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New EU Authority To Transform Anti-Money Laundering Oversight

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 11, 2026

The European Union is poised for a regulatory revolution with the establishment of a new authority dedicated to combating money laundering. Scheduled to become fully operational by 2027, this central agency will exercise direct supervision over 40 of the largest financial institutions across more than seven member states, reinforcing a uniform standard of oversight that has been historically fragmented.

A Unified European Front Against Financial Crime

Emil Radev, a Bulgarian MEP from the European People’s Party (EPP) and GERB, detailed the new framework on the BTA podcast “EULexBG.” He explained that the authority, which will be headquartered in Frankfurt, will oversee not only banks and financial firms but also exercise indirect supervision over non-financial entities that show potential money-laundering risks. The approach is designed to close regulatory loopholes that have allowed offenders to take advantage of differences between national laws.

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Strengthening Compliance Across Member States

At present, each EU country applies its own legal mechanisms when enforcing anti-money-laundering rules, even though they stem from common EU directives. Radev noted that this has led to uneven enforcement, where identical offences can result in different consequences depending on the jurisdiction. The new authority aims to reduce these disparities by coordinating the financial intelligence units of all member states and setting clearer supervisory standards.

Enhanced Oversight Over Financial And Non-Financial Sectors

The revamped regulatory package approved in May 2024 expands its reach beyond traditional financial institutions. Investors in the cryptocurrency sphere, luxury goods merchants, football clubs, and even football agents will fall within its purview. The new mandates include stricter requirements for verifying the ultimate beneficial owners of companies and impose an EU-wide cap on cash payments at 10,000 euros, a move designed to curb illicit financial flows.

Regulatory Reforms And Bulgaria’s Recovery

Radev also referenced Bulgaria’s recent experience as an example of why stronger coordination is needed. The country was placed on the Financial Action Task Force’s gray list two years ago, which affected its international reputation. Updated legislation and improved compliance measures have since been introduced, and officials expect removal from the list within the year. The case illustrates how unified EU standards could help member states restore credibility more quickly when weaknesses are identified.

Overall, the establishment of the new authority marks a decisive move toward greater transparency and consistency in the European financial system. By centralising supervision and widening its scope, the EU is seeking to set a higher benchmark in the global fight against money laundering.

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Cyprus Composite Leading Economic Index Signals Steady Growth Amid Global Uncertainties

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 11, 2026

Robust Economic Trajectory In Cyprus

The Cyprus Composite Leading Economic Index (CCLEI) recorded a 2.9% year‐on‐year increase in January 2026, as per the revised data from the University of Cyprus‘s Economics Research Centre (CypERC). This performance, though slightly slower than the 3.1% and 3.2% gains recorded in December and November 2025 respectively, confirms resilient economic fundamentals over the period.

Sectoral Contributions And International Influences

Key components such as temperature-adjusted electricity production, property sales contracts, tourist arrivals, and retail trade activity all posted positive year-on-year growth. In contrast, external factors such as a marked reduction in Brent crude oil prices and diverging economic sentiment indicators between Cyprus and the euro area highlight a complex external environment. While the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) across the euro area improved in January, the domestic ESI in Cyprus declined, reflecting a weakening business climate in the services and industrial sectors.

Detailed Insights Into Business And Consumer Confidence

Additional surveys outlined a slight deterioration in economic sentiment within Cyprus. The overall decline in the Economic Sentiment Indicator, notably a 0.2-point drop from December 2025, was primarily driven by reduced confidence in the construction, retail trade, and industrial sectors. Despite improvements in the Services Confidence Indicator and stable consumer confidence levels, adjustments in stock levels and revised sales expectations contributed to a softer outlook among business leaders. Construction firms, facing seasonal constraints and labor shortages, adopted a more neutral stance, while industrial players tempered expectations due to less favorable assessments of stock levels and production.

Methodology And Future Outlook

The CCLEI, designed to provide early warning signals for turning points in business cycles, derives its insights from an array of domestic and international indicators. These include tracking trends such as the Brent crude oil price in euros, property sales contracts, tourist arrivals, and credit card transaction values. The centre’s ongoing assessment, including its recent summary of business and consumer surveys, suggests that despite external geopolitical and economic uncertainties, the Cypriot economy maintains a stable growth trajectory.