Overview Of The New Directive
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has issued a formal circular, requiring all regulated entities in Cyprus to submit detailed information to support the implementation of the European Union’s latest anti‐money laundering legislation. This directive stems from Regulation (EU) 2024/1620, established by the European Parliament and the Council on May 31, 2024, which has been active since July 2025.
Mandated Assessments And Operational Scope
Under the new framework, the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) will collaborate with national supervisors to conduct routine assessments of credit and financial institutions across at least six EU Member States. These assessments apply regardless of whether financial activities are performed onsite or remotely, underscoring the commission’s commitment to comprehensive market oversight.
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Submission Requirements And Stringent Deadlines
To streamline this initiative, CySEC has introduced a new Form, available as an appendix in the circular. All entities authorized by December 31, 2024 must complete and submit this document. Compliance officers are required to email the completed form to the designated address by January 9, 2026. It is crucial to adhere to this deadline, as no follow-up reminders will be provided; therefore, each firm will bear full responsibility.
Technical Specifications And Support Framework
The circular outlines specific technical requirements: all Excel files must be named using the TRS credentials username followed by the date (20241231) and the suffix AMLA. Only English language versions of the form will be accepted, and all data must be reported in euros, rounded to the nearest unit. Detailed instructions are provided within an in-file worksheet to ensure precision.
Broad Implications For The Financial Sector
This mandate extends to Cyprus Investment Firms, UCITS management companies, Alternative Investment Fund Managers, Crypto-Asset Services Providers, and even smaller-scale operations such as Small AIFMs and Sub-threshold AIFMs. In doing so, the regulator aims to enhance market transparency and reinforce the EU’s centralised approach to combating financial crime through the integrated AMLA supervisory framework.
Support And Further Inquiries
For technical support, regulated entities may submit questions regarding the circular and its appendices between December 30, 2025, and January 8, 2026. All queries must be submitted in writing to the designated risk statistics email address, ensuring clarity and consistency in the regulatory process.
