Global Risk Profile (GRP) releases the 2023 edition of the Global Corruption Index (GCI), providing a comprehensive assessment on the state of corruption and other white-collar crimes worldwide.

After ranking first place in 2019 and 2021, Finland retakes the lead in 2023. Last year’s best performer, Norway, comes in second place this year, with New Zealand coming in third. Europe asserts its dominance in the top 10, featuring Sweden (4th), Denmark (5th) and Estonia (6th).

This year, Switzerland makes a noteworthy advancement, surging 6 ranks and elevating its position from 20th in 2022 to 14th place. This shift attributed to its exemplary performance in the Corruption sub-index, where it secures the 7th rank, as well as notable progress in the white-collar crime sub-index. However, despite an improvement in its white-collar crime risk score, decreasing from 35.4 to 33.6, Switzerland still finds itself in the 47th position within this sub-index, lagging behind European neighbors such as France (5th), Spain (15th), Germany (29th), and Italy (35th). Notably, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) acknowledges Switzerland’s dedicated efforts in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, though it remains only partially compliant with 3 of the 40 FATF recommendations.

The new edition of the Global Corruption Index (GCI) highlights performance differences between countries with low corruption and white-collar crime risk and those exposed to higher risks. This contrast is particularly noticeable when comparing the top 20 ranked countries to the bottom 20. Countries with very low risk have seen their risk score decrease from 14.3 to 13.7, with a strong prevalence of European nations among them. Conversely, countries with the highest risks maintain a risk score of 75.4. This group is primarily composed of Asian and African nations.

While regional risk scores have seen minimal shifts between 2022 and 2023, Europe maintains its distinction with the lowest risk score(29.7), followed by Oceania and North America (40.1 and 43.8 respectively). South America (46.1) hovers close to the global average (45.9), while Asia lags behind (50.1) and Africa remains the region with the highest average risk score (57.9). Although the world average remained unchanged during this period, Europe, Oceania, South America and Asia experienced slight decreases in average risk scores, while Africa saw a slight increase.

In addition to evaluating corruption, the Global Corruption Index unveils insights into other white-collar crimes and exposes the specific vulnerabilities of each country. Notably, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein, while performing well in the Corruption sub-index, respectively ranking 8th and 18th, display a medium risk score in the White Collar Crimes sub-index, respectively ranking 60th and 94th out of 196 countries. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates achieves a relatively good corruption rank (44th), but receives a high-risk score in white-collar crimes, ranking 144th.

On a global scale, the United States has made significant progress, climbing seven ranks from 31st in 2022 to 24th in 2023, reclaiming its 2018 ranking. This improvement can be attributed to a better risk score in the Corruption sub-index, placing them at 25th.

China’s performance has also improved, rising from 117th to 113th, its best rank yet in the GCI. China’s progress is predominantly due to a decent ranking in the White Collar Crime sub-index (91st), despite a lower ranking in the Corruption sub-index (126th). Conversely, Russia dropped two ranks, falling from 125th to 127th. Notably, Russia has one of the highest corruption risk scores, ranking 144th on the Corruption sub-index.

For detailed 2023 GCI results, interactive data and technical documentation, visit the dedicated website: risk-indexes.com/global-corruption-index