RBI Updates NBFCs on FATF AML/CFT Jurisdiction Risks
Current · Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2011-12/487 · issued 14 Mar 2012 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI directs NBFCs/RNBCs to review FATF's updated February 2012 statement on AML/CFT deficiencies in certain jurisdictions, but clarifies this does not block legitimate trade with those countries.
The rule, in the simplest words
NBFCs must read the FATF statement updated on February 16, 2012 about AML/CFT risks from certain countries.
Update your risk‑assessment tools to include these new high‑risk jurisdictions.
Watch all transactions with those countries for suspicious activity and do extra checks.
You can still do normal business with them; the rule does not stop legitimate trade.
Keep a record of the extra checks you do for clients or deals linked to those places.
How it plays out — a real example
A gold‑loan officer in Indore, Ravi, receives a loan request from a client who has business ties in a FATF‑listed country. Ravi follows the RBI guidance, runs an enhanced due‑diligence check, flags a few red‑flags but still approves the loan because the transaction is legitimate. He documents the extra steps in the client file, feeling confident that he’s protecting the bank while helping a customer.
What changed
FATF updated its statement on February 16, 2012, regarding AML/CFT risks from jurisdictions with deficiencies. RBI now advises NBFCs/RNBCs to consider this updated information in their compliance processes, referencing a prior circular from March 14, 2012.
What it means for you
NBFCs must stay alert to FATF-identified high-risk jurisdictions to avoid AML/CFT lapses. However, the circular explicitly allows continued legitimate business with these countries, so lenders need not halt all transactions but should enhance due diligence.
What you must do
Review the enclosed FATF statement and update your AML/CFT risk assessment frameworks accordingly.
Ensure your compliance team monitors transactions with FATF-listed jurisdictions for suspicious activity.
Document enhanced due diligence measures for clients or transactions linked to these jurisdictions.
Who it affects
All Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Residuary Non-Banking Companies (RNBCs)
❓ Common questions
Does this circular ban business with FATF-listed jurisdictions?
No. The circular explicitly states it does not preclude legitimate trade and business transactions with those countries and jurisdictions.
What should NBFCs do with the FATF statement?
NBFCs must consider the information in the updated FATF statement when assessing AML/CFT risks and apply appropriate due diligence measures.
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2011-12/487
DNBS(PD).CC. No.270 /03.10.42 /2011-12
April 04 , 2012
All Non Banking Financial Companies /
Residuary Non Banking Companies
Dear Sir,
Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/Combating of Financing of Terrorism (CFT) - Standards
Please refer to DNBS(PD).CC.No.257/03.10.42/ 2011-12 dated March 14, 2012 on risks arising from the deficiencies in AML/CFT regime of certain jurisdictions.
2. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has updated its Statement on February 16, 2012 on the subject ( copy enclosed ).
3. All NBFCs/RNBCs are accordingly advised to consider the information contained in the enclosed statement.
4. This, however, does not preclude financial institutions from legitimate trade and business transactions with these countries and jurisdictions.
Yours faithfully,
(Dr Tuli Roy)
Deputy General Manager
Encl: as above
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2011-12/487 · issued 14 Mar 2012. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
Example: if you are a Compliance officer at a bank this circular applies to (All Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Residuary Non-Banking Companies (RNBCs)), your first concrete step on “RBI Updates NBFCs on FATF AML/CFT Jurisdiction Risks” is: “Review the enclosed FATF statement and update your AML/CFT risk assessment frameworks accordingly.” (RBI issued this 14 Mar 2012).
Action required: Review the enclosed FATF statement and update your AML/CFT risk assessment frameworks accordingly.
Action required: Ensure your compliance team monitors transactions with FATF-listed jurisdictions for suspicious activity.
Action required: Document enhanced due diligence measures for clients or transactions linked to these jurisdictions.
Owner: ____________ Target date: ____________
Board/committee approval needed? Y / N
Evidence filed in compliance register on: ____________
Built only from this circular’s own published fields — not legal advice; always confirm against the official RBI source.
💬 Banker Discussion
Discuss this circular with fellow bankers — reply, upvote what helps, report what doesn’t belong. Be professional; no client data. Views are the commenter’s own, not BankPulse’s.
BankPulse Compliance Evidence Pack — generated 03 Aug 2026 · status cross-checked against RBI’s official withdrawal register (refreshed weekly). Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=7110&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.
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