Summary:

On 2 June 2025, Le Courier de L’Atlas published an article revealing a visit by a technical mission of experts from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) and the Tunisian Commission for Financial Analysis (CTAF), which raises new concerns about potential censure of Tunisia for money laundering and terrorism financing risks.

According to the article, the delegation raised serious concerns over several key issues including the effective implementation of the beneficiaries register, oversight of non-financial professions, delays in enforcing UN sanctions, and limited access to financial data.

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The article also reported that Tunisia is now under significant pressure following the visit, as the FATF delegation has submitted its technical findings to the Tunisian authorities. Tunisia is expected to undergo a new evaluation by Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force, with a full review mission scheduled between late 2026 and 2027.

Additionally, the head of the delegation reportedly warned that Tunisia risks being reinstated on the list of ‘jurisdictions under enhanced surveillance’, if meaningful reforms are not implemented by summer 2026.

It is noteworthy that Tunisia was blacklisted for terrorist financing concerns by both the European Union and the FATF and was later removed from both lists in 2019 and 2020, after aligning its frameworks with international standards.

Outlook: 

The FATF’s discreet visit signals mounting pressure on Tunisia to strengthen its financial safeguards. With a formal evaluation looming in the next 24 months, authorities are likely to accelerate the reforms to avoid the consequences of being censured.

Regulatory tightening is expected, particularly in sectors involved in international transactions. According to the economic expert Ridha Chkoundali, authorities such as the BCT, will have to develop and demonstrate the efficacy of control mechanisms that align with FATF requirements.

However, failure to act could lead the country to reputational setbacks, further diminishing its investment landscape, and increasing scrutiny from donors and financial institutions. Furthermore, any censure or downgrade would likely make it even more difficult for both expatriates and Tunisians to move money in and out of Tunisia and engage in global commerce.

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