The EU AML package: preparing for the single rulebook and AMLA

The EU's anti-money laundering package, adopted in 2024, restructures AML regulation across the Union. At its centre is the AML Regulation, which will apply directly in all member states from July 2027, and the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), which is being established in Frankfurt.

What changes for obliged entities

• Core customer due diligence requirements move into a directly applicable regulation, reducing national divergence.
• Crypto-asset service providers are fully within scope as obliged entities across the EU.
• Harmonised rules on beneficial ownership, enhanced due diligence and reliance on third parties.
• AMLA will directly supervise a limited number of higher-risk cross-border financial institutions, and coordinate national supervisors for the rest.

Gambling and the AML framework

Gambling service providers remain obliged entities, with member states retaining some flexibility over lower-risk gambling services. Operators licensed in several member states should expect greater convergence in supervisory expectations over time.

Preparing now

Detailed technical standards will shape many practical requirements. Firms can nonetheless begin with a gap analysis against the Regulation's text, focusing on customer due diligence, beneficial ownership verification, group-wide policies and outsourcing of CDD measures.

This article is general commentary and does not constitute legal advice. Regulatory positions change; please seek advice on your specific circumstances.