Brussels,

Overview on Anti-Money Laundering

The fight against financial crime, including anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), is crucial for maintaining financial stability and security in Europe. It also ensures the integrity of financial markets. Effective AML/CFT measures protect the financial system from misuse, support economic stability, and uphold the trust and safety of financial transactions across the EU. These efforts are essential for preventing illegal activities and safeguarding the overall financial ecosystem.
The fight against financial crime, including anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), is crucial for maintaining financial stability, security in Europe, and the integrity of financial markets.

EU Actions and Objectives

The European Commission conducts risk assessments to identify and address risks within the EU internal market. It promotes global solutions to combat these threats and has implemented robust legislation to fight money laundering and terrorist financing, aligning with international efforts. The Commission ensures the effective application of this legislation by monitoring the transposition of EU laws and collaborating with networks of competent authorities.


On 20 July 2021, the European Commission presented a package of legislative proposals to strengthen the EU’s AML/CFT rules. This package aimed to protect EU citizens and the financial system from money laundering and terrorist financing by improving the detection of suspicious transactions and closing loopholes used by criminals.

Here were we are:

  • New EU AML Authority (AMLA): By the Regulation (EU) 2024/1620 establishing the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, from 1 July 2025 EU will have this new Authority, which enhances cooperation among financial intelligence units (FIUs). AMLA will coordinate national authorities to ensure consistent application of EU rules in the private sector.
  • New Regulation on AML/CFT: The Regulation (EU) 2024/1624 of 19 June 2024 is dealing with the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing and it includes directly applicable rules on customer due diligence and beneficial ownership, as well as setting limits to cash payments and controls on bank payments.
  • 6th Directive on AML/CFT (AMLD 6): The Directive (EU) 2024/1640 of 31 May 2024 is dealing with the mechanisms to be put in place by Member States for the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing and is amending Directive(EU) 2019/1937 and amending and repealing Directive 2015/849/EU.
  • Regulation on Transfers of Funds: The Regulation (EU) 2023/1113 of 31 May 2023 is dealing with the information accompanying transfers of funds and certain crypto-assets and is amending Directive (EU) 2015/849.

International Collaboration

The Commission contributes to international AML/CFT rules through its work with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and bilateral cooperation, ensuring a unified global approach to combating financial crime.

Next Steps The legislative package will be discussed by the European Parliament and Council, with the Commission aiming for a speedy legislative process. The AMLA is expected to be operational in 2024, with direct supervision beginning once the directive has been transposed and the new rules are in place.