TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
Policies & IssuesFeb 06, 2016
AML Alert: Check lists of countries with deficiencies
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee advises that companies monitor the Financial Action Task Force’s lists of countries that aren’t completely cooperative with international anti-money laundering efforts.
One of the risks to consider when implementing an anti-money laundering program is the location of your counterparties, both vendors and customers. Some countries have more vigorous and cooperative engagement with international AML efforts than others. 
Because of that, it is critical that companies check watch lists that indicate the level of AML compliance of various countries. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-governmental body that promotes AML compliance--as well as efforts to combat terrorist financing--maintains such lists.
Companies in the jewelry industry should determine, on a regular basis, whether any of their trading partners, accounts or distribution channels are located in countries that appear on current FATF lists. If they are, the next step is to assess the AML risks of doing business with the listed companies.
FATF maintains different lists of “High-Risk and Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions,” depending on the nature of the particular country’s AML/CFT deficiency, and whether the country is working with FATF to make corrections.
It is very important to be aware of these lists, which are updated regularly, as they include countries that produce precious stones, metals and/or finished jewelry. For current information be sure to check FATF’s website.
The FATF lists, as of February 2015, are detailed below.
Jurisdictions for which a FATF call for action applies
The first, and most serious, list is of jurisdictions that are subject to a FATF call for action.
In some cases, FATF has asked its members in the international community to apply countermeasures against countries on this list to protect the international financial system from significant risks of money laundering and terrorist financing. There are currently two countries on the list that fall into this category. Both are currently the subject of U.S. sanction programs:
-- Iran
-- North Korea
The other countries on this first list, while not subject to a call for countermeasures, have AML/CFT deficiencies and have not made much progress in addressing them.
FATF calls on its members to consider the risks arising from the deficiencies. This means that the shortcomings should be seriously evaluated when conducting an AML risk assessment involving companies or accounts based in the countries, or distribution channels through the countries. The countries in this category are:
-- Algeria
-- Ecuador
-- Myanmar (Note that,
separately from AML/CFT considerations, a U.S. executive order bans the importation of rubies and jadeite from this country.)
Jurisdictions engaged in an ongoing process with FATF
The second FATF list is of countries that have AML deficiencies, but that have agreed to an action plan and have committed to work with FATF to make improvements.
The countries currently on this list are:
--Afghanistan
--Angola
--Guyana
--Indonesia
--Iraq
--Lao PDR
--Panama
--Papua New Guinea
--Sudan
--Syria
--Yemen
One country on this list has been identified as not having made sufficient progress: Uganda.
When conducting an AML risk assessment involving companies or accounts based in any of these countries, or distribution channels through these countries, the fact that the jurisdictions have AML/CFT deficiencies should be considered.
The risk assessment should also take into account that the listed countries are working with FATF to make improvements, and whether or not they are deemed to be making sufficient progress.
Several countries had been on this second list as recently as fall 2014 but are no longer subject to FATF’s compliance process. Those countries include: Albania, Cambodia, Kuwait, Namibia, Nicaragua, Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
Remember that AML compliance requires the periodic review of government watch lists that identify suspect entities and individuals and that identify countries with deficient AML/CFT practices, such as the FATF lists discussed here.
You can easily access the lists at JVCLegal.org by clicking “US & Int’l Lists & Forms” on the drop-down menu under the “AML” tab.
For questions about your anti-money laundering obligations, contact the JVC at askamlexpert@aol.com or 212-997-2002. Or, visit the website for information about our U.S. PATRIOT Act Compliance Kit and our AML testing services.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
