The Philippine government has initiated the creation of a new National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Strategy (NACS) covering 2026–2030, following a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.. The strategy aims to align the country’s enforcement efforts with global standards, strengthening its fight against financial crime, especially in the iGaming sector.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 113, signed on February 12, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has been tasked with overseeing the drafting process. The directive also encourages government agencies and local units to align their plans with the strategy, creating a cohesive approach to AML compliance.
Coordinated Government Response
President Marcos’s directive calls for a whole-of-government approach. The strategy will focus on the vulnerabilities identified in the Philippines’ Third National Risk Assessment (NRA), which highlighted threats like money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing. This framework is crucial for the Philippines to sustain its progress and avoid returning to the FATF grey list following its exit in 2025.
Law Enforcement and Sector Risks
National law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), have supported the initiative, ready to integrate investigative efforts with the AMLC’s technical framework. The PNP will work alongside the National Revenue Agency to share data and launch joint operations to identify illicit financial activities, particularly within high-risk sectors such as online casinos and other gambling platforms.
The NACS strategy will enforce stricter monitoring within these sectors, especially online gambling platforms, which have been flagged for their potential misuse in money laundering activities. Operators will need to upgrade their transaction monitoring and reporting systems to meet these new regulatory standards.
Strategic Context and International Standards
The NACS 2026–2030 aligns with global efforts to tighten AML and CTF compliance. The Philippines is preparing for a Fourth Mutual Evaluation by the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) in 2027, which will assess its adherence to FATF’s 40 Recommendations. Given the country’s previous grey list experience, this strategy ensures compliance with global standards while focusing on reducing risks in sectors like iGaming.
The Philippine government’s alignment with global AML best practices aims to strengthen international partnerships, enhance trust with financial institutions, and reduce illicit financial flows through online gambling channels.
Sector Implications and Regulatory Enforcement
For industries such as banking, securities, and iGaming, the updated strategy will increase compliance expectations. Operators will face enhanced KYC obligations, more rigorous transaction monitoring, and stronger AML reporting protocols. The AMLC will work with sector regulators to ensure that online gambling platforms comply with the new framework.
The focus on inter-agency collaboration in drafting the AML strategy is consistent with the Philippines’ broader regulatory priorities, which also include tackling illegal gambling and financial crimes.
Setting a Forward-Looking AML/CTF Agenda for iGaming
The NACS 2026–2030 sets a new benchmark for iGaming operators in the Philippines. By centralising AML/CTF protocols and driving inter-agency cooperation, the government aims to establish a comprehensive, risk-based regulatory environment. Operators will be required to adopt stricter compliance measures, including improved KYC procedures and enhanced transaction monitoring systems.
With these changes, the Philippines is positioning itself as a leader in regulated online gambling, ensuring that it adheres to global best practices while providing a safe environment for consumers and mitigating emerging financial crime threats.