Two EU frameworks are reshaping compliance for financial services and digital assets. Here is where they stand in 2026 — and what to prepare now.
The EU's Anti-Money Laundering package, adopted in June 2024, replaces the directive-based regime (AMLD) with a directly applicable Regulation (AMLR). The practical difference: no more national transposition differences — one rulebook across all member states.
Key elements: a harmonised customer due diligence standard, an EU-wide cash payment cap, tighter UBO transparency (25% threshold, with lower thresholds for high-risk sectors), and an expanded scope that pulls in crypto-asset service providers, luxury goods traders and football clubs. Most obligations apply from mid-2027, but the new EU supervisor AMLA (Frankfurt) has been operational since 2025 and is already shaping technical standards. 2026 is the year to align your CDD files, screening logic and retention policies — waiting until 2027 means retrofitting under supervision.
The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation has applied to crypto-asset service providers since 30 December 2024. National grandfathering periods let existing providers operate during their licence application, but those windows close during 2026 in most member states. Without CASP authorisation, there is no EU market access.
Alongside MiCA, the recast Transfer of Funds Regulation applies the Travel Rule to crypto transfers: originator and beneficiary information must accompany transactions, with no minimum threshold in the EU.
snapID's platform maps onto these requirements directly: automated CDD, continuous PEP/sanctions re-screening, Travel Rule support and full audit logging. This article is general information, not legal advice — align your specific obligations with your counsel or compliance officer.