FATF Status

Antigua & Barbuda is no longer on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The last Follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in Antigua & Barbuda was undertaken in November 2021. According to that Evaluation, Antigua & Barbuda was deemed Compliant for 11 and Largely Compliant for 25 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remained Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective 0 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

Antigua and Barbuda has laws against corruption, with criminal penalties for officials found guilty, but allegations are common and investigations often yield little result. The Integrity in Public Life Act mandates public officials to disclose their income and assets, yet enforcement is criticized as inadequate due to the commission being understaffed and under-resourced. Although the Freedom of Information Act allows citizens to access official documents, practical challenges hinder this right, suggesting systemic issues in transparency and accountability.

Antigua and Barbuda's economy is primarily driven by tourism and related sectors, which are crucial for its growth. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects a 6.1 percent economic growth in 2024, supported by a rebound in tourism and increased construction activity, while the country remains vulnerable to external shocks such as climate change and global economic downturns.

Antigua and Barbuda has a welcoming investment climate, particularly for foreign direct investment (FDI) in priority sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and marine services. The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) facilitates FDI by providing equal business facilitation services to all investors and has established no limits on foreign ownership, allowing investors to hold up to 100 percent of their investments. However, potential investors should be cautious due to an unresolved expropriation dispute involving an American-owned property.