FATF Adopts U.S. and Mexico Evaluation Reports
The Financial Action Task Force also agreed to publish a new report on scam centers and accelerate standards for digital assets.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Terrorism
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The Financial Action Task Force adopted the Mutual Evaluation Reports of the United States and Mexico at its plenary meetings, which concluded its first session under the United Kingdom presidency. Senior Treasury officials led the U.S. government delegation to the meetings.
Why it matters
The plenary reaffirmed pressure on Iran, which remains on the FATF blacklist, and called on all nations to implement reimposed United Nations Security Council Resolutions related to Iran's nuclear compliance. Members also agreed to accelerate global implementation of digital asset standards and to tackle financial flows fueling scam compounds.
FATF adopted two Mutual Evaluation Reports covering the United States and Mexico at its plenary session. A targeted review of jurisdictions with deficiencies in the virtual assets sector is set to launch, with decision points expected at the next plenary.
The players
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
The intergovernmental body that sets global standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, and maintains lists of jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies.
U.S. Department of the Treasury
The federal department whose senior officials led the U.S. government delegation to the FATF plenary meetings.
The details
FATF reiterated its call for jurisdictions to impose countermeasures on Iran, including restrictions on correspondent banking, digital asset transactions, and business relationships. The organization also adopted a report examining financial flows that fuel scam compounds operating in Southeast Asia and agreed to publish a further report on scam centers.
Timeline
Last week: FATF plenary meetings attended by a U.S. delegation led by senior Treasury officials in Paris.
November 6, 2026: FATF outcomes published, including adoption of the U.S. and Mexico evaluation reports.
Next FATF plenary: decision points on virtual asset jurisdiction accountability expected.
Big Picture
The plenary's call for countermeasures against Iran extends the sanctions framework of the reimposed UN Security Council Resolutions into the financial system through FATF's blacklist. Iran's continued noncompliance with its nuclear agreements is the stated reason the pressure is being reinforced.
Banks and digital asset firms operating with Iran or in jurisdictions named by FATF may face tighter restrictions on correspondent banking and transactions. Efforts to disrupt scam compound financing could affect how money moves through regional financial systems.
The takeaway
Financial crime enforcement increasingly depends on coordinated standards across borders, from sanctions on Iran to crackdowns on scam networks. Readers tracking these measures can watch the next FATF plenary for updates on virtual asset accountability.
What happens next
A targeted review of jurisdictions with virtual assets sector deficiencies is set to report decision points at the next FATF plenary.
Further reading
Explore more on Terrorism to see how financial measures fit into broader efforts against illicit finance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by U.S. Department of the Treasury.
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