Overview
- The Financial Action Task Force confirmed South Africa’s delisting during its Oct. 22–24 plenary in Paris after verifying completion of all 22 action items, including an on‑site assessment in July 2025 that tested the sustainability of reforms.
- National Treasury credited coordinated work by regulators and law‑enforcement bodies such as the FIC, SARB, FSCA, CIPC, the Hawks and the NPA, supported by private‑sector collaboration and technical assistance from ESAAMLG, the EU, UK, USA, Switzerland and the World Bank.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa said the decision strengthens South Africa’s reputation and investment appeal and signals progress in rebuilding institutions weakened during the state capture era.
- Market reaction was muted as investors had largely anticipated the outcome, with the rand and bond yields little changed even as analysts welcomed lower long‑term transaction costs and improved financial credibility.
- Authorities caution that delisting is a milestone rather than an endpoint, with FATF expecting continued results in investigations, prosecutions and sanctions ahead of a mutual evaluation starting in the first half of 2026 and concluding in October 2027.