Guyana Country Summary

FATF Status

Guyana is no longer on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The last Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in Guyana was undertaken in 2024. According to that Evaluation, Guyana was deemed Compliant for 18 and Largely Compliant for 17 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It was deemed Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 2 of the Effectiveness ratings.

Guyana faces significant challenges with crime and corruption, particularly in the realms of human trafficking, drug trafficking, and financial crimes, exacerbated by weak institutions and pervasive corruption among public officials. Despite some legislative efforts to combat these issues, such as the Integrity Commission Act and various international treaties, the effectiveness of enforcement remains limited, leading to a public perception of inefficiency and a lack of trust in government institutions.

Guyana's economy is experiencing rapid growth, primarily driven by its burgeoning oil industry, which began production in 2019 and is projected to significantly increase output in the coming years. The country's GDP growth rate reached an impressive 33 percent in 2023, positioning it among the fastest-growing economies globally, while the government is also focused on diversifying its economy through investments in agriculture, energy, and technology. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including a declining stock market, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a high crime rate, which the government is actively addressing through infrastructure investments and regulatory reforms to create a more favorable investment climate.