What the EU Anti-Money Laundering Directives are and how they shape European KYB and beneficial ownership requirements.
The Anti-Money Laundering Directives (AMLD) are European Union directives establishing AML/CFT requirements across member states.
EU member states must maintain registers of beneficial owners for companies formed in their jurisdiction.
Required for: - PEPs - High-risk third countries - Complex ownership structures
The EU is moving toward: - AMLR: Directly applicable AML Regulation (not just directive) - AMLA: New centralized AML Authority to supervise high-risk entities
For organizations operating in Europe, AMLD requirements shape KYB programs—often with stricter beneficial ownership and CDD requirements than US regulations.