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American Samoa Country Summary

Sanctions

No

FATF AML Deficient List

No

Terrorism
Corruption
US State ML Assessment
Criminal Markets (GI Index)
EU Tax Blacklist
Offshore Finance Center

Please note that although the below Summary will give a general outline of the AML risks associated with the jurisdiction, if you are a Regulated entity then you may need to demonstrate that your Jurisdictional AML risk assessment has included a full assessment of the risk elements that have been identified as underpinning overall Country AML risk. To satisfy these requirements, we would recommend that you use our Subscription area.

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Anti Money Laundering

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States. Information for the United States may be included below:

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

American Samoa falls within the jurisdiction of the USA with regard to the Mutual Evaluation Report.

The latest follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in the USA was undertaken by in 2024. According to that Evaluation, the USA was deemed Compliant for 9 and Largely Compliant for 23 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains Highly Effective for 4 and Substantially Effective for 4 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

Sanctions

There are no international sanctions currently in force against this country

Bribery & Corruption

Rating 0 (bad) - 100 (good)
Transparency International Corruption Index 69
World Bank: Control of Corruption Percentile Rank 83

American Samoa, as an unincorporated territory of the United States, operates under the same legal framework regarding business and anti-corruption. Corruption is not seen as a major risk for foreign investors in the US, although companies must navigate a complex system of federal, state, and local regulations. While the US has stringent anti-corruption laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), companies should be cautious of compliance requirements and the potential legal implications of gifts and facilitation payments.

Economy

American Samoa's economy is primarily driven by tourism, tuna canning, and government services, heavily reliant on federal funding. In 2022, the territory's GDP was estimated at $871 million, with a real GDP per capita of $11,200, reflecting a significant public sector presence and a single remaining tuna cannery.

The investment climate in American Samoa is shaped by its status as a U.S. territory, offering certain protections and opportunities for investors. However, challenges such as a limited local market, high unemployment rates, and dependence on federal assistance may deter potential investors. Despite these hurdles, the territory's strategic location and existing infrastructure provide avenues for targeted investments, especially in tourism and sustainable industries.

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