Weekly briefing · 15 July 2026

Cyprus AML & Sanctions — this week

EU and Cyprus AML developments, summarised for compliance teams · published by Ioannou & Sharpe LLC
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This week's significant developments centre on AMLA's expanding regulatory footprint: a consultation on harmonised risk assessments for the non-financial sector, a new common EU enforcement approach, and multiple draft technical standards open for comment. CySEC relayed AMLA consultations on reporting standards and regulatory technical standards under AMLD6/AMLR, while the Cyprus Bar Association circulated the annual compliance questionnaire via AMLEX-365. A proposed new EU sanctions regime targeting migrant smuggling and organised crime, plus a CySEC circular on ML/TF risks after the MiCA transitional period, also require attention.

Top priorities for obliged entities

AMLA consultation on harmonised risk assessments in the non-financial sector

Directly affects all non-financial obliged entities (law firms, TCSPs, accountants, etc.) — AMLA is defining common risk-assessment methodologies that will reshape how you assess and document firm-wide ML/TF risk; review and respond to the consultation before it closes.

AMLA common EU approach to enforcing AML rules

Signals converging supervisory expectations across member states — all obliged entities should prepare for more uniform examination standards and potential direct supervisory action by AMLA from 2027.

EU proposed sanctions regime for migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and organised crime

New autonomous EU sanctions framework — once adopted, obliged entities must screen against the new designations list; monitor adoption progress and prepare to update sanctions screening procedures.

CySEC C790 — ML/TF risks following end of MiCA Transitional Period

CASPs and any firm with crypto-asset clients must note updated risk guidance now that MiCA full application is in force; review CDD and risk-assessment procedures for crypto-related business.

CySEC C781 — MOKAS Revised Guidelines, Strategic Reports and Annual Report 2025

MOKAS revised guidelines and 2025 annual report contain updated STR-filing expectations and national risk-assessment data — all obliged entities should review for changes to reporting procedures and risk-profiling.

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What we monitor

AMLA — EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority, CySEC — AML/CFT circulars, Cyprus Bar Association — AML announcements, EBA — European Banking Authority, ESMA — European Securities and Markets Authority, European Commission — Sanctions (press), FATF — publications & news, ICPAC — AML circulars & alerts, MOKAS — Cyprus FIU, National Betting Authority — AML directives.

More from FIRMCY

FATF & EU high-risk country lists — current listings · Daily sanctions list updates · Free PEP & sanctions check · Past issues

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Not legal advice. This briefing summarises public regulatory announcements; verify against the primary source before acting.