The new European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) officially commenced operations on 1 July 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening the EU’s fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, AMLA was created under the EU Anti-Money Laundering Package, adopted in 2021 and in force since 9 July 2024.
AMLA’s core mission is to improve the efficiency and coordination of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) efforts across the European Union. It will work to harmonise the application of AML regulations among Member States, enhance the effectiveness of national supervisory authorities, and foster better cooperation between the EU’s Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs). Close collaboration is planned with the European Central Bank and the EU’s key financial supervisory bodies – the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). It is currently in a set-up phase and will be fully operational by 2028.
AMLA will work closely with the European Central Bank and the EU’s financial regulators – EBA, EIOPA, and ESMA. It is also forming an AML/CFT expert network to provide expertise in support of policy development and the rollout of operational strategies in tackling financial crime across the EU.
AMLA’s establishment represents a major advancement in the EU’s ability to deliver consistent, robust, and cross-border measures against illicit financial activities.