Transparency International’s Into the Light report assesses eight countries across the Middle East and North Africa –Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Libya, Algeria, Palestine and Tunisia – to see how far they’ve come on beneficial ownership transparency.
The study finds real progress, but also persistent gaps. Many countries have adopted the right laws, yet weak enforcement, limited data verification and restricted access still make it too easy to hide ownership and move illicit wealth.
Reforms are gaining momentum, but true transparency will depend on effective implementation, cooperation and the political will to see change through.
Transparency is advancing – but too slowly to stop abuse. Across the Middle East and North Africa, governments are taking steps to bring anonymous ownership into the light. Yet, too many loopholes still allow corrupt actors to hide wealth and move it across borders unseen.
Closing the gaps is achievable. By verifying ownership data, sharing information across borders, and ensuring meaningful access to registers, governments can make transparency real and prevent the misuse of anonymous structures.
