The European Union has announced sweeping new anti money laundering rules that will bring stricter oversight to cash and crypto asset transactions starting in July 2027. These new requirements, detailed in Regulation 2024/1624 published in the EU’s Official Journal, mark one of the most significant regulatory shifts for both financial institutions and crypto businesses across the bloc.
A new era for cash payments
Under the fresh rules, any commercial cash payments exceeding 10,000 euros for goods and services will be strictly prohibited throughout the European Union. Member states may set their own even lower thresholds if they choose. Importantly, deposits made to regulated banks will not be subject to this general limit, offering some relief for businesses operating on a larger scale.
The EU’s new anti money laundering regulations will cap payments for goods and services at 10,000 euros starting July 2027 while also imposing tighter identity verification requirements for crypto transactions.
Additionally, identity checks will become mandatory for all cash transactions starting at 3,000 euros. This move is designed to help authorities more closely monitor large financial flows and reduce the risk of illicit financing. The EU believes these controls are a powerful new tool in the fight against money laundering.
The regulation’s reach goes well beyond traditional finance. High end goods dealers, football clubs, crowdfunding platforms, and entities that facilitate residency or citizenship through investment will all have to comply. Transparency requirements regarding company ownership and assets have also been broadened to better expose ultimate beneficial owners.
Crypto service providers under tighter scrutiny
Crypto asset service providers are facing a new landscape as well. The legislation bans the use of anonymous crypto accounts on regulated platforms. Exchanges and wallet service providers must implement robust systems for verifying every customer’s identity, fundamentally altering how user onboarding and compliance will work in Europe.
Quick glossary: “Know Your Customer” procedures require financial firms to verify customers’ identities and monitor their transactions for risk. Crypto asset service providers include licensed platforms that offer trading, custody, or transfer services.
According to the new rules, enhanced checks will apply to certain crypto transactions above 1,000 euros. For smaller amounts, identification may also be requested, but the requirement will vary based on transaction type. These rules are poised to make anonymous transactions much harder, while providing authorities with greater oversight of digital asset flows.
The regulation also targets privacy enhancing tools; platforms will not be allowed to offer accounts or services that obscure transaction trails.
Private wallets remain exempt
Notably, the new framework does not ban individuals from holding privacy-focused cryptocurrencies in personal wallets. However, exchanges and custodians under EU supervision will face stricter rules around listing and supporting such assets, restricting what services they can offer in relation to these tokens.
Direct transfers between private wallets fall outside the scope of the new identity regulations. By contrast, crypto service providers handling cross border transactions will have to introduce even more rigorous checks. With the new rules set to become effective in 2027, both financial institutions and crypto companies will need to revamp their systems to meet these tougher obligations.
