Prime Minister says Bulgaria is leaving FATF's grey list

Prime Minister Rumen Radev said on October 30 that Bulgaria had been removed from the so-called 'grey list' of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) — the international body monitoring measures against money laundering and terrorist financing. Bulgarian National Television reported the statement.

At the time of our editorial review, we were unable to confirm the publication of the new final list on FATF's own website. We are therefore reporting the government statement, without claiming to have independently verified the final document.

What enhanced monitoring means

The 'grey list' covers jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in systems for combating money laundering and related financial risks. Inclusion does not automatically prohibit business or financial transactions, but it is an important signal for banks, investors and partners assessing risk.

Bulgaria was added to the list in October 2023. Since then, institutions have worked under an agreed action plan to improve supervision, transparency concerning companies' beneficial owners, and measures against financial crime.

What FATF found in June

In its official document dated June 19, 2026, FATF made a preliminary assessment that Bulgaria had substantially completed its action plan. The organisation said an on-site visit was needed to verify that the reforms were being implemented sustainably and that the political commitment to their implementation remained in place.

The October 30 announcement came on the final day of FATF's October plenary meeting. Any subsequent changes to European regulatory lists are a separate matter and do not automatically follow from a national government announcement.

The official public decision is awaited

The newsroom will follow the publication of FATF's final text and updated list. These will establish the precise scope and official date of any change to Bulgaria's status.

Sources: BNT, October 30, 2026.; FATF — official decision of June 19, 2026.; BTA — background on the procedure.

Illustrative photo: Jakub Żerdzicki / Unsplash. The image is not from the FATF meeting.