FATF status

The United Kingdom 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 the United Kingdom was undertaken in 2022. According to that Evaluation, the United Kingdom was deemed Compliant for 24 and Largely Compliant for 15 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains rated Highly Effective for 4 and Substantially Effective for 4 of the Effectiveness & Technical Compliance ratings.

The UK has a robust legal framework to combat bribery and corruption, primarily through the Bribery Act 2010, which holds companies accountable for bribery committed both domestically and internationally. While isolated instances of corruption exist, U.S. investors do not view it as a significant barrier to doing business in the UK. The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) effectively investigates and prosecutes corruption, and the UK has strengthened its measures, such as the Unexplained Wealth Order, to enhance transparency and accountability.

The United Kingdom (UK) presents a favorable environment for foreign direct investment (FDI), characterized by a mature consumer market and minimal restrictions on foreign ownership across most sectors. In 2022, the UK attracted £78.8 billion ($97.4 billion) in greenfield FDI, outperforming its European competitors, and has maintained its position as the leading destination for FDI in Europe for 15 consecutive years.

The United Kingdom is a highly attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), characterized by a business-friendly environment and minimal restrictions on foreign ownership across most sectors. In 2022, the UK secured £78.8 billion ($97.4 billion) in greenfield FDI, making it the leading European destination for FDI for 15 consecutive years. The UK government actively promotes inward investment and provides a transparent legal and regulatory framework, ensuring that foreign-owned companies are treated equally to domestic firms.