The UK faces stricter international scrutiny over illicit transactions flowing through its financial system, particularly via fintech channels and cryptocurrencies, experts have warned ahead of the Financial Action Task Force’s first evaluation of the country’s financial crime controls in almost a decade.

FATF, which sets global standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing and can place countries on its grey list or black list for serious deficiencies, last assessed the UK in 2018. The Paris-based body is due to begin its next evaluation in June 2027.