WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao has made significant progress in strengthening its defenses against money laundering, terrorist financing and other forms of financial crime, according to the government, which is citing the findings of a first follow-up assessment by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).
The assessment was discussed during a CFATF meeting held in Trinidad and Tobago in May. According to a Curaçao government statement, the organization concluded that the country has made “significant progress” since its comprehensive evaluation last year.
Among the improvements highlighted by the government are stronger risk assessments, better cooperation between government agencies, improved supervision and greater transparency regarding the ultimate beneficial owners of companies.
The Financial Intelligence Unit Curaçao (FIU) has also been strengthened. The agency is responsible for analyzing unusual financial transactions that could be linked to money laundering, terrorist financing or other criminal activities.
According to the government, additional personnel, training and improved systems have been introduced at the FIU. Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office are also said to be making better use of financial intelligence in criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Curaçao has furthermore strengthened its framework for combating terrorist financing and implementing international sanctions. One of the measures introduced is an Omnibus Sanctions Decree, which allows relevant United Nations sanctions to take effect directly in Curaçao.
The measures follow the CFATF's major evaluation of Curaçao published in July 2025. Such evaluations examine both a country's legal and institutional framework and the effectiveness of its measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
Despite the progress reported by the government, the reform process is not finished. Curaçao is continuing to work on additional legislation and organizational measures intended to address remaining weaknesses in its financial crime prevention system.
The country's next full evaluation is expected around 2032. Until then, Curaçao will have to demonstrate that the improvements made to laws, supervision and institutions also translate into concrete results in investigations, prosecutions and the confiscation of criminal assets.