Despite its rigorous approach to cybersecurity, Morocco has recently been the target of a major cyber attack. This context highlights the urgency of strengthening preventive measures, in particular to counter illicit financial flows. The kingdom is one of the countries qualified as “Vigilant” In the fight against financial crimes, according to the global index of economic and financial crime 2025, published by secretariat, a consulting company specializing in risk management, and taken up by the daily The economist in its edition of Thursday, April 17. This ranking is based on three major criteria: money laundering, corruption and organized crime.
Out of a total of 177 countries, Morocco positions itself in 75ᵉ row with a score of 2.14 points, specifies the daily. This score reflects an evaluation based on the evolution of regulations and compliance in the country. Although effective measures have been put in place to limit financial risks, Morocco remains a developing player in the world.
Countries classified among «Vigilant Players» are those who, although, is in the fight against financial crime, still require adjustments to strengthen their efficiency. These nations present moderate exposure to financial crime, actively take part in global efforts against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, and apply the law, although sometimes in an incomplete way. Among the 64 countries designated “Vigilant”, are economic powers such as the United States, France, Spain and Japan, whose scores vary between 1.54 and 2.18.
These nations develop and implement rigorous policies to counter financial crime while adapting their regulations to emerging risks. Certain world renowned financial centers are found in this category, due to their high exposure to the risks of financial crime requiring continuous regulatory updates.
The authors of the report insist on the importance of solid internal governance and regular audits for effective risk management in a world increasingly shaped by AI. “As risk professionals, we know that threats are constantly evolving, putting the world financial system to the test. Financial crimes, such as money laundering, financing terrorism, corruption and fraud, are a constant challenge“Said Bhavin Shah, Managing Director, quoted by The economist.
He also underlines that the rapid development of virtual assets, decentralized finance and advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automatic learning, accentuates this threat, by introducing new criminal methods and more sophisticated detection tools.
The asymmetrical distribution of the scores in this classification highlights the extent of the challenge. Economic crime remains a persistent global problem, with few countries reaching sufficient levels of transparency and control.
Countries classified among «Titans transparents» serve as models, demonstrating exemplary practices that could inspire less advanced nations. THE “Vigilant actors” must continue to strengthen their systems and collaborate more to exchange knowledge and resources. As of “Reactive reformers”they must invest massively to strengthen their legal frameworks and improve their law enforcement capacities. Finally, the “Laters” In terms of regulations require coordinated international intervention, in particular to combat systemic corruption and dismantle illicit financial networks.
According to the forecasts of the report Global Financial and Economic Crime Outlook 2025illicit financial flows could reach between 4,500 and $ 6,000 billion by 2030.
Par Lamia Elouali
04/16/2025 at 8:29 p.m.
