On February 21, 2025, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) updated its grey list and blacklist in the field of anti-money laundering. This move once again underscores the importance of combating money laundering and terrorist financing activities worldwide. As an authoritative institution in the international anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing field, the regular updates of the FATF lists not only provide a comprehensive review of countries' efforts in this regard but also serve as a robust safeguard for global financial security and stability.
The updated blacklist still includes the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, and Myanmar. Due to significant deficiencies in anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing efforts, these three countries have been identified as high-risk jurisdictions by the FATF. The publication of the blacklist serves as a warning and urge to these countries to take effective measures to strengthen their anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing work, thereby maintaining the stability and security of the global financial system.
Meanwhile, changes have also occurred on the grey list. Laos and Nepal have been newly added to the grey list, indicating that they still face certain issues in anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing and need to further strengthen supervision and rectification. In contrast, the Philippines has been removed from the grey list due to significant progress in improving its anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing system. This change not only acknowledges the Philippines' efforts but also serves as an incentive and model for other countries.
Currently, there are 25 countries or regions on the grey list. Although these countries and regions have made some progress in anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing, they still face many challenges. By including these countries and regions on the grey list, the FATF aims to urge them to continue strengthening their efforts in this regard, improving regulatory standards, and ensuring the stability and security of the global financial system.
It is worth mentioning that the FATF's list updates are not static. As countries continue to advance and improve their anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing work, the FATF will dynamically adjust the lists based on the actual situation. Therefore, countries need to remain vigilant and attentive, strengthen international cooperation and exchanges, and jointly address global challenges such as money laundering and terrorist financing.
