2026-03-26
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas directs all supervised financial institutions to incorporate the FATF's 13 February 2026 publications into their risk analysis and mitigation strategies. The circular mandates enhanced due diligence or countermeasures for high-risk jurisdictions including the DPRK, Iran, and Myanmar, while noting the addition of Kuwait and Papua New Guinea to the increased monitoring list. It further reiterates the suspension of the Russian Federation's FATF membership and urges vigilance against risks arising from the circumvention of sanctions.
Page OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR I FINANCIAL SUPERVISION SECTOR CIRCULAR LETTER NO. CL-2026- To : All BSP-Supervised Financial Institutions (BSFIs) Subject : Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Publications – 13 February 2026 This is to inform all BSFIs of the FATF publications issued last 13 February 2026 on: (i) high-risk jurisdictions subject to a call for action1 ; (ii) jurisdictions under increased monitoring2 ; and (iii) statement on the Russian Federation3 .
Page 2 of 2 incomplete, the FATF reiterates its call on its members and urges all jurisdictions to apply effective countermeasures on Iran. When applying countermeasures, countries should ensure that flows of funds involving humanitarian assistance, food and health supplies, diplomatic operating costs, and personal remittances are appropriately handled on a risk basis considering the TF or PF risks emanating from Iran, in line with international obligations. • Jurisdiction subject to a FATF call on its members and other jurisdictions to apply EDD measures proportionate to the risks arising from the jurisdiction Myanmar The FATF calls on its members and other jurisdictions to apply EDD measures proportionate to the risk arising from Myanmar. The FATF requires that as part of EDD, financial institutions should increase the degree and nature of monitoring of the business relationship, in order to determine whether those transactions or activities appear unusual or suspicious. When applying EDD measures, countries should ensure that flows of funds for humanitarian assistance, legitimate Non-Profit Organization activity and remittances are neither disrupted nor discouraged. 2. Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring These countries are actively working with the FATF and have committed to resolve swiftly the identified strategic deficiencies in their regimes to counter ML/TF/PF within agreed timeframes. New jurisdictions added to the list are Kuwait and Papua New Guinea. The FATF does not call for the application of EDD measures to these jurisdictions but encourages its members and all jurisdictions to take into account the information presented in their risk analysis. 3. Statement on Russian Federation The suspension of the membership of the Russian Federation continues to stand. Following the statements issued since March 2022, the FATF reiterates that all jurisdictions should be vigilant to current and emerging risks from the circumvention of measures taken against the Russian Federation in order to protect the international financial system. Copies of the aforementioned FATF publications may be viewed and downloaded from the FATF website (www.fatf-gafi.org). BSFIs are likewise directed to regularly refer to the FATF’s website for the latest statements on high risk and other monitored jurisdictions and consider the same in their risk analysis and mitigation strategies. For guidance and strict compliance. LYN I. JAVIER Deputy Governor 26__ March 2026