South Africa has made significant strides in strengthening its financial integrity, with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) announcing that the country has substantially completed all 22 action items required to exit the greylist.
The decision, confirmed at the FATF Plenary in Strasbourg, France, paves the way for an on-site assessment to verify the implementation of critical Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) reforms.
With this milestone, South Africa moves closer to restoring global investor confidence and bolstering its financial reputation ahead of the anticipated delisting in October 2025.
A Turning Point in Financial Oversight Commending the efforts behind this progress, National Treasury acknowledged the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the State Security Agency, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for increasing investigations and prosecutions of complex money laundering and terror financing activities.
The FATF statement notes: “South Africa has demonstrated a sustained increase in investigations and prosecutions of serious and complex money laundering… and updated its terrorism financing risk assessment to inform a comprehensive national strategy.”
This progress is especially crucial given South Africa’s historical challenges with state capture, which weakened law enforcement institutions.
Beyond regulatory compliance, the strengthening of financial crime enforcement is key to rebuilding institutional integrity and ensuring sustainable economic recovery.
Regional and Global Implications A more secure and transparent financial system in South Africa boosts investor confidence and aligns the country with global financial standards, reassuring international stakeholders.
The announcement also positions South Africa alongside Nigeria, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso, which have similarly reached the final stage before delisting.
Preparations for the on-site FATF assessment are already underway, with high expectations that South Africa will secure full removal from the greylist in October 2025, restoring its status as a trusted financial hub.
This development marks not just compliance but a commitment to long-term financial integrity, reinforcing South Africa’s leadership in regional and global financial governance.
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