Citizenship by Investment: Why Dominica is the Most Reliable Choice

30 April 2025 | Tags: Citizenship by Investment Program

For investors seeking citizenship by investment, the stability of a financial system and a jurisdiction’s ability to combat economic crime are of paramount importance. In this context, Dominica, a Caribbean jurisdiction with a growing reputation in the international financial arena, has delivered results that deserve the attention of the global business community.

According to the inaugural edition of the Secretariat Economic Crime Index (SECI), published by the international advisory firm Secretariat, Dominica ranked 17th out of 177 countries worldwide. Within the Caribbean region, only Saint Vincent ranked higher, at 14th place. This result has placed Dominica in the prestigious Transparent Titan category — a group of countries with the most transparent and effective systems for countering financial crime.

Secretariat is a recognised international consultancy specialising in investigations, litigation support, and the assessment of economic crime risks. Its experts provide authoritative advice to leading law firms, corporations, and government institutions. The SECI index, developed by Secretariat in 2025, is based on a synthesis of data from globally recognised sources, including the Corruption Perceptions Index, the Basel AML Index, and the Organised Crime Index. This rigorous methodology makes it a reliable reference point for investors seeking an objective evaluation of jurisdictions in terms of economic crime risks.

The criteria for inclusion in the Transparent Titan category go well beyond formal assessments. As the report’s authors highlight, these jurisdictions demonstrate “transparency, robust anti-financial crime frameworks, and strong enforcement mechanisms,” positioning them as leaders in preventing financial crime. This means that Dominica can serve as a model of best practice for countries aiming to strengthen their protective frameworks against money laundering, fraud, and corruption.

Secretariat emphasises that Transparent Titan jurisdictions possess not only robust regulatory frameworks but also employ modern methods for monitoring financial flows. Dominica ranks alongside recognised leaders such as Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Singapore, and Switzerland — jurisdictions known for high levels of institutional trust and low corruption rates. Most other Caribbean nations, including Saint Lucia, Grenada, and The Bahamas, were placed in the second tier.

This strong international recognition is particularly significant against the backdrop of rising global financial risks. According to Bhavin Shah, Managing Director of Secretariat, the world is facing new challenges: from virtual assets and decentralised finance (DeFi) to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning. These factors underscore the growing need for legal resilience and precise risk assessment.

For investors, these factors are not abstract; they serve as concrete benchmarks when selecting a jurisdiction. Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme has long established itself as one of the most reliable and time-tested options. The country’s high SECI ranking further confirms that Dominica can offer not only legal status but also the reassurance of systemic reliability.

While regulatory frameworks elsewhere continue to adapt to new realities, Dominica demonstrates strategic proactivity. For investors viewing citizenship as a tool for asset protection and diversification, this becomes a compelling argument in favour of a considered and rational choice.