AMLD: Anti-Money Laundering Directive

The Anti-Money Laundering Directives (AMLD) are European Union directives establishing AML/CFT requirements across member states.

AMLD Evolution

AMLD4

• Year: 2015
• Key Additions: Risk-based approach, beneficial ownership registers

AMLD5

• Year: 2018
• Key Additions: Public access to UBO registers, virtual currency coverage

AMLD6

• Year: 2020
• Key Additions: Harmonized criminal penalties, extended predicate offenses

Key AMLD Requirements

Beneficial Ownership Registers

EU member states must maintain registers of beneficial owners for companies formed in their jurisdiction.

Customer Due Diligence

• Verify legal entity identity
• Identify beneficial owners (25% threshold)
• Understand the business relationship
• Apply risk-based approach

Enhanced Due Diligence

Required for:

• PEPs
• High-risk third countries
• Complex ownership structures

The Future: AMLR and AMLA

The EU is moving toward:

• AMLR: Directly applicable AML Regulation (not just directive)
• AMLA: New centralized AML Authority to supervise high-risk entities

AMLD and KYB

For organizations operating in Europe, AMLD requirements shape KYB programs—often with stricter beneficial ownership and CDD requirements than US regulations.

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Related: AML | UBO | EDD