6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD6) Directive (EU) 2024/1640
- Issuing authority
- EU
- Effective date
- Entered into force on 9 July 2024. EU Member States must transpose it into national law by 10 July 2027.
- Scope
- All EU Member States
Key requirements
The EU's directive covering AML/CFT supervision and how national systems should be set up. Each EU country must turn this into their own national law by 10 July 2027. Covers Financial Intelligence Units, supervisory authorities, beneficial ownership registers and how authorities should cooperate across borders. Replaces parts of AMLD4 and AMLD5.
Quick Summary
AMLD6 sets out how EU countries should organise and supervise their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing systems. It introduces new rules for Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), AML supervisors, beneficial ownership registers, and cooperation between national authorities. Each EU Member State must incorporate these rules into its own national law by 10 July 2027.
What is it?
AMLD6 is the instruction manual for EU countries. While the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR) creates one common set of AML rules across the EU, AMLD6 explains how each Member State should organise its AML system, supervise firms, and work with other countries to prevent financial crime.
Who does it apply to?
- National AML supervisors
- Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs)
- Banks
- Payment institutions
- Electronic money institutions
- Investment firms
- Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs)
- Lawyers, accountants, and other obliged entities
- AML and compliance professionals
Why does it matter?
AMLD6 aims to make AML supervision more consistent across the EU while improving cooperation between national authorities. It strengthens the role of Financial Intelligence Units, improves access to beneficial ownership information, and helps ensure that money laundering is investigated more effectively across borders.
What should firms do?
- Monitor how AMLD6 is implemented in their country before the July 2027 deadline.
- Review updates to national AML laws as they are introduced.
- Update AML policies and procedures to reflect new national requirements.
- Ensure beneficial ownership information is accurate and kept up to date.
- Train staff on any changes resulting from AMLD6 implementation.
AboutAML Breakdown
To understand the difference between AMLR and AMLD6. Think of it as: AMLR tells firms what rules they must follow. AMLD6 tells EU countries how to build and run their AML systems. For example, AMLD6 includes rules on how Financial Intelligence Units should operate, how supervisors should cooperate, and how beneficial ownership registers should be managed. These are things that governments and regulators need to organise so the AML system works effectively across the EU. Together, AMLR, AMLD6, and the AMLA Regulation form the foundation of the EU's new AML framework.