The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has revised its Recommendation 6 on targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism and terrorist financing to better accommodate humanitarian activities, according to an official statement released by the FATF on June 23, 2026.
Key Changes to Recommendation 6
Recommendation 6 of the FATF Standards requires countries to implement targeted financial sanctions in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) aimed at preventing and suppressing terrorism and terrorist financing. The updated Standards now mandate that countries comply with the humanitarian exemption clauses contained in UNSCRs 2664, 2761, and 2615.
The revisions ensure that sanctions measures do not obstruct the flow of funds, assets, resources, goods, and services necessary for humanitarian assistance and basic human needs, consistent with the UN framework.
FATF President's Statement
FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo said, "Measures to counter terrorism and its financing are essential to our collective security. As the Security Council has underscored, these measures are not intended to impede the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance or the provision of basic human needs. Our frameworks must ensure that both objectives can be upheld in a balanced and effective manner, and I urge all countries to take note of the important revisions the FATF has made to align with the UN framework."
Broader Strategy to Mitigate Unintended Consequences
The updates to the Standards are part of the FATF's broader strategy to mitigate unintended consequences caused by the misapplication of measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. As part of this work, the FATF promotes a risk-based approach to fighting financial crime, the statement added.
