South African Rand Surges After FATF Lifts Greylist Status, South Africans Weigh In
- South Africa was officially removed from the Financial Action Task Force greylist on Friday, 24 October 2025
- This comes after South Africa met all anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards
- The South African rand had strengthened by nearly half a percent on Friday, 24 October 2025, after the announcement
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has officially removed South Africa from its grey list after the country successfully met all the required anti-money laundering recommendations.
Source: Getty Images
South Africa removed from greylist
The global financial crime watchdog placed South Africa on the grey list in February 2023 for failing to meet international standards on preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. South Africa joined three other African countries, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Mozambique, in being removed from the list.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) President Elisa de Anda Madrazo announced South Africa’s removal from the grey list during a virtual briefing on Friday, 24 October 2025. Business for South Africa (B4SA) welcomed the news, describing it as a major milestone. In a statement, B4SA noted that the achievement reflects the extensive efforts of government regulators and law enforcement agencies to strengthen the country’s anti-money laundering framework.
DON'T MISS IT: Stay Away From Fake News With Our Short, Free Fact-Checking Course. Join And Get Certified!
Rand strengthened after announcement
The rand strengthened by nearly half a percent after South Africa was officially removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
Experts said the decision signals significant progress in the country’s efforts to tighten controls against money laundering and terrorist financing.
Source: Getty Images
What did South Africans say?
Social media users shared their opinions regarding the removal.
@MothoFeelaTje said:
"I hope it's because we really fixed our stuff and criminals didn't just beat the system."
@SkhumbuzoN52037 said:
"Okay the country is removed from that nonsense my question is what are we going to benefit as people of South Africa."
@MthimkhuluPapi said:
"Whether grey, blue or pink. Cost of living remains the same, unemployment sky high. How is this colouring helping us."
@DryEtienne said:
"Great, now can we please focus on lowering our position from 17th on the international corruption register?"
@BhutiZex said:
"How convenient, we are on a topic of rand manipulation and gwiqiqi we are miraculously removed from this FATF. The master's always make us talk about something else everytime there's a commotion about serious issues."
@PfunaniMal30895 said:
"They remained silent while the rand was being manipulated against the US dollar."
@GantshoLarry said:
"Out of interest, what are anti-money laundering & counter- terrorism financing standards has SA met?"
@Penelope_Mph0 said:
"The investments that SA gets benefit criminals and their families. This has nothing to do with us. Companies will continue to close down. People will lose their jobs. Inflation will continue to rise making our lives worse than ever before."
3 More stories about the rand
- Briefly News previously reported that the South African rand has slumped against the British pound, recording its worst level ever.
- The European Union announced a €4.7-billion investment in South Africa on Thursday, 13 March 2025.
- Economists in South Africa reportedly expect that the Reserve Bank will cut interest rates.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
