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Moldova 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

FATF status

Moldova is not 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 Moldova was undertaken in 2024. According to that Evaluation, Moldova was deemed Compliant for 9 and Largely Compliant for 25 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains rated Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 3 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

Sanctions

Moldova, as a UN member, must support UN sanctions aimed at maintaining international peace and security. The UN Security Council has established numerous sanctions regimes since 1966, which include various enforcement measures that do not involve armed force. Currently, there are 15 ongoing sanctions regimes, focusing on political settlements, nuclear non-proliferation, and counter-terrorism, with a Consolidated List to facilitate their implementation.

In addition to UN sanctions, Moldova faces restrictive measures from the EU related to the Transnistrian conflict and from Canada due to concerns over breaches of international peace. The EU has imposed travel restrictions on Transnistrian leaders, while Canada has listed individuals believed to support violations of sovereignty or engage in human rights abuses. Prohibited dealings with these listed individuals and entities are enforced in Canada.

Bribery & Corruption

Rating 0 (bad) - 100 (good)
Transparency International Corruption Index 42
World Bank: Control of Corruption Percentile Rank 43

Moldova continues to struggle with corruption despite recent government efforts to enhance anti-corruption measures, including the establishment of specialized prosecution offices and new laws aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. The ruling Action and Solidarity Party has prioritized anti-corruption reforms since taking power in 2021, yet challenges such as insufficient resources, external interference, and a lack of effective enforcement persist. While Moldova has made some progress in its anti-corruption initiatives, public perception remains that corruption is a significant issue, and the judiciary's independence is still questioned.

Economy

Moldova's economy has shown modest growth of 0.7% in 2023, recovering from a 4.6% contraction in 2022, largely due to the ongoing impacts of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which disrupted trade routes and increased costs. The government is focused on reforming the investment climate to attract foreign investment, particularly in sectors like agriculture, IT, and manufacturing, while also addressing issues of corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies that hinder economic development.

Moldova's investment climate is characterized by a commitment to reform and attract foreign investment, particularly in sectors like agriculture, IT, and manufacturing. Despite facing challenges such as corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies, the government has initiated reforms to enhance transparency and reduce barriers for investors. While foreign direct investment remains low, Moldova's strategic location and integration into European markets present opportunities for growth.

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