EU Strengthens Anti-Money Laundering Legislation Amid Rising Financial Crime Risks

• •EU introduces new AML/CFT legislative measures to combat financial crime.
• •Creation of the EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) to enhance supervision.
• •New regulations will improve traceability of financial transactions, including crypto-assets.

On September 28, 2026, the European Commission released two articles detailing new legislative measures aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing within the EU. The first article outlines the importance of traceability in financial transactions and the need for enhanced cooperation among authorities to improve investigations. The second article discusses a legislative package introduced on July 20, 2021, which includes the establishment of a new EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) to oversee compliance and improve detection of suspicious activities. The package also proposes a new regulation on customer due diligence and beneficial ownership, alongside revisions to existing regulations on fund transfers, particularly concerning crypto-assets. The legislative framework aims to close loopholes exploited by criminals and enhance the overall integrity of the EU financial system. The AMLA is expected to be operational by 2024, with the goal of streamlining AML/CFT supervision across member states.