Published: 9 March 2026FATFInternational
FATF Adds Kuwait and Papua New Guinea to Grey List; Total Reaches 22 Countries
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) added Kuwait and Papua New Guinea to its 'increased monitoring' grey list in March 2026, raising the total number of jurisdictions under enhanced scrutiny to 22. Both countries were flagged for strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) systems.
India was removed from the FATF grey list in 2018 after significant reforms. Being on the grey list signals to investors and financial institutions that a country's AML/CFT framework needs improvement, potentially affecting foreign investment flows and correspondent banking relationships.
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Linked questionMedium
In February 2026, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) added which two countries to its grey list?
Explanation · Correct answer BAt its February 2026 update on jurisdictions under increased monitoring, FATF identified Kuwait and Papua New Guinea as additional jurisdictions with strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. This is the list commonly called the grey list.
Frequently asked questions
Why did FATF add Kuwait and Papua New Guinea to its grey list in March 2026 and what is the total count of grey-listed countries?
**FATF** added **Kuwait and Papua New Guinea** to its **increased monitoring (grey) list in March 2026**, raising the total to **22 countries** under enhanced scrutiny. Both countries were flagged for **strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) systems**.
What is the FATF grey list and how many countries are currently on it after the March 2026 additions?
The **FATF grey list** (officially called the **Increased Monitoring List**) comprises countries with **strategic deficiencies in AML/CFT systems**. After **Kuwait and Papua New Guinea** were added in **March 2026**, the total reached **22 countries** under enhanced FATF scrutiny. **India was removed from the FATF grey list in 2018** after significant reforms.
When was India removed from the FATF grey list and what was the reason?
**India was removed from the FATF grey list in 2018** following **significant reforms** to its **anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) systems**. The FATF grey list (Increased Monitoring List) flags countries with strategic deficiencies. After Kuwait and Papua New Guinea were added in March 2026, the list stands at **22 countries**.
What impact does being on the FATF grey list have on a country's economy and banking relations?
Being on the **FATF grey list** signals to **investors and financial institutions** that a country's **AML/CFT framework needs improvement**. This can negatively affect **foreign investment flows** and **correspondent banking relationships**. **Kuwait and Papua New Guinea** were added in **March 2026**, raising the total grey-listed countries to **22**.
What are AML and CFT deficiencies for which Kuwait and Papua New Guinea were added to the FATF grey list?
**Kuwait and Papua New Guinea** were added to the **FATF grey list in March 2026** for **strategic deficiencies in anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) systems**. AML refers to measures preventing criminals from disguising illegal funds; CFT refers to measures preventing financing of terrorist activities. The total grey-listed countries now stands at **22**.
