Methodology and sources
Our country ratings tool is a composite index providing an evidence-based assessment of country ML/TF risk across 245 jurisdictions, drawing on multiple primary data sources per risk category.
Each country's risk score is calculated from those data sources and does not represent any opinion of KnowYourCountry, except where data is unavailable and we have applied a documented assessment based on comparable risk factors for that jurisdiction.
Scores summarise a complex, multi-dimensional issue and are intended as a guide within a broader country risk assessment process. Regulated businesses will have their own risk profile based on local legislation, regional exposure, customer base, and risk appetite. Customisable Scoring Profiles let you configure weightings, risk bands, and country-specific overrides to match your firm's position.
Weightings are indicative. All regulated organisations are expected to apply weightings according to their own risk profile.
The following risk factors/data sources are used to assess country risk and determine a risk rating score:
| General | |
| 1.1 | FATF Uncooperative / AML Deficient / EU High Risk Country list |
| 1.2 | US State ML Assessment |
| 1.3 | Bribery and Corruption |
| 1.4 | Terrorism Financing |
| 1.5 | Proliferation Financing |
| Criminality | |
| 1.6.1 | Cybercrime |
| 1.6.2 | Fraud |
| 1.6.3 | Transnational Organised Crime |
| 1.6.4 | Drugs Trafficking |
| 1.6.5 | Human Trafficking |
| 1.6.6 | Tax Crime |
| 1.6.7 | Environmental Crime |
| 1.6.8 | Arms Trafficking |
| Financial Transparency | |
| 1.7 | Transparency and Beneficial Ownership |
| 1.8 | Offshore Finance Centre |
| Other | |
| 1.9 | International Sanctions |
| 1.10 | Resilience |
Risk banding thresholds
It should be noted that KnowYourCountry maintains two scoring methodologies; one for where the highest risk is 0, the other for where the highest risk is 100. They are mirror versions of each other.