AML Update: FATF Grey List & Black List Updates – June 2025

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has, in June 2025, published it’s latest black and grey lists, with no change to the black list and two new countries added and three leaving the grey list.

Three times a year, the FATF publishes two lists identifying countries with weaknesses in their anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) frameworks. These updates are essential for compliance professionals, especially those working under HMRC AML regulations, who must adapt their risk-based approaches accordingly.

FATF is the global watchdog for money laundering and terrorist financing. Its mission is to set international standards that prevent criminals and terrorists from abusing the global financial system.

What changed in June 2025?

In the June 2025 FATF Plenary update, more than 200 countries and jurisdictions reaffirmed their commitment to FATF’s AML/CTF standards. The most recent update introduced the following key changes:

High-Risk Jurisdictions – “Black List”

These countries have significant strategic deficiencies in their AML/CTF regimes and are subject to a Call for Action. The June 2025 update confirms no changes to this list.

As of June 2025, the following jurisdictions remain on the black list:

• Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
  
• Iran
  
• Myanmar
  
  

Jurisdictions on this list require the strongest level of Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD).

Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring – “Grey List”

Often referred to as the grey list, these countries are actively working with the FATF to strengthen their AML/CTF controls. Placement on this list signals a country’s commitment to addressing strategic deficiencies within agreed timelines.

Newly added to the grey list:

• Bolivia
  
• Virgin Islands (UK)
  
  

Removed from the grey list:

• Croatia
  
• Mali
• United Republic of Tanzania

Full List of Grey-Listed Jurisdictions (as of June 2025):

• Algeria
  
• Angola
  
• Bolivia
  
• Bulgaria
  
• Burkina Faso
  
• Cameroon
  
• Côte d’Ivoire
  
• Democratic Republic of Congo
  
• Haiti
  
• Jamaica
  
• Kenya
  
• Lao People’s Democratic Republic
  
• Lebanon
  
• Monaco
  
• Mozambique
  
• Namibia
  
• Nigeria
  
• South Africa
  
• South Sudan
  
• Syria
  
• Venezuela
  
• Vietnam
  
• Virgin Islands (UK)
• Yemen

Why this matters

Remaining compliant means more than just checking a box. It means staying up to date with FATF updates, applying enhanced due diligence where appropriate, and reassessing your client risk profiles in light of new jurisdictional designations.

Failing to monitor these updates could lead to exposure to higher-risk clients – and potentially steep regulatory penalties.

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