Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has assured the country that the Government is taking decisive and coordinated action following Papua New Guinea’s recent placement on the monitoring list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), commonly referred to as “Grey Listing.”
Responding to a question from Sinasina–Yongomugl MP Hon. Kerenga Kua during Question Time in Parliament today, as Parliament resumed for the 2026 sitting, Prime Minister Marape emphasised that Papua New Guinea’s placement on the monitoring list is not unprecedented and that the Government has already mobilised relevant State agencies to address the issues identified.
Prime Minister Marape reminded Parliament and the public that Papua New Guinea was previously placed on the FATF grey list in 2014 but successfully exited the list within a few years through strong Institutional Reforms and cooperation among Government agencies.
“Papua New Guinea has faced this situation before, and we successfully addressed it. The same determination and coordination will be applied again to ensure that our country strengthens its systems and exits the Grey List as soon as possible,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister noted that the FATF monitoring process is a global mechanism used to encourage countries to strengthen systems that prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and related financial crimes. Many countries across the Pacific and South-East Asia have at different times been placed on the monitoring list as part of ongoing global compliance efforts.
“This is not unique to Papua New Guinea. Several countries in our Region and around the world have been placed on the monitoring list as part of the international system that promotes transparency and accountability in financial transactions,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape emphasised that the Marape–Rosso Government has already taken steps since assuming office in 2019 to strengthen governance and financial oversight systems across key sectors of the economy.
“Our Government has consistently worked to improve transparency, strengthen institutions, and tighten compliance across our financial and regulatory systems. These reforms have been ongoing since 2019, and the FATF monitoring process provides an additional opportunity for us to further reinforce these efforts,” he stated.
The Prime Minister confirmed that relevant Agencies are already actively working to address the matters raised, including the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, financial intelligence authorities, regulatory bodies, and other law enforcement agencies responsible for combating financial crimes.
“Relevant State agencies have already been tasked to work together to strengthen enforcement, improve reporting mechanisms, and ensure that cases involving money laundering and related offences are investigated thoroughly,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Our Police and regulatory authorities are being directed to intensify their work in identifying and addressing financial crimes so that Papua New Guinea demonstrates clearly that our systems are robust and responsive.”
Prime Minister Marape stressed that the Government views the process as an opportunity to further strengthen the country’s governance framework and protect the integrity of Papua New Guinea’s financial system.
“This process is not about punishment; it is about strengthening systems. As a responsible member of the global financial community, Papua New Guinea will continue to work with international partners to ensure that our Financial Sector operates with integrity and transparency,” he said.
He also reassured investors, businesses, and development partners that the Government remains committed to maintaining confidence in the country’s economic and financial systems.
“We want to assure our investors, businesses, and partners that Papua New Guinea remains committed to strong financial governance. The work that our Agencies are doing now will ensure that our systems continue to improve and align with international standards,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Marape concluded by expressing confidence that with coordinated action from Government agencies and continued cooperation with international partners, Papua New Guinea will successfully address the requirements and move off the FATF monitoring list in due course.
“Just as we did before, we will work together as a nation to strengthen our systems and meet international expectations. Papua New Guinea remains committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible economic governance,” Prime Minister Marape said.