South Africa’s EU delisting reflects major AML, financial crime, and crypto regulatory reforms that restored global confidence.
South Africa has been officially removed from the European Union’s list of high-risk third-country jurisdictions, effective January 29, 2026. The decision follows the country’s exit from the FATF grey list in October 2025 and recognition of reforms to its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) framework.
The EU said South Africa addressed key strategic deficiencies identified by FATF, easing enhanced due diligence requirements previously imposed on EU-South Africa financial transactions. Treasury officials noted that while progress is significant, further work is needed in detecting and prosecuting financial crimes.
Crypto regulation played a role in the reforms. Authorities tightened oversight of digital assets to close money-laundering and capital flight risks, including steps to bring crypto under exchange-control rules.
The delisting comes alongside a rare S&P credit rating upgrade in November 2025, reinforcing improved investor confidence. Officials stress continued reforms are essential ahead of South Africa’s next FATF review in 2027.
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