Monaco stays on FATF grey list through 2026
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
The Financial Action Task Force has acknowledged progress but confirmed Monaco will remain on its anti-money laundering watchlist for the remainder of 2026.
Despite acknowledged improvements to its financial compliance framework, Monaco will not be removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list this year. The FATF, which monitors countries considered permeable to money laundering and terrorist financing, reviewed the Principality's progress but stopped short of granting it a clean exit.
The decision will be noted closely by the property and financial services sectors, where grey-list status can complicate due diligence processes, raise transaction costs and introduce additional scrutiny for buyers and investors moving funds into or out of Monaco. Institutions operating here have faced mounting compliance obligations since the Principality was first placed on the list.
Monaco has taken steps to tighten its anti-money laundering architecture in recent years, including reforms to beneficial ownership registers and stronger oversight of high-value transactions. The FATF's recognition of those advances suggests a formal exit remains achievable, though the timeline now extends beyond 2026. A further review will determine when the Principality meets the threshold for removal.