# Into the light: Benchmarking beneficial ownership transparency frameworks across MENA URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/into-the-light-benchmarking-beneficial-ownership-transparency-frameworks-mena Type: Publication or report Published: 2025-11-13 Updated: 2026-09-24 --- 13 November 2025 Anonymous companies and opaque ownership structures continue to enable corruption and illicit financial flows across the Middle East and North Africa. They make it easy to hide conflicts of interest, steer public contracts to insiders and siphon public wealth into private hands. In line with global trends, countries across the region have begun reforming their beneficial ownership transparency frameworks to curb the misuse of companies and legal arrangements for corruption, money laundering and tax evasion. Transparency International has assessed progress eight countries in the region, benchmarking countries against ten pillars that define an effective beneficial ownership transparency regime. These pillars examine crucial components – from the legal definition of beneficial ownership and data collection requirements to risk assessments, verification and access to information. Our findings show that momentum is growing, but progress remains uneven. Most countries have adopted solid definitions and obligations for private-sector intermediaries. Yet weaknesses in risk assessment, record-keeping, and verification undermine effectiveness. Public access also remains limited: only a few jurisdictions have live beneficial ownership registers, and even fewer make them open to public scrutiny. The report highlights where frameworks are strongest, where gaps persist, and what reforms are needed to make beneficial ownership transparency a practical tool for preventing and detecting corruption. ### Related publications ## [Regional Assessment of Integrity in Political Finance in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-political-finance-asia) Publication • 03 September 2026 This report reviews systems across 17 countries to identify the areas of political finance most in need of reform. ## [Annual Report 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/annual-report-2025) Publication • 17 July 2026 In 2025, Transparency International pursued its mission to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. ## [Whistleblowing Authorities in Europe: Roles, challenges and lessons learned](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblowing-authorities-in-europe-roles-challenges-and-lessons-learned) Publication • 19 June 2026 This report examines the institutional design, mandates and functioning of national whistleblowing authorities across Europe. ## [Strengthening Public Oversight: Good practices for partnerships between civil society and supreme audit institutions](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/strengthening-public-oversight-good-practices-for-partnerships-between-civil-society-and-supreme-audit-institutions) Publication • 29 May 2026 Stronger collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions and Civil Society Organisations is needed for better public financial oversight. ## Priorities - [Dirty money](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/dirty-money) ## Countries - [Algeria](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/algeria) - [Egypt](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/egypt) - [Jordan](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/jordan) - [Lebanon](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/lebanon) - [Libya](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/libya) - [Morocco](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/morocco) - [Palestine](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/palestine) - [Tunisia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/tunisia) ## Projects - [Transparency Now: Strengthening Anti-Corruption Efforts in the EU Southern Neighbourhood](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/transparency-now) ![Into the light cover](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/13112025-Into-the-Light-IMG.png?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2025_Report_Into-the-light_EN_2026-09-24-153046_uhle.pdf)