KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle announced that the government is fully committed to removing Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ‘grey list’, where the country has been positioned since 2025.

Speaking at a National Assembly meeting, Wagle presented the Asset Laundering (Money Laundering) Prevention (Third Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was unanimously approved for consideration.

He stressed that full political and public cooperation is crucial to executing a time-bound strategy that addresses the anti-money laundering deficiencies highlighted by international watchdog agencies.

Wagle issued a stern warning that failure to swiftly implement the FATF’s regulatory recommendations could escalate Nepal’s status to the ‘black list’, a scenario that would severely damage the nation’s international financial standing.

He noted that the current administration has treated the issue as a top priority since taking office.

During the legislative session, lawmakers including Suresh Ale Magar, Ram Kumari Jhankri, Bishnu Kumari Sapkota, Roshani Meche, and Som Nath Portel urged that the bill be forwarded to a parliamentary committee.

They emphasized the need for clearer legal definitions and a stronger national consensus to enrich the legislation before it passes into law.