The European Central Bank and the Anti-Money Laundering Authority Forge a New Era of Cooperation
Frankfurt, Germany & Madrid, Spain – July 3, 2025 – In a significant step towards strengthening the fight against financial crime and enhancing the integrity of the European financial system, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the newly established Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) have formally signed a comprehensive agreement on cooperation. This landmark accord, announced today, solidifies the collaborative framework between these crucial European institutions, ushering in a new era of joint efforts in safeguarding against money laundering and terrorist financing.
The agreement, signed by representatives from both the ECB and AMLA, outlines a detailed roadmap for information sharing, joint analysis, and coordinated supervisory activities. This strategic partnership is designed to leverage the unique strengths and mandates of each institution, creating a more robust and effective supervisory architecture across the European Union.
The ECB, as the supervisor of significant institutions within the Eurozone, brings its extensive experience in prudential supervision and its deep understanding of the banking sector. AMLA, on the other hand, is specifically mandated to oversee and coordinate anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) efforts across the EU, ensuring consistent application of AML/CFT rules and promoting supervisory convergence.
Key aspects of this cooperation agreement include:
- Enhanced Information Exchange: The pact establishes clear protocols for the timely and secure exchange of relevant information between the ECB and AMLA. This will enable both authorities to gain a more holistic view of financial risks, identify potential vulnerabilities, and proactively address emerging threats.
- Joint Analytical Initiatives: The ECB and AMLA will collaborate on joint analytical projects to better understand the evolving landscape of money laundering and terrorist financing. This will involve sharing insights, methodologies, and data to identify patterns, trends, and typologies of illicit financial activities.
- Coordinated Supervisory Practices: The agreement promotes the alignment of supervisory methodologies and best practices concerning AML/CFT within the banking sector. This will ensure a level playing field for financial institutions and foster a more consistent and effective supervisory approach across all member states.
- Capacity Building and Training: The partnership will also encompass initiatives for mutual learning and capacity building, allowing staff from both institutions to benefit from each other’s expertise and foster a shared culture of vigilance.
Speaking on the occasion, a spokesperson for the European Central Bank expressed optimism about the agreement, stating, “This cooperation agreement with AMLA marks a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to build a more resilient and secure European financial system. By working hand-in-hand, we can more effectively identify and mitigate the risks associated with money laundering and terrorist financing, ultimately protecting the integrity of our markets and the trust of our citizens.”
Echoing these sentiments, a representative from AMLA highlighted the importance of this collaborative venture. “The establishment of this formal cooperation framework with the ECB is essential for the effective implementation of our mandate. The ECB’s in-depth knowledge of the banking sector, combined with AMLA’s EU-wide perspective on AML/CFT supervision, will create powerful synergies. Together, we are committed to ensuring that financial institutions across the EU are robustly protected against illicit financial flows.”
This agreement underscores the shared commitment of the ECB and AMLA to upholding the highest standards of financial integrity and to combating financial crime with renewed vigor. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, this strengthened partnership is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding the European Union from the pervasive threats of money laundering and terrorist financing.
ECB and AMLA sign agreement on cooperation
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