Moldova Country Summary

FATF Status

Moldova 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 Moldova was undertaken in 2025. According to that Evaluation, Moldova was deemed Compliant for 9 and Largely Compliant for 28 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains rated Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 3 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

Moldova continues to grapple with significant challenges related to corruption and organized crime, despite recent government reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability. The ruling Action and Solidarity Party has initiated various anti-corruption measures, including judicial reforms and the establishment of specialized prosecution offices, yet the effectiveness of these efforts is hindered by political interference, a lack of resources, and public skepticism towards governmental integrity.

The country faces a complex landscape of criminal activities, including human trafficking, arms trafficking, and financial crimes, often perpetrated by state-embedded actors and organized crime groups. While the government prioritizes anti-corruption initiatives and international cooperation, the judicial system remains ineffective, and the economic environment is marred by bribery and money laundering, limiting the resilience of legitimate businesses and the overall governance framework.

Moldova's economy is currently facing significant challenges, including a slow recovery from a 4.6% decline in 2022 due to the impacts of the Ukraine conflict, resulting in low growth rates and persistent inflation. The government has secured substantial financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and is committed to implementing structural reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Despite these efforts, issues such as corruption, a complex regulatory environment, and the outmigration of skilled labor continue to hinder economic development, while the country’s integration into the European Union offers potential pathways for growth and modernization.