The methods used to launder proceeds of criminal activities and finance illicit activities are in constant evolution. As countries implement the FATF Standards, they become more effective in detecting, investigating, prosecuting and preventing financial crime. Criminals and terrorists must therefore continuously explore new ways to raise and move funds while avoiding detection.

FATF’s research into existing or emerging money laundering and terrorist financing trends and methods will help countries better understand the risks they are exposed to. Once these risks are properly understood, countries will be able to implement anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing measures that mitigate these risks.

FATF research has focused on a range of sectors and products to explore how they could be misused for money laundering and terrorist financing and to ensure that the FATF Standard provided the necessary tools to mitigate these risks. 

Recent research includes: