Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. Information for the United States may be included below:

FATF status

Puerto Rico is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

Puerto Rico falls within the jurisdiction of the USA with regard to the Mutual Evaluation Report.

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.

Puerto Rico, as a territory of the United States, operates under the same legal framework, where corruption is not seen as a significant risk for foreign investors. The US market is competitive with numerous business opportunities, though companies must navigate a complex bureaucracy and comply with extensive anti-corruption laws. The government actively enforces these laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which allows for limited exceptions regarding facilitation payments and gifts, although these practices can still lead to violations of other regulations.

Puerto Rico has a high-income economy primarily driven by manufacturing, especially in pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and electronics, with the services sector, including tourism, also playing a significant role. However, the economy faces challenges such as a prolonged recession, high public debt, and a declining labor force, exacerbated by natural disasters like Hurricane Maria.

The investment climate in Puerto Rico is shaped by its status as a U.S. territory, which provides certain tax incentives aimed at attracting foreign investment, especially in the manufacturing and tourism sectors. However, the island faces significant economic challenges, including high unemployment and a complex regulatory environment, which can deter potential investors. Despite recent initiatives for economic revitalization and infrastructure development, issues like public debt and the need for fiscal reform remain pressing concerns.