Central Bank Introduces New AML/CFT Controls in Sudan

The Central Bank of Sudan (CBOS) announced updated regulations on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), introducing more than 60 measures aimed at strengthening banking supervision and aligning with international standards.

The central bank issued a new regulatory circular (No. 2026/8) addressed to all supervised institutions, outlining updated controls covering money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing, as part of efforts to enhance oversight and ensure compliance with global frameworks.

According to the circular, dated 30 April 2026, the bank repealed several previous directives—most notably Circular No. (2014/8) and its subsequent amendments—to unify and modernize the regulatory framework in line with national legislation and the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The new controls underscore a risk-based approach, requiring financial institutions to assess and update money laundering and terrorism financing risks twice annually. Clients and transactions must be classified into risk tiers—high, medium, and low—with enhanced due diligence applied to high-risk cases.

Institutions are also required to implement stringent customer due diligence measures, including identity verification, identification of beneficial ownership, understanding the nature of business activities and sources of funds, as well as ongoing transaction monitoring to detect unusual activity.

The circular prohibits the opening of anonymous or numbered accounts and bans dealing with shell banks. It also sets detailed requirements for electronic transfers, mandating full information on both sender and recipient to ensure traceability.

Furthermore, institutions are obligated to report suspicious transactions immediately to the Financial Intelligence Unit, with strict prohibitions on disclosure and legal protections granted to whistleblowers.

The instructions also stress full compliance with international financial sanctions, including the immediate freezing of assets linked to individuals or entities listed under sanctions regimes, without prior notice.