The OECD has released new peer review reports assessing the exchange of information on request (EOIR) standards in Algeria, the Republic of the Congo, the Maldives and Uzbekistan, highlighting progress in beneficial ownership transparency, information exchange and legal frameworks, as well as areas requiring further improvement.
The OECD has released new peer review reports assessing the four countries’ compliance with international standards on tax transparency and exchange of information on request: Algeria, the Republic of the Congo, the Maldives and Uzbekistan on 3 November 2026.
Due to its limited practical experience with information exchange, the Republic of the Congo underwent only Phase 1 of the peer review, which assessed its legal and regulatory framework for exchange of information on request (EOIR). The review identified several areas requiring improvement. A second-phase review will take place at a later date to assess the practical implementation of the EOIR standard, in line with the Global Forum’s review methodology and schedule.
Since 2016, 138 jurisdictions have completed the second round of Global Forum peer reviews. The results show that 91% were rated “Compliant” or “Largely Compliant” with the EOIR standard, while 6% were rated “Partially Compliant” and 3% “Non-Compliant”.
The main findings and recommendations for each jurisdiction in the latest peer review reports are summarised below:
Algeria improves its response times
Algeria joined the Global Forum in 2021 and completed its first full assessment. The Global Forum rated Algeria “Largely Compliant” with the EOIR standard. Its laws require the availability of ownership, accounting, and banking information, as the standard demands. Algeria must now run its new central register of beneficial owners effectively and keep it under close oversight. During the review period, its tax authorities were slow to answer requests and give status updates to partners. After they created a dedicated EOI unit in October 2024, response times and updates improved greatly. The reviewers urge Algeria to keep building on that progress.
Congo faces a limited first review
The Republic of the Congo joined the Global Forum in 2022 and underwent its first EOIR peer review. Because Congo has little experience with information exchange, the review covers only Phase 1, which examines the legal and regulatory framework. Reviewers found that the framework needs work. The main gaps involve the availability of legal and beneficial ownership information for all relevant entities and legal arrangements, effective access powers, Congo’s EOIR network, and the confidentiality of incoming information and EOIR files. The Phase 2 review, which will test how Congo applies the standard in practice, starts in the fourth quarter of 2029.
Maldives strengthens its ownership rules
The Maldives joined the Global Forum in 2016. Its first assessment in 2022 covered only the legal framework. The 2026 report rates the country “Largely Compliant” overall. The Maldives set up a central beneficial ownership register for companies and introduced new reporting duties for all relevant entities. Even so, it needs clearer guidance and tighter supervision to keep ownership data accurate, adequate, and current. It must also fix gaps in how information is kept when the holder stops operating.
Uzbekistan expands its exchange network
Uzbekistan joined in 2022 and also received a “Largely Compliant” rating in its first review. It introduced beneficial ownership reporting and responded to partners’ requests very promptly. Its network grew sharply after it signed the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters in July 2026. Uzbekistan still needs stronger supervision of ownership information, clearer access powers, better confidentiality safeguards, and refined implementing procedures.
