AMLA (Anti-Money Laundering Authority)
Strong Protection Against Illicit Activity
With the establishment of the EUs Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing enters a new phase.
Objective: a consistent and robust level of protection for the European Single Market.
Definition
What is the AMLA?
The Anti-Money Laundering Authority is the EU authority responsible for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. It was established as a decentralized EU agency and has been formally in force since June 26, 2024. Its headquarters are in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Responsibilities and Objectives
What does the AMLA do?
The AMLA coordinates national authorities to ensure the proper and consistent application of EU rules on anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing (AML/CFT). Its main objectives are:
- Reshaping AML/CFT supervision within the EU
- Improving cooperation between the Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) of the Member States
- Ensuring uniform application of legislation across all EU countries
- Safeguarding the integrity of the European Single Market
Structure and Timeline
AMLA Today and in the Future
AMLA is currently in its build-up phase. The authority began operations in summer 2025 following the appointment of Bruna Szego as its first Chair in January 2025. From 2027 onwards, 40 obliged entities will be selected for direct supervision. AMLA will reach full operational capacity with direct supervisory powers in 2028, when staffing is expected to grow to approximately 430 employees.
Legal framework
The AMLA was established as part of a comprehensive legislative package presented by the European Commission in July 2021. The AMLA Regulation, the AMLR, and the Sixth AMLD were published in the Official Journal of the EU on June 19, 2024. These regulations complement the FATF’s international standards.
Cooperation with National Authorities
In Germany, the AMLA works closely with BaFin AUA
and other financial and security authorities. The federal government, in collaboration with the state of Hesse and the city of Frankfurt, is providing financial and operational support to the agency during its start-up phase.
Additional information:
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