The financial sector of the Maldives, although small and not developed, is susceptible to both money laundering and, to a lesser extent, terrorist financing. This report focuses on observance of standards and codes for the FATF-40 (Financial Action Task Force) recommendations for antimoney laundering (AML) and nine special recommendations on combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) in the Maldives. It provides a summary of the AML/CFT measures in place in the Maldives and contains recommendations on how the AML/CFT system could be strengthened.
The Maldives has taken steps to lay down the foundations of an antimoney laundering and counterterrorist financing (AML/CFT) framework. This report summarizes the AML/CFT measures that were in place in the Maldives at the time of the onsite visit (October 17–28, 2010) and shortly thereafter. The report describes and analyzes these measures and offers recommendations on how to strengthen certain aspects of the AML/CFT system. It also assesses the Maldives’ level of compliance with the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).