On 1 January 2026, the European Banking Authority (EBA) and the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) completed the transfer of all AML/CFT mandates and functions from the EBA to AMLA, marking a milestone in the EU’s fight against financial crime. The handover concludes the EBA’s stand-alone AML/CFT mandate that began in 2020 and is part of the new EU AML/CFT package which established AMLA at the centre of an integrated, European system of AML/CFT supervision.
AMLA and the EBA have worked closely to ensure a seamless and timely transition. Key EBA tools and expertise, including the EuReCa database, supervisory insights, and risk assessments, have been transferred to AMLA. All existing EBA AML/CFT guidelines and standards will remain in force until replaced by AMLA, guaranteeing regulatory continuity for industry and supervisors.
Under the new framework AMLA will complete the EU’s Single Rulebook, advance supervisory convergence, and coordinate the work of FIUs to enhance cross-border exchange of financial intelligence. AMLA will also directly supervise 40 of the most complex financial institutions or groups in the EU. The EBA will continue to address money laundering risks through prudential regulation, working hand in hand with AMLA to maintain a coherent framework.
The two authorities have put in place a strong cooperation framework through a formal ESAs-AMLA Memorandum of Understanding, enabling regular information exchange, joint initiatives and consistent engagement with the private sector.
Together, AMLA and EBA aim to deliver a more effective and consistent EU response to financial crime.
