Unveiling the 2025 Global Fraud Index by Sumsub
In a detailed analysis of cybersecurity threats, Sumsub has released its much-anticipated second edition of the
Global Fraud Index in collaboration with Statista and other reputable organizations. This year's index focuses on an undeniable fact: the evolving landscape of fraud across
112 nations underscores the need for vigilance and comprehensive governance rather than simply relying on geographic boundaries.
The findings of the 2025 report are significant. The index indicates that
Europe shines as the frontrunner in digital fraud protection, while a concerning trend reveals substantial declines in the
United States and various countries in
Asia. Timothy Owens, an expert in the tech and AI sectors at Statista, warns, “Fraud protection isn't merely a geographical concern; it fundamentally depends on governance.” This elaboration emphasizes the necessity for organizations globally to approach fraud exposure with the same seriousness as operational system uptime. Monitoring, verification, and information sharing have transitioned from optional to essential in the current digital age.
Trends and Elucidations
The data from the Global Fraud Index brings forth critical highlights:
- - The top 15 nations safeguarding against fraud include Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, and Norway, among others, showcasing a robust defense infrastructure.
- - Conversely, the nations grappling with the most fraud challenges include Pakistan, Nigeria, and India, with Pakistan unfortunately holding the lowest rank for the second consecutive year.
- - Notably, the United States plummeted 36 positions to #91, while Malaysia experienced an even steeper decline of 52 positions to #86. Additionally, Singapore, which was celebrated for its top spot in 2024, now stands at #10.
- - Despite these declines, the U.S. retains the highest government AI readiness index globally, suggesting potential areas for leveraging advanced technologies in the fight against fraud.
This extensive research is not merely a collection of statistics but a vital resource aimed at guiding public sector leaders, businesses, and regulatory bodies toward effective fraud prevention strategies. The methodology combines Sumsub’s internal verification data, which processes over a
million checks daily, with reputable external sources like the
World Bank and
Transparency International. This rigorous analysis uses four main pillars focusing on factors that influence fraud rates, aligning with the
Fraud Triangle hypothesis that considers
pressure, opportunity, and
rationalization as pivotal concerns.
Moreover, the 2025 Index expands upon last year's research by introducing
nine new countries to the study, including
the Philippines and
Vietnam, reflecting the growing global interest in fraud dynamics as economies digitize further.
Upcoming Initiatives
As part of their commitment to combat fraud effectively,
Sumsub will host the inaugural
What The Fraud Summit in
Singapore on
November 19-20, 2025. This summital event aims to foster partnerships between the public and private sectors, enabling essential knowledge sharing vital for strengthening fraud defenses. Further insights, interactive maps, and detailed comparisons are available on
Sumsub's official website.
While fraud statistics reveal a grim picture, the holistic view provided by the
Global Fraud Index is essential for preparing businesses and governments to confront these challenges head-on. As fraudsters become increasingly adept at leveraging technology, understanding country-specific vulnerabilities and regulating measures become indispensable to safeguard institutions and their clientele, making comprehensive research like this an invaluable asset for strategic planning and policy development. Vitaliy Gribanov, Senior Brand and Creative Director at Sumsub, reinforces that businesses and governments must maintain awareness and adaptability in an unpredictable fraud landscape.
In conclusion, the 2025 Global Fraud Index reveals an urgent need for an evolved understanding of fraud mechanisms worldwide. How organizations react to this data and adapt their strategies moving forward will define their resilience against fraud in the years to come.