FATF issues Updated List of High-Risk and Monitored Countries for Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing [Check List]
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The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog against money laundering and terrorist financing, released its latest update regarding countries with significant shortcomings in their financial systems. These updates are part of FATF’s continued efforts to fight financial crimes globally.
Key Highlights
1. High-Risk Jurisdictions – DPRK, Iran, and Myanmar
FATF reaffirmed that the status of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Iran remains unchanged, based on a statement issued in February 2020. These countries continue to be under a “Call for Action”, meaning FATF members and other countries must apply the strictest measures when dealing with them.
Myanmar also continues to be on this high-risk list since its inclusion in October 2022. FATF has asked countries to apply enhanced due diligence for financial dealings with Myanmar. However, FATF has advised that these measures should not interrupt the flow of funds meant for humanitarian aid, non-profit activities, or remittances.
| Country | Risk Status | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) | High Risk – Call for Action | No change since February 2020 |
| Iran | High Risk – Call for Action | No change since February 2020 |
| Myanmar | High Risk – Call for Action | On list since October 2022; apply enhanced due diligence but allow humanitarian aid |
2. Countries Under Increased Monitoring
FATF also reviewed the list of countries with strategic deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing systems. These jurisdictions are not on the call-for-action list but are working closely with FATF under an action plan.
As of the latest update:
- Added to the list: Bolivia and the Virgin Islands (UK)
- Removed from the list: Croatia, Mali, and Tanzania (based on significant progress made)
| Newly Added (June 2025) | Status |
|---|---|
| Bolivia | Added to Increased Monitoring |
| Virgin Islands (UK) | Added to Increased Monitoring |
| Removed (June 2025) | Status |
|---|---|
| Croatia | Removed from Increased Monitoring |
| Mali | Removed from Increased Monitoring |
| Tanzania | Removed from Increased Monitoring |
The countries still under Increased Monitoring include:
Algeria, Angola, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Kenya, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.
| Existing Countries Under Increased Monitoring | Status |
|---|---|
| Algeria | Ongoing |
| Angola | Ongoing |
| Bulgaria | Ongoing |
| Burkina Faso | Ongoing |
| Cameroon | Ongoing |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Ongoing |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | Ongoing |
| Haiti | Ongoing |
| Kenya | Ongoing |
| Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) | Ongoing |
| Lebanon | Ongoing |
| Monaco | Ongoing |
| Mozambique | Ongoing |
| Namibia | Ongoing |
| Nepal | Ongoing |
| Nigeria | Ongoing |
| South Africa | Ongoing |
| South Sudan | Ongoing |
| Syria | Ongoing |
| Venezuela | Ongoing |
| Vietnam | Ongoing |
| Yemen | Ongoing |
3. Important Clarification for Businesses
FATF clarified that this guidance does not ban or restrict legitimate trade or business activities with the listed countries. Regulated businesses can continue lawful operations while staying alert to risks and complying with local due diligence laws.
About FATF
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body founded in 1989. It sets global standards and promotes the enforcement of laws to counter:
- Money laundering
- Terrorist financing
- Financing of weapons of mass destruction
FATF reviews country performance, studies evolving financial threats, and issues guidance and updated lists to help nations strengthen their financial integrity. The FATF Plenary, its main decision-making body, meets three times a year.
