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Compliance · KYC

Financial Action Task Force

The intergovernmental body that sets global standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Its evaluations and "grey list" designations materially shape investment-migration compliance.

Also known as:FATF

Definition

The intergovernmental body that sets global standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Its evaluations and "grey list" designations materially shape investment-migration compliance.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental body established in 1989 by the G7. It publishes the 40 Recommendations on AML/CFT (combating the financing of terrorism), conducts peer evaluations of its members, and maintains the "grey list" of jurisdictions under increased monitoring and the "black list" of high-risk uncooperative jurisdictions.

FATF assessments have driven major reforms across Caribbean CBI programmes. Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados appearing on the grey list in 2020–2024 created reputational pressure on the entire region and accelerated the 2024 OECS harmonisation of CBI due-diligence standards.

For practitioners, FATF status of an applicant's country of residence (and any intermediary jurisdiction in the source-of-funds chain) is a material input into the risk grade assigned during due diligence.

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Compare live programmes on eligibility, timelines and family rules, check where you qualify, then read the country guides before you book a paid 60-minute consultation.

  • Browse live programmes

    Residency and citizenship by investment programmes that are currently open, with the qualifying routes for each country.

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  • Read the country guides

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I see this term in practice?

Follow the related programme and guide links on this page to see how the term applies to live programmes.

Who can explain how this applies to me?

An adviser can explain how the term affects your application. Book a consultation or send us a message.

What is investment migration?

Investment migration is the legal process of obtaining citizenship or residency in a foreign country through a qualifying financial contribution — such as a government fund donation, real estate purchase, or business investment. Programmes are offered by sovereign governments and are fully legal, internationally recognised, and increasingly common among UHNW and HNW individuals and families.

What is the difference between residency and citizenship by investment?

Residence by investment gives you the right to live in a country; citizenship by investment makes you a national with a passport and full civic rights.

Residence permits usually need renewing and may carry stay requirements, while citizenship is generally permanent. Many families combine the two to cover different needs.

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