On 4 December 2025, the European Commission announced an update to its list of high-risk third countries under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) framework. This update, effective 29 January 2026, aligns with recent decisions by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) following its June and October 2025 plenaries.
What’s Changed?
- Added to the list:
- Bolivia
- British Virgin Islands
- Russia
- Removed from the list:
- Burkina Faso
- Mali
- Mozambique
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Tanzania
These changes reflect progress made by certain jurisdictions in addressing AML/CFT deficiencies and the need for enhanced vigilance in others.
Why This Matters
The EU’s AML framework requires enhanced due diligence for transactions involving high-risk jurisdictions. These measures are critical to protect the integrity of the EU financial system and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
The update takes the legal form of a delegated regulation, which enters into force after scrutiny and non-objection by the European Parliament and Council. This process ensures transparency and adherence to global standards.
Important Clarification
Although the European Commission webpage currently shows Mali as listed, the Official Journal of the EU confirms its removal. The Gazette remains the legally binding reference.
Read the official source here.
Action Points for Compliance Teams
- Review and update country risk classifications across your organisation.
- Adjust enhanced due diligence (EDD) and monitoring frameworks to reflect the new list.