FATF targets major crypto markets for AML lapses, results in June 2027

• FATF is reviewing countries with major crypto markets for enforcement of anti-money-laundering rules.
• First results will be published in June 2027 after assessing compliance, especially with the Travel Rule.

On November 2, 2026 (UTC), Cryptopolitan reported that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) announced during its October 2026 plenary in Paris the launch of a targeted review of countries with significant virtual asset activity. The review focuses on whether these "crypto hubs" effectively enforce anti-money-laundering (AML) measures, with particular attention to the FATF’s Travel Rule, which requires identity and information sharing for crypto asset transfers.

The FATF stated that while 83% of surveyed jurisdictions have adopted Travel Rule legislation—a ten percent increase from the previous year—enforcement continues to lag. Out of 91 countries that have passed such laws, 55 have not taken any supervisory or enforcement actions, according to Cryptopolitan. The agency’s review centers on countries with “materially important” virtual asset service provider (VASP) sectors, which account for 97% of global crypto market volume. FATF officials noted that weak compliance in these locations poses major systemic risks.

The organization designed the targeted review as a direct response to unresolved risks, including the presence of unlicensed crypto operators, offshore platforms serving local users, and continued use of crypto hubs for money laundering and financial fraud. FATF members will use objective criteria to monitor compliance and expect jurisdictions to provide rapid reporting and follow-up to address enforcement gaps.

FATF has not disclosed the specific names or numbers of countries currently under review. However, Cryptopolitan cited recent action by Spain, which ended anonymous crypto-ATM use and now requires identity checks. Türkiye also faces heightened scrutiny, having been placed under enhanced follow-up after FATF’s review found unaddressed financial crime cases.

The FATF will publish initial results from this targeted review in June 2027, with an additional update scheduled for October 2027.