Nepal Gears Up to Exit FATF Grey List with Time-Bound Action Plan

In a bid to remove Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, the government has endorsed a concrete action plan with set deadlines. The Anti-Money Laundering Steering Committee, led by Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, finalized the plan on Tuesday and emphasized that its execution should begin without any delay.

Minister Paudel highlighted the importance of not just implementing the current roadmap effectively but also laying the foundation for long-term reforms that ensure Nepal does not return to the grey list. Law Minister Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya expressed confidence that Nepal’s existing legal framework is sufficient and urged agencies to work with focus and commitment. Attorney General Ramesh Badal stressed the role of institutional good governance, while Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal underscored the urgency of coordinated efforts.

Acting NRB Governor Neelam Dhungana Timsina called for early implementation rather than waiting for last-minute action. Meeting participants pointed to key areas needing attention, such as risk assessment, better coordination between agencies, effective regulation, improved investigation and prosecution mechanisms, and stronger asset recovery efforts. Nepal was added to the FATF grey list on February 21 this year.