Kamel A. Husseini, a senior executive from the Bank of Palestine, insisted “compliance is king” when questioned about how the institution prevents money from flowing to terrorist organizations during an encounter at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos.
The exchange occurred outside the conference venue as Husseini, who serves as the Bank of Palestine’s Chief Strategic Engagement and Relations Officer, was pressed on one of the most sensitive topics for financial institutions in the region: ensuring funds do not reach Hamas or its affiliated groups.
When asked why the bank attended Davos, Husseini replied that the purpose was “networking” and attracting “investments.”
When directly questioned about safeguards to prevent terrorist funding, he cited “KYC compliance procedures” and “international standards,” repeatedly emphasizing that “compliance is king.” He stated with confidence that none of the bank’s money reaches Hamas or its affiliated groups.
When pressed on whether peace in the Middle East is possible within the next year, Husseini added that peace should be a shared goal, saying, “inshallah.”
