FATF status

Samoa 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 Samoa was undertaken in 2018. According to that Evaluation, Samoa was deemed Compliant for 5 and Largely Compliant for 15 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It was also deemed Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 1 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

The US State Department's Investment Climate Statement for 2024 highlights ongoing issues of corruption in Samoa, including credible allegations and prosecutions related to misuse of government funds, though corruption is not seen as a barrier to foreign investment. While laws against corruption and bribery exist and are enforced, conflicts of interest among public officials remain unprohibited. Samoa is currently collaborating with international organizations to develop its first national Anti-Corruption Policy and has ratified the UN Anticorruption Convention, although it lacks a dedicated anti-corruption tribunal and local watchdog organizations.

Samoa's economy has rebounded strongly in 2023, with real GDP growth reaching eight percent and nominal GDP exceeding USD 1 billion for the first time, primarily driven by a recovering tourism sector. Despite this growth, the economy remains reliant on remittances and official development assistance, and it lacks diversification, having suffered a significant recession during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Samoa's investment climate is generally welcoming to foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in sectors that create local employment, such as tourism and agriculture. The government has pledged to streamline procedures to attract FDI, although barriers remain, including restrictions on certain business activities reserved for Samoan citizens. Despite its political stability, Samoa's remoteness and reliance on customary land ownership complicate foreign investment opportunities.