Legal Transplantation of Global Anti-Money Laundering Standards: Unintended Consequences for Developing Countries

This book provides real-world insights into the application of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Anti-Money Laundering standards in developing countries. Presenting a Global South perspective, experts highlight power imbalances in the creation and enforcement of these standards and show why rigid or erroneous transplantation can have unintended consequences in some jurisdictions.

Bridging practice and theory, this book reviews legal tensions between international obligations and domestic realities. Case studies and expert insights reveal how the FATF standards, designed to combat money laundering and protect the world’s financial systems, do not always account for developing countries’ individual circumstances. Examples include international standards clashing with long-standing local laws, rules around attorney–client privilege and harming national efforts towards financial inclusion. This book advocates for international reforms aimed at aligning global financial integrity goals with local development priorities.

An essential resource for students and academics in criminal law, international law, economics and development studies, Legal Transplantation of Global Anti-Money Laundering Standards is also beneficial for policymakers, international stakeholders and government officials in developing countries.