FATF October 2026 update: MEA jurisdictions under increased monitoring

On 30 October 2026, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published its latest list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring. The update includes several countries in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), the region covered by Diligencia's research and intelligence services.

Jurisdictions under increased monitoring have committed to addressing strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CFT), and counter-proliferation financing frameworks. These countries work closely with FATF and relevant regional bodies to strengthen their financial crime controls and align with international standards.

What does increased monitoring mean?

Countries placed under increased monitoring have made high-level political commitments to address identified weaknesses in their AML/CFT frameworks. FATF monitors their progress against agreed action plans designed to improve regulatory effectiveness, transparency, and financial system integrity.

Recent changes

Côte d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been removed from the list following progress in strengthening their AML/CFT frameworks.

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:

• Angola
• Cameroon
• Iraq
• Kenya
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Yemen

These jurisdictions have committed to implementing targeted reforms aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight, improving financial transparency, and enhancing the resilience of their financial systems.

For a complete overview of FATF's findings and country-specific action plans, please refer to the official FATF publication,  Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring – 30 October 2026