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's economy is classified as a high-income economy, primarily driven by manufacturing sectors such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and electronics, along with services like tourism. However, the island faces significant challenges, including high poverty rates, a public debt of 103% of its gross national product, and a prolonged recession that has led to a declining labor force and substantial emigration.

The investment climate in Puerto Rico is shaped by its status as a U.S. territory, which allows access to U.S. markets but also brings certain restrictions. Although the island faces economic challenges and infrastructure issues, there are opportunities for investors in sectors like renewable energy and technology, supported by government initiatives aimed at revitalizing the economy through tax incentives and tourism promotion.