FATF Launches Targeted Crypto Review With Results Due In 2027

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) announced a targeted review of countries' implementation of its crypto standards on 30th October 2026, with the first results scheduled for June 2027. Further findings are due in October 2027, according to its announcement.

The review will concentrate primarily on jurisdictions with materially important virtual asset service provider activity, taking account of their existing assessment status. Under FATF's definition, virtual asset service providers include businesses that exchange, transfer or safeguard virtual assets on customers' behalf. The announcement does not name the jurisdictions selected for the exercise. Our crypto regulation explainer covers how national rules differ.

Review Adds Faster Follow-Up

FATF said uneven implementation allows criminal networks to exploit gaps between jurisdictions and the cross-border nature of virtual assets. It called on governments to address deficiencies urgently.

The organisation said the targeted exercise would supplement its existing country evaluations and follow-up procedures, which remain its main assessment mechanisms. FATF said monitoring and faster reporting would help jurisdictions act on weaknesses identified by the review.

Support for the countries involved will include continuing engagement and training. FATF also called on donors and technical assistance providers to prioritise jurisdictions facing significant difficulties implementing its standards in the virtual asset sector.

In its plenary statement, FATF said the review would use objective criteria. It linked the decision to its April 2026 ministerial declaration and the need to strengthen safeguards against money laundering and terrorist financing involving virtual assets.

Scam Compound Report Approved

The decision came at the end of FATF's Paris meeting from 28th to 30th October. Delegates also approved a report examining how illicit money moves through scam compounds, with publication planned for the following week.

In a November 2025 statement, INTERPOL described such centres as criminal hubs, where trafficked people can be forced to conduct online fraud.

FATF said practical information supplied across its network would inform efforts to break up the businesses sustaining scam compounds. The report is the first output of FATF's fraud roadmap under the UK presidency, with a broader study of measures against fraud to follow.

In its assessment of the meeting, financial crime compliance provider ComplyAdvantage identified both initiatives as relevant to firms exposed to crypto and cross-border scam activity. It said the forthcoming scam report should provide warning signs for compliance teams to test against their transaction monitoring and screening systems.