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 against senior officials from both major political parties. While corruption is not seen as a barrier to foreign investment and laws against it are enforced, conflicts of interest persist without prohibition. Samoa is developing its first national Anti-Corruption Policy with international assistance, but 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, largely driven by a recovering tourism sector. Despite this growth, the economy remains heavily reliant on remittances and official development assistance, and lacks diversification, having previously been downgraded to lower-middle income status by the World Bank.

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 committed to streamlining procedures to attract FDI, although barriers still exist, particularly regarding land ownership and certain reserved business activities. While foreign investors can achieve 100% ownership in most sectors, they must navigate regulations that restrict involvement in specific areas reserved for Samoan citizens.