FATF February 2026 update: MEA jurisdictions under increased monitoring

On 13 February 2026, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released its updated list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring. The list includes several Middle Eastern and African (MEA) countries within Diligencia’s area of expertise. Each jurisdiction on the list has committed to addressing strategic deficiencies in anti-money laundering (AML), combating the financing of terrorism (CFT), and proliferation financing frameworks.

FATF's increased monitoring: What it means

Countries under increased monitoring work closely with FATF to enhance the effectiveness of their financial regulatory systems. These jurisdictions have made high-level political commitments to strengthen their AML/CFT regimes and address identified weaknesses - demonstrating their dedication to aligning with FATF’s global standards.

Recent changes

In February 2026, Kuwait made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and MENAFATF to strengthen the effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime. 

MEA countries currently under increased monitoring

The following MEA jurisdictions are currently under increased monitoring; each working to implement targeted reforms and improve financial transparency:

• Algeria
• Angola
• Cameroon
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Kenya
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Namibia
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Yemen

These countries have pledged to adopt comprehensive measures to enhance the resilience of their financial systems, strengthen regulatory oversight, and improve.

For a full overview of FATF’s findings and country-specific updates, visit the official  Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring – 13 October 2026  page.