June 2026 FATF plenary: the effectiveness of compliance frameworks at the heart of international expectations

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As the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) prepares to announce its decision regarding Monaco, attention naturally focuses on one question: will the Principality exit enhanced monitoring or remain subject to increased scrutiny?

Beyond the outcome of this upcoming milestone, recent developments point to a more fundamental shift: international expectations are now primarily focused on the effectiveness of anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF) frameworks.

The decision taken by the FATF in February 2026 confirmed that the issue no longer lies so much in the alignment of the legislative framework with international standards, but rather in the ability of jurisdictions to demonstrate the practical effectiveness of their systems.

This evolution is reflected in both the supervisory approach and enforcement activity of the Monegasque Financial Security Authority (AMSF), which place increasing emphasis on the governance of compliance functions, the quality of KYC procedures and the ability of regulated professionals to demonstrate the effectiveness of their controls.

Recent decisions have also highlighted that remedial actions implemented after deficiencies have been identified are not necessarily sufficient to mitigate their consequences.

For regulated professionals, the challenge therefore extends beyond the outcome of the June 2026 FATF plenary. It lies in ensuring that compliance frameworks are not only technically sound, but are also capable of withstanding an increasingly demanding level of regulatory scrutiny.

Gordon S. Blair advises regulated professionals on AML/CFT/CPF governance, compliance reviews and preparation for AMSF inspections.

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VAT – Clarification of the VAT Treatment of Subcontracted Work Relating to Immovable Property in Monaco

In a tax ruling published on 9 September 2026, the French tax authorities have clarified an area of uncertainty and confirmed that the VAT reverse charge mechanism applicable to subcontracted work relating to immovable property also applies in Monaco.   What does this mean in practice in Monaco?   Where a subcontractor carries out work falling within the scope of the reverse charge mechanism for a Monaco-based customer subject to VAT, the relevant services are invoiced without VAT, with the wording “Reverse charge”, and the Monaco-based customer is responsible for accounting for the corresponding VAT.   Particular attention should also be paid to the terms of the subcontracting agreement. Where a single contract includes both services that are subject to the reverse charge mechanism and other services that, if considered separately, would not fall within its scope, the entire supply under the contract is subject to the reverse charge mechanism.   This clarification therefore has practical implications for Monaco-based companies operating in the construction sector, property developers and real estate professionals, who should ensure that their subcontracting agreements, invoicing and VAT reporting obligations are treated appropriately.   📌 Reference: BOFiP, BOI-RES-TVA-000269, 9 September 2026.  
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Monaco: Bill establishing the proposed 2026 Amended State Budget submitted

Monaco: Bill establishing the proposed 2026 Amended State Budget submitted   On 30 June 2026, the Princely Government submitted Bill no. 1,127 establishing the Amended State Budget for the 2026 financial year. The Bill revises the revenue and expenditure forecasts set out in the 2026 Initial Budget to reflect changes in the economic environment and the progress of public projects.   Revenue revised downwards By way of background, Law no. 1,586 of 19 December 2025 established Monaco’s Initial State Budget for the 2026 financial year. Budget revenue was initially estimated at €2.217 billion, compared with €2.489 billion under the 2025 Amended Budget, representing a decrease of approximately 11%. The 2026 Amended Budget now forecasts revenue of €2.145 billion. This represents a reduction of €71.9 million, or 3.3%, compared with the Initial Budget. The decrease mainly results from lower tax receipts, particularly net Monaco VAT revenue and business profits tax. This reduction is nevertheless partly offset by increases in: State property income and revenue; revenue generated by administrative services.   Expenditure also adjusted Budget expenditure has been reduced to €2.139 billion, compared with €2.208 billion under the Initial Budget. This represents a decrease of almost €69 million, or 3.1%. The overall adjustment reflects two contrasting developments.   Increase in ordinary expenditure Ordinary expenditure has increased by €42.4 million, representing a 3% rise compared with the Initial Budget. This increase is mainly attributable to higher operating expenditure and public interventions.   Reduction in capital and investment expenditure Capital and investment expenditure has been reduced by €111.5 million, or 14%. This decrease notably results from the postponement or rescheduling of several major projects, leading to a revision of the timetable for expenditure initially planned for 2026.   The proposed 2026 Amended State Budget provides for a surplus Despite the reduction in revenue and the adjustment of expenditure, the proposed 2026 Amended Budget provides for a positive balance. The projected surplus, initially set at €8.8 million in the Initial Budget, has been revised to €5.9 million. The proposed Amended Budget therefore confirms the continued balance of Monaco’s public finances, notwithstanding lower projected tax revenue and changes to the public investment timetable.   Improved position of the Special Treasury Accounts The Special Treasury Accounts also show an improved financial position. Their overall balance, initially projected to record a deficit of €2.7 million under the Initial Budget, would become a surplus of €2 million under the proposed 2026 Amended Budget.   Key figures from the proposed 2026 Amended Budget Revenue: €2.145 billion Expenditure: €2.139 billion Projected surplus: €5.9 million Reduction in revenue compared with the Initial Budget: €71.9 million Reduction in expenditure compared with the Initial Budget: almost €69 million Special Treasury Accounts balance: +€2 million   Bill no. 1,127 will now continue through Monaco’s legislative process.
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Monaco Yacht Show 2026: towards greater transparency in European superyacht acquisitions

As the Monaco Yacht Show approaches, Italy has taken a further step in implementing the European anti-money laundering package. Italian Legislative Decree no. 122 of 10 June 2026, published on 8 July and effective from 23 July 2026, transposes several provisions of Directive (EU) 2024/1640, notably those relating to beneficial ownership transparency. This development is particularly significant for the yachting sector, as Italy is home to some of the world’s leading shipyards.   It must also be considered alongside Regulation (EU) 2024/1624, applicable from 10 July 2027. The Regulation introduces a specific obligation for certain companies incorporated outside the European Union when acquiring a yacht intended for non-commercial use with a value of €7.5 million or more. Before completing the acquisition, these companies will be required to disclose the identity of their ultimate beneficial owner to the relevant central register.   For purchasers using a Monaco company or another non-EU structure, UBO transparency will therefore become an important consideration from the initial structuring of the transaction through to closing. This European development echoes the requirements already well established in Monaco, where beneficial ownership identification and due diligence obligations play a central role in yachting transactions.   Ahead of MYS 2026, the recent adoption of the Italian legislation sends a clear signal: in the superyacht sector, transparency surrounding ownership structures is progressively becoming an integral legal component of the transaction.
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