A sweeping package of new anti–money laundering (AML) regulations is set to reshape Europe’s financial sector. While the upcoming rules are designed to strengthen the system and improve its resilience, financial institutions across the continent anticipate significant organizational and technological transformation.
According to Deloitte’s new report “Navigating the EU AML/CFT Landscape,” 84% of European financial institutions have already begun preparations to comply with the forthcoming Anti–Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. However, many organizations remain in the early stages of planning and analysis. Nearly three-quarters of respondents fear the new rules will have a major impact on their operations, while over half expect challenges in managing customer data and technology.
Europe Prepares for Uniform AML Standards
The study, which covered 121 representatives from 103 financial institutions across 20 European countries (including Poland), revealed that banks make up the largest group of respondents, followed by insurance companies, fintech firms, asset managers, and investment institutions. Participants were primarily compliance and risk management professionals.
The upcoming EU AML package — notably Regulation (EU) 2024/1624 — aims to harmonize anti–money laundering standards across all member states, ensuring greater transparency, consistency, and cooperation between national regulators and financial entities. The regulations, set to take effect in July 2027, form part of a broader reform of Europe’s AML/CFT system.
One of the key changes will be the establishment of the Anti–Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), a new EU body tasked with directly supervising selected financial institutions and coordinating AML efforts across the bloc.
“The new AMLR and AMLD6 regulations have the potential to strengthen the sector’s resilience, but their implementation will require profound organizational transformation,” said Paweł Spławski, Partner in Deloitte’s Risk, Regulatory and Forensic team.
“Our research shows that awareness of the upcoming changes is high, yet many institutions are still shaping their action strategies.”
Different Perspectives, Shared Goals
Most respondents agree that the new rules will make Europe’s financial system more secure and resistant to money laundering. 84% believe the reforms will strengthen the system overall, but three-quarters also worry about their operational impact.
The mood is most optimistic in Southern and Eastern Europe, where nine in ten institutions view the reform positively. In Northwestern Europe, that figure falls to 77%.
Across all regions, respondents recognize that compliance will demand more than just procedural adjustments — it will also require a new approach to cooperation with regulators. Banks and insurers expect higher operational costs and major system overhauls, while fintechs and smaller institutions report greater flexibility and readiness to adapt.
Declared Readiness vs. Real Progress
On paper, readiness appears strong: 94% of surveyed institutions believe they have adequate resources to prepare for the new framework, and 81% say they understand the requirements. In practice, however, progress remains limited.
Almost one-third are still defining their approach, 30% have a preliminary strategy, and only 9% have developed detailed action plans. None have begun full-scale implementation yet. Larger organizations tend to design formal plans, whereas smaller ones rely on existing compliance frameworks.
The “second line of defense” — teams responsible for identifying, assessing, and monitoring risk — plays a leading role in 68% of institutions. Meanwhile, the “first line” (day-to-day risk and control management) remains less engaged, though Northwestern Europe shows higher involvement in this area.
Data and Technology at the Core
The biggest challenge, according to respondents, lies in data collection and maintenance.
56% expect significant or moderate data gaps, which may necessitate overhauling Know Your Customer (KYC) processes and updating client information. The same proportion foresee difficulties implementing new technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence in transaction monitoring.
In large organizations — particularly banks — concerns center on complex processes and legacy systems. For smaller entities, especially fintechs, technology is seen as an opportunity to improve efficiency and agility.
“Banks are the first to recognize the challenges of new AML regulations — especially around customer data, KYC quality, and technology use,” said Piotr Jagodziński, Director at Deloitte’s Risk, Regulatory and Forensic team.
“Yet they also see this as an opportunity to modernize and enhance operational efficiency. In Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland, the approach is pragmatic — focusing on gradual adaptation and viewing compliance as a foundation for trust and long-term competitiveness.”
A New Phase for Europe’s Financial Sector
The harmonization of AML/CFT rules across the EU aims to enable smoother information exchange, consistent reporting, and more effective risk response. The transformation will affect both operational and strategic areas — from data and technology management to organizational culture.
The next two years will therefore be marked by intense preparation, investment, and upskilling. For many institutions, implementation will represent a turning point — shifting compliance from a regulatory obligation to a source of competitive advantage and market trust.
About the Study
The survey included 121 representatives from 103 financial institutions across 20 European countries, including Poland. Data were collected between April 22 and August 1, 2025. The analysis combined descriptive statistics and comparative insights across regions, sectors, and organizational sizes, revealing key differences in preparedness and approach to the upcoming AML/CFT regulatory framework.
Source: CEO.com.pl – “Nowe regulacje AML zmienią sektor finansowy”
