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AMLA finalises 3 draft RTS for the private sector, covering business relationships and linked transactions, CDD and group-wide AML/CFT arrangements, defining key measures to reduce ML/TF

The standards clarify requirements for CDD, including lower-risk measures, non-face-to-face verification and PEP screening, while strengthening governance, risk management and secure information sharing across groups. The drafts have been submitted to the European Commission for adoption and are proposed to apply six months after entry into force once adopted and published in the…

FinCEN withdraws proposed rules that would have imposed certain regulatory requirements on FIs related to certain digital assets, specifically convertible virtual currencies

FinCEN has withdrawn two proposed rules that would have introduced recordkeeping, verification and reporting requirements for certain convertible virtual currency transactions. The proposals covered unhosted wallets and a special measure targeting convertible virtual currency mixing. The withdrawals follow FinCEN’s review of public comments and form part of the Trump Administration’s deregulatory agenda and…

FCA publishes consultation on new transaction reporting regime to help firms prepare ahead of 2028 implementation – feedback due by 6 Nov 2026

The FCA’s CP26/34 sets out proposed guidance, reporting requirements and transitional arrangements to help firms prepare for the new transaction reporting regime taking effect on 3 April 2028. The proposals include draft reporting schemas and validation rules, alongside guidance on complex areas such as derivatives, client indicators, equity swaps and package transactions. Further consultation planned for Q1 2027 and the final Transaction Reporting User Pack expected by 3 April 2027…

AMLA invites stakeholders to sectoral roundtables on applying simplified customer due diligence (CDD) in lower-risk situations, with expressions of interest due by 18 Oct 2026

The discussions will gather sector experience and practical approaches to help AMLA develop Guidelines supporting a clear, effective and proportionate application of simplified CDD across the EU. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 18 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST, with the in-person roundtables expected to take place in Frankfurt between 9 November and 2 December 2026…

Europol warns of rising cannabis trafficking from North America and Thailand into Europe, launching new Operational Taskforce to target organised crime and illicit financial flows

The agency has launched a new Operational Taskforce bringing together law enforcement, customs and financial intelligence authorities to disrupt trafficking networks and follow their illicit financial flows. The warning highlights links between cannabis trafficking, money laundering, corruption and violence, with recent operations resulting in 21 arrests and the seizure of more than €57,000 in cash…

Switzerland launches new transparency register (TranspaReg), bringing mandatory beneficial ownership reporting into force to strengthen AML/CTF controls

Switzerland has launched its new Transparency Register, requiring covered legal entities to report their beneficial owners following a pilot involving around 2,500 companies. The register provides authorities, financial intermediaries and advisers with a central source to identify who ultimately controls legal entities, strengthening AML/CTF and sanctions enforcement. Reporting deadlines range from one month to two years, with a high volume of filings…

AMLA publishes final draft RTS, setting out how home and host supervisors should cooperate when overseeing cross-border groups across financial and non-financial sectors

They define the duties of home and host supervisors and establish practical arrangements for information exchange, cross-border inquiries and coordinated supervision. Supervisors will be able to share information with other EU supervisors without prior consent, helping to make cross-border supervision faster and more effective. The RTS will be submitted to the EC for adoption. Once adopted, they will apply directly and become legally binding across EU Member States…

 

BIS recent survey examines AML/CFT risk-assessment approaches across 19 jurisdictions, highlighting different methodologies that can strengthen risk-based supervision and supervisory judgement

The survey found a range of approaches to AML/CFT risk assessment, with lessons for strengthening supervisory judgement and risk-based oversight.
The Committee noted that AI’s growing financial footprint and interconnected financing could create new vulnerabilities. It highlighted potential exposure to cyberattacks and correlated dependencies as AI becomes embedded in critical financial functions. Further details on the AML/CFT work are expected…

AUSTRAC issues infringement notices to real estate, accounting and jewellery businesses for failing to enrol and comply with AML/CFT obligations

The notices target businesses in the real estate, accounting and jewellery sectors, with penalties of A$21,840 for companies and A$4,368 for individuals, which can accrue daily. The enforcement follows the regime’s 1 July 2026 expansion to sectors including legal, accounting, real estate, conveyancing, trust and company services, and precious-stone and metal dealers. AUSTRAC said around 90% of the businesses initially identified have now enrolled or…

AUSTRAC calls for proportionate risk-based controls for higher-risk customers, warning that indiscriminate debanking can push financial crime risks into less regulated channels

Higher-risk customers should trigger appropriate controls such as enhanced customer due diligence, closer transaction monitoring and more frequent reviews, where warranted. Firms should consider the customer’s individual circumstances, business activities, products and services, geographic exposure and transaction patterns when determining risk. The guidance reinforces that higher risk does not automatically mean unacceptable risk…

Bank of England warns Frontier AI could amplify cyber threats, creating new risks for banks, payment systems and other critical financial infrastructure

It calls for rigorous testing of AI models before and after deployment to identify vulnerabilities and ensure effective safeguards and points of intervention.
The Bank argues that stronger AI governance and common standards will be critical as financial firms increasingly deploy AI across cyber defence, trading and payments. Policymakers should first understand the risks, test models and establish where meaningful intervention is possible…

European Commission appoints Paulina Dejmek Hack as DG FISMA Director-General, overseeing EU Financial Services, Financial Crime and Competitiveness 

She will lead the EU’s financial services policy at a time of continued focus on strengthening competitiveness, supporting economic growth and deepening the Savings and Investments Union. Her appointment also comes as DG FISMA implements the First EU AML Package…

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