What have been the consequences of recent regulatory initiatives on international financial centers in small countries? This study of three small Commonwealth countries—Barbados, Mauritius and Vanuatu—suggests that the costs of implementing these new standards have exceeded any identifiable benefits for the countries concerned.

The main factor explaining the adoption of the new standards, in all three countries, is the fear of being blacklisted by international organizations in the event of non-compliance, rather than any identified benefit in terms of increased competitiveness. The authors consider how policy on anti-money laundering should be developed in the future, taking into account the particular concerns of small developing countries.

The book will be of interest to all those engaged in setting international standards for financial regulation, and those regulating the finance industry in both large and small countries.

Table of Contents:

Foreword; List of Abbreviations; Summary; 1) Introduction; 2) The Barbados International Business and Financial Services Sector; 3) Regulation of the Barbados International Business and Financial Services Sector; 4) Incremental Costs and Benefits of Enhancing the IFS Regulatory Regime in Barbados; 5) Overall Conclusions for Barbados; 6) Development of the IFS Industry in Mauritius; 7) Importance of the IFS Industry in the Mauritian Economy; 8) Regulation and Supervision of the IFS Industry in Mauritius; 9) Incremental Costs and Benefits of Enhancing the IFS Regulatory Regime in Mauritius; 10) the International Financial Services Sector in Vanuatu; 11) Regulation and Supervision in Vanuatu; 12) Incremental Costs and Benefits of Enhancing the IFS Regulatory Regime in Vanuatu; 13) Case Study Synthesis, Conclusions and Future Directions; References and Bibliography; Annex; Index.