EU AMLA Supervisory Authority Regulation

European Union

2024

AML/CFT

Overview

The EU AMLA Supervisory Authority Regulation was adopted in 2023 as part of the European Union’s AML/CFT reform package. It establishes the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) , a centralized EU supervisory body tasked with strengthening oversight, coordination, and enforcement of AML/CFT measures across member states.

The regulation mandates AMLA to supervise high-risk financial institutions, harmonize supervisory practices, and coordinate national Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs). Headquartered in Frankfurt, AMLA is set to be operational by 2026 and will directly supervise selected banks, fintechs, crypto-asset service providers, and other cross-border entities deemed high-risk.

Key Obligations

Establish AMLA as the lead supervisory body for cross-border AML/CFT enforcement
Allow AMLA to conduct joint inspections and impose sanctions on supervised entities
Require national authorities to cooperate and share information with AMLA