Netherlands Country Summary

FATF Status

The Netherlands is not 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 the Netherlands was undertaken in 2022. According to that Evaluation, the Netherlands was deemed Compliant for 10 and Largely Compliant for 28 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It was deemed Highly effective for 2 and Substantially Effective for 5 of the Effectiveness & Technical Compliance ratings.

The Netherlands demonstrates a strong commitment to combating corruption through comprehensive legislation and active governmental oversight, including the establishment of the Dutch Whistleblowers Authority to protect those who report wrongdoing. Despite these efforts, the country faces significant challenges from various criminal markets, including human trafficking, drug trade, and financial crimes, with organized crime networks increasingly involved in these activities.

The Netherlands is recognized as one of the world's most competitive industrialized economies, characterized by a stable political and macroeconomic environment that fosters a welcoming business and investment climate. Key strengths include a highly developed financial sector, a strategic geographic location, and a well-educated labor force, which together create a robust logistics network supported by major transport hubs like the Port of Rotterdam and Amsterdam Airport. The country is a significant player in foreign direct investment (FDI), benefiting from a historically business-friendly tax climate and numerous investment treaties, while also adapting its tax policies in response to EU harmonization efforts.