FATF issues Updated List of High-Risk and Monitored Jurisdictions (October 2025)
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has issued a new public statement titled “High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action” on 24 October 2025. The statement provides updates on countries that pose a high risk for money laundering and terrorist financing and require special attention from financial institutions and governments.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental body founded in 1989 by the ministers of its member countries. FATF’s main objectives are to:
- Set global standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
- Monitor how well countries implement these standards.
- Review global trends and methods in financial crimes.
- Promote global cooperation to protect the integrity of the international financial system.
The FATF Plenary, its main decision-making body, meets three times a year to review and update its statements on high-risk and monitored jurisdictions.
High-Risk Jurisdictions
FATF has asked its members and other jurisdictions to continue following its earlier statement (February 2020) regarding North Korea (DPRK) and Iran, which remains in force. These countries continue to pose a significant threat to the international financial system due to their weak anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) frameworks.
In addition, Myanmar remains on the list of High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action. Myanmar was added to this list in October 2022, and FATF has instructed all countries to apply enhanced due diligence measures when dealing with financial transactions linked to Myanmar.
However, FATF has also advised countries to ensure that these restrictions do not affect humanitarian assistance, legitimate non-profit organization (NPO) activities, or personal remittances. The status of Myanmar remains unchanged in the latest update.
Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring
FATF also maintains a list of countries that have strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT systems but are working with FATF to improve them. These countries are placed under the “Increased Monitoring” list, commonly known as the Grey List.
Previously, the following countries were under Increased Monitoring:
Algeria, Angola, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Kenya, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Lebanon, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (UK), and Yemen.
In its October 2025 review, FATF announced that Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Nigeria, and South Africa have been removed from the Increased Monitoring list after successfully improving their AML/CFT systems.
Purpose of the FATF Statements
FATF regularly releases two public documents:
- High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action
- Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring
These reports help identify countries with weaknesses in their systems for preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. The goal is to encourage these countries to strengthen their frameworks through cooperation and reform.
It is important to note that FATF’s guidance does not restrict legitimate trade or business activities with these countries. Financial institutions and businesses should continue lawful operations while maintaining appropriate due diligence measures.
For detailed information, refer to the official FATF publications released on October 24, 2025:
- Outcomes of FATF Plenary – October 2025
- Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring – October 2025
- High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action – October 2025
