EBA ¦ The EBA welcomes the entry into force of the framework establishing the AMLA

Preparing for AMLA: How the EBA is Shaping the Future EU AML/CFT Framework

A New Era in the Fight Against Financial Crime

In 2024, the European Union took a major step in strengthening its fight against money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF) by agreeing on a comprehensive anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) package. This package introduces a harmonized single AML/CFT rulebook across the EU and establishes the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), a new dedicated body designed to oversee and enforce these rules. AMLA will focus particularly on supervising cross-border financial institutions that carry the highest ML/TF risks.

The Role of the European Banking Authority in Transition

Since 2020, the European Banking Authority (EBA) has been the EU’s lead body in coordinating and monitoring efforts against ML/TF in the financial sector. The EBA developed a robust regulatory framework that set common standards for financial institutions and their supervisors to tackle these risks effectively. Many of these measures are now embedded in EU law, providing a strong foundation for AMLA to build upon.

The EBA will continue to hold its AML/CFT mandates until December 2025 to ensure stability during this transition. It will work closely with AMLA, transferring relevant powers, resources, and expertise while maintaining responsibility for managing ML/TF risks within its prudential supervisory duties.

Key Focus Areas for 2024-2025

Leading up to AMLA’s full establishment, the EBA is focusing on several critical priorities:

• Developing a common methodology for selecting financial institutions for direct supervision by AMLA and for assessing individual ML/TF risks.
• Establishing unified criteria for customer due diligence processes that all EU financial institutions must follow.
• Defining standards for determining the severity of AML/CFT breaches to guide sanctioning and administrative actions.

These technical advices will be provided to the European Commission by October 2025, ensuring AMLA can start its work efficiently with well-grounded and actionable frameworks.

Bastian Schwind-Wagner_Follow "The European Banking Authority is playing a crucial role in preparing for the new EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority by developing common supervisory standards and ensuring a smooth transition. This marks a key milestone in enhancing Europe's defenses against financial crime."

Supporting National Authorities and Ensuring Continuity

To facilitate a smooth handover, the EBA is actively supporting national competent authorities through the creation of an EU-wide Forum of AML/CFT supervisors. This platform allows frequent dialogue about practical challenges and prepares authorities for future collaboration with AMLA. The EBA also coordinates with the European Commission’s AMLA taskforce, which manages AMLA’s setup and early operations.

Meanwhile, the EBA continues to address emerging financial crime risks across the financial sector, including compliance with restrictive measures and risks associated with new areas like crypto-assets.

Beyond 2025: Cooperation Between EBA and AMLA

Once AMLA is fully operational, the EBA will remain engaged in combating ML/TF risk through its prudential oversight role. The two authorities are expected to work closely, sharing guidelines, consultations, and governance mechanisms to ensure a seamless and effective anti-financial crime environment in Europe.

Together, they aim to make Europe’s banking sector increasingly hostile to criminals by integrating prudential safety with stringent AML/CFT controls.

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• EBA ¦ The EBA welcomes the entry into force of the framework establishing the AML and CFT authority ¦ Link