FATF’s 2026 DeFi Report highlights rising AML/CFT challenges in decentralised finance, calling for stronger accountability, risk-based oversight and enhanced controls across digital asset ecosystems

The report highlights that DeFi is creating new AML/CFT challenges as criminals exploit decentralised platforms, virtual assets and blockchain-based services to move and conceal illicit funds. The central message is that a platform cannot avoid AML/CFT responsibilities simply by claiming to be decentralised. Authorities must assess the actual level of control, influence and governance behind DeFi arrangements to determine where accountability lies…