FATF status

New Zealand 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 New Zealand was undertaken in 2024. According to that Evaluation, New Zealand was deemed Compliant for 9 and Largely Compliant for 25 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains Highly effective for 2 and Substantially Effective for 4 of the Effectiveness & Technical Compliance ratings.

New Zealand is recognized for its low levels of corruption, consistently ranking highly on Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index. The country enforces strict penalties for bribery and actively participates in international anti-corruption agreements, such as the OECD Convention and the UN Convention Against Corruption. With a favorable regulatory environment for businesses and effective law enforcement, the risk of corruption remains minimal, supported by laws that prohibit bribery in both public and private sectors.

New Zealand's economy faced sluggish GDP growth and high inflation throughout 2023, exacerbated by external factors such as the war in Ukraine, which increased food and fuel prices. The recent political transition led to a center-right coalition government that is focused on creating a business-friendly environment, including plans to loosen foreign investment restrictions in 2024. Despite these challenges, New Zealand maintains an open and transparent economy, encouraging foreign investment while implementing some restrictions in critical sectors.

New Zealand maintains an open and transparent investment climate, encouraging foreign investment while applying some restrictions in critical areas such as land and significant business assets. The government treats foreign investors equally to domestic ones and has a well-developed legal framework that supports long-term investment. Recent political changes have indicated a potential loosening of foreign investment restrictions in 2024, alongside a commitment to creating a business-friendly environment.