South Africa Exits FATF Greylist After Implementing Anti-Money Laundering Reforms

Following its placement on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist in February 2023, South Africa has successfully implemented key reforms to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The decision to delist the country was taken at the conclusion of FATF Plenary meetings in Paris, France, from 22-24 October 2025. National Treasury hailed this move as a major policy and institutional achievement, demonstrating South Africa's commitment to rebuilding the rule of law. However, the government emphasized that this is only the beginning of a broader process to strengthen key institutions, improve enforcement, and governance processes to ensure a sustainable and effective anti-money laundering system.

Key Takeaways:

• South Africa has exited the FATF greylist after successfully implementing 22 Action Items in the Action Plan agreed between South Africa and the FATF.
• The FATF assessors conducted an on-site visit in July 2025 to confirm the sustainability of the reforms reported by South Africa.
• Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo, and Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, assured the FATF of the South African Government's political commitment to continue improving AML/CFT systems.
• The FATF requires countries that exit the greylist to demonstrate continued commitment through measurable outcomes, including successful investigations, prosecutions, and sanctions.
• The next FATF Mutual Evaluation for South Africa is expected to commence in the first half of 2026 and conclude in October 2027.

Statistics:

• 32 months: The duration of South Africa's engagement with FATF reviewers.
• 22: The number of Action Items in the Action Plan agreed between South Africa and the FATF.
• 2026: The expected year of the commencement of the next FATF Mutual Evaluation for South Africa.
• 2027: The expected year of the conclusion of the FATF Mutual Evaluation.

Sources:

• South Africa has officially exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist after successfully implementing key reforms. The decision to delist South Africa was taken at the conclusion of meetings of the FATF Plenary that took place over 22-24 October 2025 in Paris, France.
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