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

FATF Status

The U.S.A. is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

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.

American Samoa, as an unincorporated territory of the United States, operates within a framework where corruption is not seen as a significant risk for foreign investors. While the U.S. market presents numerous business opportunities, companies must navigate a complex landscape of federal, state, and local regulations, which can increase operational costs due to stringent anti-corruption laws and compliance requirements. The U.S. government enforces these laws rigorously, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which allows for limited exceptions regarding facilitation payments and gifts, although these practices can still lead to violations of other anti-corruption statutes.

American Samoa's economy is primarily driven by tourism, tuna canning, and government services, but it has experienced ongoing economic decline. With a GDP of approximately $871 million in 2022 and a real GDP per capita of around $11,200, the territory heavily relies on federal appropriations and transfer payments from relatives in the U.S.

The investment climate in American Samoa is shaped by its status as an unincorporated U.S. territory, presenting both opportunities and challenges for investors. While the local government is keen on developing the tourism sector, obstacles such as limited infrastructure and high operational costs impede growth. The territory's strategic location in the South Pacific may attract investment in the tuna industry and tourism, but its economic future is uncertain due to reliance on a single industry and ongoing labor condition debates.