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CySEC Steps Up AML Consultations As EU Rules Tighten

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 17, 2026

Regulatory Shift In Focus

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has issued a new circular informing regulated entities about recently launched public consultations by the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA). The notice applies to a wide range of market participants, including Cyprus investment firms, administrative service providers, UCITS management companies, alternative investment fund managers and crypto-asset service providers, highlighting a notable shift in the supervisory landscape.

Consultations On Draft Regulatory Technical Standards

AMLA has opened public consultations on draft Regulatory Technical Standards prepared under the European Union’s updated anti-money-laundering framework. The proposals focus on several core areas:

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Business relationships: Draft standards under Article 19(9) set out criteria for establishing and maintaining business relationships, including rules for occasional and linked transactions and the introduction of lower reporting thresholds.
Customer due diligence: Under Article 28(1), the standards provide detailed guidance on customer identification and verification procedures, aiming to strengthen transparency during client onboarding.
Pecuniary sanctions and enforcement: Draft provisions under Article 53(10) address the handling of breaches, administrative penalties, and periodic penalty payments, reinforcing the enforcement architecture introduced by AMLD6.

Timelines And Participation

Clear deadlines have been set for stakeholder feedback. Comments on proposals concerning business relationships and customer due diligence are due by 8 May 2026, while responses related to enforcement measures must be submitted by 9 March 2026. An online public hearing dedicated to business relationships and due-diligence requirements is scheduled for 24 March 2026, with additional logistical details to be announced by AMLA.

Broad Implications And Strategic Developments

AMLA is encouraging participation from both financial and non-financial stakeholders, marking a more inclusive approach than earlier consultations led by European supervisory bodies. The authority stresses that early engagement will be particularly important for refining verification procedures, adjusting transaction-monitoring thresholds and ensuring smooth alignment with the evolving EU enforcement regime.

A Forward-Looking Governance Framework

In parallel, AMLA has unveiled its first multi-year strategic plan for 2026–2028, outlining the transition from a start-up phase to full operational capacity. The roadmap includes completion of the EU Single Rulebook, stronger supervisory convergence among member states, deeper cooperation between Financial Intelligence Units and a significant expansion of internal capacity, with staffing expected to grow from about 120 employees in late 2025 to more than 430 by the end of 2027

Conclusion

CySEC’s circular, together with AMLA’s strategic direction, points to a comprehensive strengthening of the EU anti-money-laundering framework. For Cyprus-based regulated entities, participation in these consultations represents both a compliance responsibility and a practical opportunity to help shape the standards that will guide future operational and reporting practices across the financial sector.

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Cyprus Inflation Hits 3% In April, Up From 1.5%

Eurostat flash estimates show that Cyprus recorded annual inflation of 3% in April 2026, up from 1.5% in March and 0.9% in February. The data indicate a faster increase in consumer prices compared with earlier months.

Economic Overview

Compared with April 2025, when annual inflation stood at 1.4%, the latest figure reflects a higher year-on-year rate. Monthly inflation reached 2.2% in April 2026, pointing to a rise in prices within a single month.

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Regional Trends Across The Eurozone

Across the euro area, annual inflation reached 3% in April 2026, compared with 2.6% in March. Cyprus follows a similar pattern, although the increase from earlier months has been more pronounced.

Sectoral Contributors To Inflation

Eurostat data show that energy remains the main contributor, with prices rising by 10.9% annually in April, up from 5.1% in March. At the same time, services recorded annual growth of 3%, slightly lower than 3.2% previously, while food, alcohol, and tobacco prices increased to 2.5% from 2.4%. Non-energy industrial goods also rose, reaching 0.8% compared with 0.5% in March.

Geopolitical Influences And Future Outlook

External factors continue to affect price developments, including tensions involving Iran and disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz. These conditions are contributing to higher energy costs, which in turn affect inflation in Cyprus and across the euro area.