New rules in 2025 tighten anti-money laundering controls

From 2025, new rules will materially strengthen authorities’ tools to prevent and combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Several changes target the financial sector. Below are the key developments affecting governance, controls and reporting workflows — and where focused AML compliance consulting and AML advisory services can provide practical value.

Banks subject to a disclosure duty from 1 April 2025

From 1 April, banks and certain other financial actors will be required to disclose information about individual customers’ financial circumstances. The purpose is to support efforts to prevent, deter and detect serious crime — that is, offences carrying a minimum custodial sentence of one year.

Clearer requirements on information sharing mean more institutions must reassess documentation practices, customer data handling and confidentiality arrangements. Targeted AML gap analysis can help verify proportionality, legal basis and auditability before implementation.

Controls on cross-border cash flows will be tightened

The Swedish Customs (Tullverket) will have expanded powers to inspect cash brought into or out of Sweden to and from other EU countries. Cash that is not properly declared may be retained, and a new criminal offence for breaches of the declaration duty will be introduced. This responds directly to increased use of cash in cross-border money-laundering schemes.

Clearing houses may be required to monitor transactions

A proposal would oblige clearing houses to monitor transactions between their participants. Where a transaction is assessed as linked to money laundering or terrorist financing, it would need to be reported to both the parties involved and the Financial Intelligence Unit (Finanspolisen). Such a duty would extend reporting responsibilities beyond individual banks to central financial-market infrastructure. Robust procedures for reporting suspected money laundering will be essential.

Certain financial services to become subject to licensing

A legislative proposal would replace today’s simpler registration duty with a licensing requirement for currency exchange, payment services and the issuance of electronic money. This would raise the threshold for non-compliant actors in high-risk segments and give the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) broader supervisory tools.

Unlicensed financial activity to be criminalised

A further proposal would make it a criminal offence to conduct financial activities without the requisite authorisation or registration. The measure is aimed in particular at non-compliant and criminal actors.

Morling Consulting closely tracks these developments and supports organisations across Europe. Want to understand how the new rules may affect your business — and how to stay ahead? Our AML compliance services include AML gap analysis, AML advisory services, training and frameworks for reporting suspected money laundering.