed pride in representing Bahrain in this global role, emphasizing that successful international cooperation depends on mutual understanding, bridge-building, and sharing expertise to strengthen financial intelligence units (FIUs) across the region and safeguard the financial system's integrity.
Shaikha May bint Mohammed thanked General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, for his support, and expressed appreciation to the Egmont Group comprising 181 FIUs worldwide and its member states for their trust and collaboration during her tenure. She also commended the organisation's collective efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing while promoting transparency and accountability within a unified global framework.
As the first Arab woman elected Vice Chair, Shaikha May bint Mohammed led several key initiatives, most notably the MENA Regional Strategy (2022 - 2027), focused on advancing the Egmont Group's goals through enhancing information exchange, expanding cooperation with international bodies, providing technical support, and deepening understanding of financial crimes.
Shaikha May bint Mohammed also strengthened ties with the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), including preparing guidance for non-member FIUs and setting up a technical support committee to assist them in gaining membership. Her contributions extended to organising regional and international events, such as strategic analysis sessions, a virtual MENA roundtable, hosting the Egmont Group's 2023 Executive Committee meetings in Manama, and delivering keynote speeches at global forums.
Shaikha May bint Mohammed's strategic dedication and coordination have been widely recognised by the Group's partners for significantly boosting the region's role in international cooperation. Her legacy will continue to inspire the Egmont Group's future endeavours.