YEREVAN, July 10. /ARКА/. The Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL) noted Armenia’s progress in developing its system for combating financial crime, but recommended strengthening the effectiveness of money laundering investigations, asset confiscation, and oversight of certain economic sectors.
The report was published following the sixth round of evaluation, during which MONEYVAL experts analyzed Armenia’s system’s compliance with the international standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), as well as the effectiveness of their practical implementation. The assessment is based on the findings of an on-site mission to Armenia conducted in October 2025.
The document notes that Armenia has significantly strengthened its understanding of the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing and has developed a national policy and strategy in this area. The work of the financial regulator, the system of targeted financial sanctions, international cooperation, and the activities of the financial intelligence unit received positive assessments.
However, MONEYVAL experts believe the country needs to achieve more tangible results in the investigation and prosecution of money laundering crimes, as well as step up efforts to identify and confiscate criminal assets. The report also recommends strengthening supervision of virtual asset service providers and newly regulated investment funds, and improving the quality of information on the ultimate beneficial owners of legal entities.
Furthermore, the document draws attention to the need for a more in-depth analysis of external threats related to cross-border financial flows, terrorist financing, and the use of virtual assets. MONEYVAL also recommends improving risk assessment in the real estate sector and interagency cooperation mechanisms.
Following the assessment, Armenia has been placed on enhanced follow-up monitoring, which requires regular reporting to MONEYVAL on the implementation of recommendations. The country is expected to submit its first progress report within three years.
