The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets has reported improved compliance by investment fund managers with anti-money laundering and sanctions requirements, particularly in risk assessments and policies. However, registered alternative investment fund managers known as light managers continue to lag licensed managers, raising supervisory concerns as their number increased from 504 in 2019 to 773 in 2024. The authority expects these firms to address the deficiencies, particularly where they invest in higher-risk real estate. Gaps remain across the wider sector. Only 66% of managers establish a client transaction profile at the start of a relationship, while 55% are registered with the Financial Intelligence Unit Netherlands as required to report unusual transactions. Training is also insufficient, with about 45% of daily policymakers completing anti-money laundering training and 40% completing sanctions training during the previous two years. The authority is directly contacting managers that persistently fail to meet training requirements and asking them to take appropriate measures. It also expects managers to prepare for the new European anti-money laundering package, which takes effect July 10, 2027.
2026-09-15Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets
Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets identifies anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance gaps among light fund managers
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets found that investment fund managers have improved anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance, but light managers continue to lag as their numbers grow. Only 66% of managers establish client transaction profiles, 55% are registered with the Financial Intelligence Unit Netherlands and fewer than half of daily policymakers recently completed relevant training. The authority is contacting firms that persistently fail to meet training requirements.