Since 9/11, measures designed to criminalize financial support for terrorist organizations are increasingly linked to laws and regulations governing charities and nonprofits. The Financial Action Task Force, a global standard-setting body on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, sets recommendations for member states, which in turn promulgate laws and policies to combat illicit finance. In the U.S., the Department of Treasury is responsible for these programs.
Under this framework, repressive regimes and financial institutions can restrict the legitimate activities of civil society through the imposition of extensive legal and financial requirements. The important work that civil society organizations do to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism must be protected.
This page contains information on many aspects of Counter-terrorist Financing, including on the Financial Action Task Force and U.S. Treasury.
Featured Resources
UK Study Seeks Reconciliation of Humanitarian, Counterterrorism Goals
A new study from Chatham House and the Royal United Services Institute in the UK finds that humanitarian objectives are often stymied by counterterrorism laws designed to prevent assistance or funds going to non-state
Senate Hearings Stress Value of International Aid, Highlight Nonprofit Banking Woes
Two Senate committee hearings in early May highlighted the importance of philanthropy and international aid, as well as the challenges faced by nonprofits in accessing banking services to finance that aid. On May 3,
Report: Countering Terrorism Financing’s Effects on Gender Equality & Security
A new report prepared by the Duke Law International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC) and the Women Peacemakers Program (WPP) looks at the effects of countering terrorism financing (CTF) measures on women’s rights organizing, women’s rights
Report: Securing the U.S. Financial Sector
Concluding its research into stopping the financing of terrorism, the bipartisan Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing of the U.S. House of Representatives's Financial Services Committee has released a report of its findings. Stopping Terror Finance:
Congressional Task Force on Terrorism Finance Releases Report
Concluding its research into stopping the financing of terrorism, the bipartisan Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing of the U.S. House of Representatives's Financial Services Committee has released a report of its findings. Stopping
Watch Your Back
Because the U.S. government hasn't designated any charities under Executive Order 13224 since 2009, if you're a U.S.-based charity, you likely thought the danger had passed. Well, think again. Not everyone thinks that's a good