In a CPP magnetic head a free magnetic layer and a magnetic biasing layer are disposed within a central layer stack. To pin the magnetization of the bias layer, an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer is fabricated on the sides of the central stack. The AFM layer may be comprised of an electrically non-conductive AFM material such as NiO, or, where the AFM material is electrically conductive, such as PtMn or IrMn, a layer of electrical insulation is deposited to prevent the sense current from flowing through the outwardly disposed AFM layer. Portions of the bias layer are deposited upon the outwardly disposed AFM layer, such that the magnetization of the outwardly disposed portions of the bias layer are pinned by the AFM layer, which creates an effective pinning of the central portions of the bias layer. This then provides an effective biasing of the magnetization of the free magnetic layer.