Angola on the EU high-risk list: implications and strategies
On June 10, 2025, the European Union officially included Angola in its list of high-risk jurisdictions for the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. The decision, based on the analysis of the FATFThe decision, based on FATF analysis, has an immediate impact on the country's reputation and its financial system.
From now on, all EU banks must apply enhanced due diligence measures in transactions with Angolan entities. This implies increased scrutiny, additional documentation, analysis of the origin of funds and higher operational costs. The Angolan banking system thus comes under an international perception of regulatory risk.
Real impacts for the Angolan banking sector
For Angola's banks, the consequences are tangible:
Loss of confidence on the part of international correspondents.
Obstacles in cross-border transfers and operations.
Difficulties in accessing financing, investments and global compensation.
Stricter audit and compliance requirements.
How banks should act
Faced with this scenario, banks must adopt a technical and coordinated response:
Strengthen compliance: review KYC procedures, detection of suspicious transactions and corporate structures.
Audits and risk assessment: implement internal and external reviews to detect failures.
Ongoing technical training: train staff on FATF standards and alert management.
Align with the BNA: collaborate with the National Bank of Angola on corrective measures.
International communication: demonstrate commitment to reforms and seek external certification.
Recommendations for companies with EU-Angola links
European companies with operations in Angola should:
Update their risk matrices and apply enhanced due diligence measures.
Reevaluate contracts and corporate structures with Angolan participation.
Incorporate ethics, integrity and transparency clauses in agreements.
Maintain open communication with Angolan partners and request compliance documentation.
Angolan companies with interests in Europe should:
Align your compliance with international standards.
Strengthen the identification of clients, control of operations and final beneficiaries.
Review legal and fiscal structure to ensure transparency.
Obtain certifications such as ISO 37301 to gain confidence.
Actively communicate its progress and integrity policies.
Conclusion:
Angola's inclusion in the EU high-risk list is not just a sanction, but an opportunity for transformation. The response of institutions and companies must be swift, technical and strategic. The future confidence of the Angolan financial system will depend on its ability to respond with integrity.
PetroShore Compliance is prepared to accompany organizations in this process.
🔗 Learn more about AMLTool, our anti-money laundering tool: www.amltoolpro.com
🔗 Financial Action Task Force (FATF / FATF), where you can consult their updates, reports and lists of high-risk jurisdictions:
https://www.fatf-gafi.org
🔗 For a direct access to the lists of countries under increased surveillance or high risk, you can visit this specific page:
https://www.fatf-gafi.org/en/publications/High-risk-and-other-monitored-jurisdictions.html
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