Compliance Weekly Notes
Feb 9 – Feb 15 · 2026-W07
1 event this week
🧠 Feynman Takeaway
FATF updated its grey list — Kuwait added, Iran stays blacklisted. The global AML framework continued evolving.
FATF Adds Kuwait to Grey List
In plain English
The Financial Action Task Force updated its grey and black lists. Kuwait was added to the grey list (jurisdictions under increased monitoring). Iran remained on the blacklist (call for action). New Zealand was removed for good progress.
Analogy
FATF's grey list is like a teacher's 'needs improvement' list. Kuwait just got handed a note saying 'we're watching you more closely.' Iran is still in detention hall.
Why it matters
Grey listing has real economic consequences: higher correspondent banking costs, reduced cross-border flows, and reputational damage. Kuwait's financial sector would feel this for months.