Regulatory Alerts2026-02-17
Added
Circular No. 20/2026: Precautionary Measures
The Palestine Monetary Authority requires banks to alert branch staff to exercise heightened caution and verify identity documents when suspecting forgery or counterfeiting, including cross-referencing Civil Affairs records or other official documents. Banks must also take necessary legal action against forgery crimes and report any detected cases and subsequent measures to the Market Discipline Department.
PALESTINE MONETARY AUTHORITY
Circular No. (20 / 2026) To all banks operating in Palestine Date: Tuesday, 17 February, 2026
Subject: Precautionary Measures
It has been observed recently that some individuals have attempted to establish banking relationships or conduct financial transactions relying on identity documents that include the use of fake identity cards designed to match the specifications of the identity card and printed on paper that does not match the approved specifications. In accordance with the provisions of Law Decree No. (39) of 2022 concerning the combating of money laundering and the financing of terrorism, the Palestine Monetary Authority appeals to banks to ensure the following:
- Alert branch and banking office employees to exercise caution and take appropriate verification measures in the event of suspicion of forgery and counterfeiting of personal identity cards; this includes inquiring about identity data in the Civil Affairs register or matching their data with any other official proof document if that is not possible.
- Take the necessary legal measures regarding forgery and counterfeiting crimes, and report to our Market Discipline Department any cases that may be detected in the future and the measures taken in this regard.
Supervision Group Palestine Monetary Authority
www.pma.ps Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate - Palestine P.O. Box 452 | Phone: +970 2415251 | Fax: +970 2415310 | info@pma.ps | Postal code: P6160675