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.

Moldova continues to face significant challenges with corruption despite recent government efforts to enhance anti-corruption measures, including the establishment of specialized prosecution agencies and the implementation of new laws aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. The ruling Action and Solidarity Party has prioritized anti-corruption reforms since gaining a parliamentary majority in 2021, yet issues such as ineffective enforcement of laws, lack of resources for oversight bodies, and public perception of corruption persist. In 2023, Moldova achieved its best score in a decade on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, reflecting some progress, but the overall environment remains difficult for both public and private sectors.

Moldova's economy has shown modest growth of 0.7% in 2023, recovering from a 4.6% contraction in 2022, largely due to the impacts of Russia's invasion of Ukraine which disrupted trade routes and increased costs. The government is focused on reforms to enhance the investment climate and attract foreign direct investment, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, IT, and manufacturing, despite challenges like corruption and a lack of effective law enforcement.

Moldova is actively working to enhance its investment climate to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), which is deemed essential for economic growth and poverty reduction. Despite facing challenges such as corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies, the government has implemented reforms and established priority sectors for investment, including agriculture, IT, and manufacturing. While FDI remains low, certain sectors have historically attracted foreign interest, aided by favorable tax regimes and support from international organizations.