Rules to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism

The EU adopted the fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive in 2015. This Directive has been implemented into Swedish law through the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Act (2017:630) (the Anti-Money Laundering Act) and FI’s regulations (FFFS 2017:11) regarding measures against money laundering and terrorist financing (anti-money laundering regulations). With the aim of improving the legislative framework – in part given new technological services – the EU Adopted a fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive in 2018, which has also been implemented primarily in the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

In addition, the Money Laundering Offences Act (2014:307) is the penal regulation covering money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Under the act, for example, it is a crime to launder money.

New anti-money laundering package 

In 2024, EU Adopted a new package of anti-money laundering rules This package includes three legislative documents: the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR), the Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD), and the AMLA Regulation (AMLAR). 

One of the aims of the new anti-money laundering package is to achieve a uniform regulatory framework within the EU to strengthen the EU and the EU’s financial system against being used for money laundering or terrorist financing. This regulatory framework furthermore aims to centralise anti-money laundering supervision within the EU and coordinate the financial intelligence units.

Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR)

The rules laid down by the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR) apply directly to the persons and units subject to the regulation. The scope of the regulation is thus not dependent on it being implemented in the Member States’ national legislation.

AMLR will be applied to undertakings in the financial sector starting on 10 July 2027. The regulation will be supplemented by technical standards and guidelines from AMLA that will specify in more detail some of the regulation’s requirements.

Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD)

The Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD) contains provisions that target the Member States. For example, AMLD contains provisions on cross-border cooperation, informational exchange, supervision and sanctions.

AMLA Regulation (AMLAR)

The AMLA Regulation (AMLAR) establishes a new EU authority, AMLA, to combat money laundering and terrorist financing: the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA).

Given the establishment of AMLA, FI's practical role in terms of possibilities for issuing regulation and recommendations is currently smaller. For example, annual reporting will continue to occur via FI's systems, but AMLA will largely be responsible for the design and management.