Crypto Oversight a Priority for AMLA in 2025
Europe’s Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) has named crypto assets the biggest threat to financial transparency across the EU. Chair Bruna Szego highlighted digital assets’ borderless transactions, anonymous ownership, and rapid transfer capabilities as critical risk factors for money laundering and terrorist financing. AMLA officially took on its enforcement powers on July 1 and declared crypto oversight as a central focus moving forward.
AMLA Warns of Fragmented EU Compliance
Under the newly implemented pan-European licensing framework, crypto asset service providers can now seek approval in any EU nation. However, AMLA is concerned that inconsistent enforcement between countries creates regulatory loopholes. Szego warned that without unified oversight, Europe could become vulnerable to financial abuse by opportunistic crypto firms seeking weaker regimes.
Binance Under Watch as Ownership Scrutiny Intensifies
One major case under the microscope is Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, currently being investigated in France for alleged violations of money laundering and terrorism finance laws. While Binance denies the accusations, the probe highlights growing worries about who actually owns and controls major crypto platforms. AMLA insists that determining shareholder identity and management accountability will be key to future compliance assessments.
AMLA’s Expanding Staff and Supervision Plans
Though AMLA currently has just 30 employees, the agency plans to ramp up staffing to 120 by the end of 2025 and reach 430 personnel by 2028. That year will mark the start of direct supervision for up to 40 high-risk financial entities, many expected to be crypto firms. The authority is recruiting experts in blockchain, finance, and regulatory law to strengthen its investigative capacity.
Building Leadership with AML Expertise
Szego stressed that regulatory compliance must start at the top. Crypto companies seeking licenses in the EU must have leaders on their boards with proven knowledge of anti-money laundering and counterterrorism finance procedures. “Having one informed board member isn’t a formality — it’s foundational for approval,” she explained.
EU Standards Strengthened to Close Loopholes
On Tuesday, AMLA issued a statement underscoring the dangers of “inconsistent controls” across the bloc. With national regulators responsible for licensing, some crypto firms may receive leniency in one country while avoiding stricter scrutiny elsewhere. AMLA now has oversight powers to intervene if a national authority approves a company that doesn’t meet baseline compliance standards.
FATF Findings Support AMLA’s Concerns
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international body combatting money laundering, recently revealed that three-quarters of jurisdictions worldwide still fail to fully enforce its digital asset guidelines. FATF’s warning supports AMLA’s concerns, emphasizing the need for stricter, globally coordinated regulation to stop the misuse of crypto.
U.S. and EU Chart Opposing Crypto Policies
While Europe tightens its regulatory net, the U.S. under President Donald Trump appears to be loosening its approach. Several enforcement actions against crypto firms have been shelved, and new legislation supports integrating digital assets into traditional finance. This divergence may create compliance challenges, especially for companies operating across both regions.
Coordinated Crypto Regulation on the Horizon
To address emerging risks, AMLA is launching a thematic review of how national regulators assess crypto companies. It will also collaborate with financial intelligence units across Europe to create a unified understanding of the crypto landscape. By standardizing compliance expectations, AMLA hopes to prevent regulatory arbitrage and ensure equal enforcement.
Looking Ahead: Compliance is Non-Negotiable
Szego emphasized urgency. “It takes time to build capacity, but we must act decisively. There is no room for delay,” she said. AMLA’s top priorities include identifying high-risk crypto entities, verifying ownership structures, and ensuring that compliance systems are in place from day one.
As the EU builds out its digital asset oversight framework, AMLA’s proactive stance could shape future global standards. For crypto firms, the message is clear: transparency, ownership clarity, and AML readiness are no longer optional — they’re mandatory for market access.
