At CASSAGNE Consultores, we keep you informed of the latest international developments in Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Countering Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF).
? Today, October 30, 2026, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Plenary concluded in Paris, adopting significant decisions aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of AML/CFT/CPF frameworks worldwide
? Key Outcomes:
?? Grey List Update: Bulgaria, Côte d?Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Monaco were removed from the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring following the successful completion of their respective action plans. FATF expressed concern over Vietnam?s insufficient progress in addressing its strategic deficiencies.
?? Black List: North Korea (DPRK), Iran, and Myanmar remain subject to the FATF?s call for action.
?? Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs): The FATF agreed to accelerate the effective implementation of its international standards through targeted reviews and enhanced follow-up procedures in jurisdictions with significant virtual asset activity. The results will be published in June and October 2027.
?? Fraud and Organized Crime: The FATF approved a new report examining illicit financial flows associated with organized scam operations (scam compounds), establishing the fight against these criminal activities as an international strategic priority. The report is scheduled for publication in November 2026.
?? Mutual Evaluations: The FATF adopted the mutual evaluation reports of Mexico and the United States under the new round of evaluations, which places greater emphasis on the effectiveness of national AML/CFT/CPF frameworks. Both reports are expected to be published in December 2026.
?? Risk-Based Approach (RBA): The FATF advanced new measures to strengthen the effective and proportionate implementation of the Risk-Based Approach, prioritizing resources according to identified risks and promoting tailored assessments for countries with limited institutional capacity.
?? International Cooperation: Barbados, Namibia, and Thailand participated under the FATF?s Guest Initiative, while the suspension of the Russian Federation remains.
?? The Plenary?s outcomes reflect the FATF?s growing emphasis on the actual effectiveness of AML/CFT/CPF frameworks, stronger controls over virtual assets, the identification of emerging forms of financial crime, and the proportionate application of the Risk-Based Approach.
These decisions provide important guidance for supervisory authorities and regulated entities, particularly with respect to risk assessments, customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and the prevention of proliferation financing.
? Official FATF Source: https://lnkd.in/eJ_p9WJn