The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has issued its latest public statements dated 13 February 2026, confirming updates to its list of High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action (commonly referred to as the “Black List”) and Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring (commonly referred to as the “Grey List”).
These lists form an important reference point for global AML/CFT risk assessments and are widely relied upon by regulators, Corporate Service Providers (CSPs), financial institutions, and other regulated entities.
Current FATF Black List (High-Risk Jurisdictions)
As of 13 February 2026, the following jurisdictions are designated as High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action:
• Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)
• Iran
• Myanmar
These jurisdictions are identified as having serious and ongoing strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT frameworks. Enhanced due diligence and, where applicable, counter-measures are expected in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Current FATF Grey List (Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring)
As of 13 February 2026, the following jurisdictions are under increased monitoring:
• Algeria
• Angola
• Bolivia
• Bulgaria
• Cameroon
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Haiti
• Kenya
• Kuwait (added in February 2026)
• Lao PDR
• Lebanon
• Monaco
• Namibia
• Nepal
• Papua New Guinea (added in February 2026)
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Venezuela
• Vietnam
• Virgin Islands (UK)
• Yemen
In this February 2026 round, Kuwait and Papua New Guinea were newly added to the Grey List. No jurisdictions were removed.
These updates should be treated as formal risk reclassification events within internal compliance frameworks.
Compliance Reminder for Regulated Entities
FATF list updates are not merely informational. They directly affect jurisdiction risk assessments, enhanced due diligence triggers, and regulatory expectations.
Corporate Service Providers, financial institutions, and other regulated professionals should promptly:
• Review and update their Internal Policies, Procedures and Controls (IPPC)
• Update jurisdiction risk matrices and country risk classifications
• Ensure Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) procedures reflect the latest designations
• Review AML screening and monitoring systems for correct country tagging
• Document internal review actions as evidence of effective implementation
Supervisory authorities increasingly assess whether firms demonstrate timely incorporation of FATF updates into operational controls, not just written policies.
Maintaining an updated IPPC and jurisdiction risk framework is essential to demonstrating AML/CFT compliance readiness.
AlgoCandy will continue to monitor regulatory developments and provide updates relevant to compliance professionals and CSP practitioners.
Stay informed. Stay aligned. Stay audit-ready.