The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) would like to inform subject persons that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has published a new report entitled, ‘Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks’.
This report focuses on serious and evolving terrorist financing (TF) risks and terrorists’ ability to exploit the international financial system to support their activities and carry out terrorist attacks. Moreover, the report reflects on the adaptability of terrorists and underlines the need for risk-based counter-TF measures. Additionally, the report outlines various case studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing TF risks.
This publication also notes current and evolving methods used by terrorists to raise, move, store, and use funds and assets. These include cash transportation, hawala, money value transfer services, online payment services, formal financial services, digital platforms including social media and crowdfunding features, virtual assets, the abuse of legal entities such as shell companies, trusts and non-profit organisations.
The report outlines key trends in the evolution of TF, such as an increase in the mixed use of diverse methods of financing, the integration of digital technologies with conventional techniques which add new layers of complexity to TF activities, and convergences between terrorist financing schemes and organised crime.
The report also provides a set of practical risk indicators to assist in detecting and suppressing TF, such as patterns in payments, travel activity, and social media activity.
It should be noted that the FATF will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday 22 July 2025 from 13:30 to 15:00 to help all relevant stakeholders better understand and respond to the risks identified in this report. Interested parties should register through the following link. The publication can be accessed directly from the FATF’s website or from the FIAU’s website under the tab FATF.