Sanctions

Following FATF’s recommendations, the evaluation of “assessing risks and applying a risk-based approach,” which was rated as “partially compliant” in October 2021, progressed to “largely compliant” by October 2023. However, the evaluation of “national cooperation and coordination” has remained at the “partially compliant” level since October 2021. As highlighted in the FATF’s February 2024 update, South Africa needs to persist in implementing its action plan to address deficiencies. This involves ensuring that competent authorities promptly access accurate and updated information on legal entities and arrangements and impose sanctions for violations by legal entities. These remedial actions should be completed by January 2025.

September 15, 2025

Institutional framework for sanctions

South Africa has applied its institutional framework for sanctions in alignment with the FATF recommendations and has made substantial progress in addressing the strategic deficiencies that led to its grey listing in February 2023. COMPLETE: We stopped tracking this specific reform at end-June 2025 as it is complete and in effect.

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Legal framework for sanctions

South Africa’s legal framework for sanctions primarily involves the implementation and enforcement of targeted financial sanctions, particularly those mandated by United Nations Security Council resolutions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. These sanctions frameworks are administered through the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) as per the Financial Intelligence Centre Act of 2001. This sanctions framework…

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