A contemporary AAA ranking from S&P World reinforces Liechtenstein’s standing as one of many world’s most secure economies, strengthening a yr that has additionally seen the principality ranked as the highest world location for charitable foundations and praised for the energy of its banking sector
Liechtenstein has saved its place among the many world’s most trusted economies after S&P World Rankings renewed its AAA rating.
The transfer leaves the principality — residence to only 40,000 folks — in an elite group of simply eleven international locations globally with the highest grade.
S&P praised the nation’s sturdy public funds, giant monetary buffers and shut ties with each Switzerland and the European Financial Space.
The company additionally highlighted Liechtenstein’s excessive political effectivity and tight regulation, noting that each elements assist protect the nation from world shocks.
It expects the financial system to dip barely this yr however bounce again subsequent yr, with common development of 1.7% from 2026 to 2028.
Prime Minister Brigitte Haas stated the end result reveals how nicely the nation is holding up as world uncertainty continues, and vowed the federal government would keep on defending these situations.
She stated: “Such a ranking can’t be seen as a given. It’s a results of the profitable work of the folks and companies in our nation.”
The AAA renewal comes simply weeks after Liechtenstein was named within the World Philanthropy Setting Index 2025 as one the world’s prime areas for charitable foundations, and follows a separate S&P evaluation which reaffirmed the energy of the nation’s banking sector.
The index, compiled by Indiana College, assessed 95 economies and located that the principality presents probably the most beneficial situations for philanthropy wherever on the earth.
It outscored Switzerland, Germany and the USA, reaching a near-perfect ranking of 4.92 out of 5.
Specialists behind the index pointed to Liechtenstein’s liberal basis legislation, in place since 1926, and its lengthy document of authorized stability, political predictability and cross-border recognition via the EEA.
The principality’s foundations can function privately, charitably, or as a mix of each — a flexibility many bigger jurisdictions have struggled to match.
Additionally they famous that philanthropy is deeply rooted in native tradition, broadly supported by society and backed by authorities.
This social acceptance, they stated, helps create a reliable setting during which donors can plan throughout generations.
In a separate verdict revealed on 17 September, S&P reconfirmed Liechtenstein’s banks in BICRA Group 2, one of many most secure classes worldwide.
The company highlighted conservative enterprise fashions, strong capital ranges and robust liquidity buffers, together with very low credit score threat and exceptionally low mortgage loan-to-value ratios that assist stop property bubbles.
It additionally stated Liechtenstein’s latest entry into the IMF in March 2024 will strengthen the nation’s financial toolkit.
By becoming a member of because the Fund’s 191st member, Liechtenstein now has entry to IMF technical help to improve its macroeconomic information, enhance transparency and sharpen its statistical reporting.
S&P stated this can give policymakers higher data and add one other layer of safety to the monetary system, with the IMF additionally capable of act as a possible liquidity backstop in occasions of stress.
Dr. Johanna Niegel, a specialist in Liechtenstein’s basis legislation and worldwide household governance, and a lecturer on the College of Liechtenstein, informed The European that the principality is a perfect location for donors searching for long-term stability and clear objective in the way in which their property are managed.
It presents vast structuring freedom, sturdy authorized continuity, and a framework designed to safe property throughout generations, she stated.
“As soon as property are endowed, the muse turns into an impartial special-purpose fund, and donors have appreciable disposition flexibility,” Dr. Niegel added. “Foundations right here assume by way of generations, which is strictly what many households and philanthropists want.”
Additional Info
Produced with help from Liechtenstein Finance. To search out out extra concerning the principality’s monetary sector and its regulatory, financial and philanthropic frameworks, go to finance.li/en
READ MORE: ‘Liechtenstein monetary centre: A secure haven in unsure occasions‘. The Liechtenstein monetary centre is guided by the precept of ‘pondering in generations’ and goals to guard property not only for a single era, however for these to come back. Liechtenstein’s secure political, financial and social setting, mix to make it an excellent location for long-term wealth preservation.
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Fundamental picture: Central Vaduz, residence to Liechtenstein’s political and administrative establishments. The principality has maintained its AAA ranking and was not too long ago ranked the world’s main jurisdiction for philanthropic foundations. Credit score: Provided
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