The Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) appeared before the European Parliament’s ECON and LIBE Committees, with Chair Bruna Szego presenting progress in establishing the Authority and setting out priorities for developing a unified, risk-based EU AML/CFT system. The forward agenda focused on prioritising level-2 mandates with the biggest impact on industry in 2026 and preparing for AMLA’s direct supervisory role starting in 2028. Szego reiterated five long-term goals for AMLA—ambition, cooperation, technology, communication and global leadership—and described the Authority as a “start-up” that has already put in place core governance, staffing and cooperation structures. Additional 2026 priorities included developing standards and tools to strengthen Financial Intelligence Unit effectiveness and cross-border cooperation, and building an internal risk-analysis function to steer risk-based approaches at EU and national levels. The hearing also covered questions from MEPs on high-risk third-country listing, crypto-assets and drug-related money laundering, and operational coordination with European law-enforcement agencies.
Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism 2025-12-02
European Union's Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism outlines 2026 priorities and preparations for direct supervision from 2028 in European Parliament hearing
The Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) presented its progress and priorities to the European Parliament’s ECON and LIBE Committees, focusing on establishing a unified EU AML/CFT system. Key 2026 priorities include developing standards to enhance Financial Intelligence Unit effectiveness, cross-border cooperation, and building an internal risk-analysis function. The hearing also addressed high-risk third-country listing, crypto-assets, and coordination with European law enforcement.