On January 18, 2024, the European Union (EU) made a significant stride in its fight against money laundering and terrorism financing with a provisional agreement on a comprehensive anti-money laundering package. This milestone, initially introduced in July 2021, underscores the EU’s commitment to safeguarding the financial integrity of its member states and protecting the rights of its citizens.
The package includes pivotal legislation that broadens the scope of regulated sectors, incorporating entities such as crypto-asset service providers and luxury goods traders under its umbrella. It introduces rigorous due diligence requirements and sets forth measures for enhanced scrutiny of high-net-worth individuals and entities. Additionally, the agreement proposes an EU-wide limit on large cash payments, revises rules on beneficial ownership for greater transparency, and outlines the structure for the forthcoming EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA). As these regulations move towards formal approval and implementation, they signify a transformative shift in the regulatory landscape, promising to fortify the EU’s defenses against financial crimes.
The full version of the article can be found on Mondaq here.
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