International Correspondent Banking Conference- Dubai
Date: 22 January, 2026
Press Release: Afghanistan Banks Association
International Correspondent Banking Conference- Dubai
Date: 22 January, 2026
In line with Afghanistan Banks Association (ABA)’s efforts to expand correspondent banking relationships and strengthen international financial connectivity, ABA, in cooperation with the Afghan–American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and other partners, organized the International Conference “Correspondent Banking Relationships” on January 22, 2026, in Dubai.
The conference was attended by high-level officials, dozens of international banks, financial institutions, representatives of the international community, traders, investors, Afghanistan’s commercial banks, and ABA. The main objective of the conference was to provide a platform for dialogue between Afghan banking and business leaders and international banks and partners, focusing on the development of correspondent banking relationships and the exploration of innovative solutions to facilitate financial and trade transactions.
During the conference, the importance of expanding banking relations with Central and South Asian countries, the Gulf region, Europe, and the United States was emphasized as a key driver of economic growth, transparency, and accountability. Participants also discussed existing challenges related to establishing new correspondent banking relationships, expanding digital financial services, and improving access to finance for companies and individuals.
AACC and other participants commended the supportive role of the Afghanistan Banks Association, as well as the resilience, sustainability, and profitability of Afghanistan’s banks, and their effective role in supporting humanitarian and economic activities.
Afghanistan Banks Association highlighted that, under the support and supervision of Da Afghanistan Bank, the Afghan banking sector has experienced significant improvements and currently facilitates financial transfers amounting to several billion US dollars annually. The expansion of banking services, electronic banking, Islamic banking, and confidence-building measures were also cited as key achievements of the sector.
It was emphasized that Afghanistan’s banks operate in compliance with international standards and regulations on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), are equipped with advanced customer identification and due diligence systems, and function in line with the policies of international banking supervisory bodies. Furthermore, it was underlined that Afghanistan is not subject to international sanctions and, with an annual international trade volume (exports and imports) of nearly USD 14 billion, represents a significant potential market for international investors and banks.
In conclusion, Afghanistan Banks Association called upon international banks and the global community to support the stability and development of Afghanistan’s banking sector through strengthening correspondent banking relationships. The international community and international institutions, in turn, expressed appreciation for ABA’s efforts and initiatives and reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in enhancing correspondent banking relations.
