Summer update: market trends, new procedures and events

AML: Inspections are on the rise - is your company ready?

We've seen a marked increase in onsite inspections and visits with financial institutions. Regulatory enforcement actions across the EU have also grown. This significant increase could be a precursor to the AMLA's intent to maintain close oversight and be promptly alerted to any suspicious or non-compliant practices. Be prepared. In this evolving landscape, being compliant and being prepared for dawn raids and regulatory enforcement is no longer optional. It's essential. Financial institutions have to anticipate heightened scrutiny and demonstrate impeccable compliance to avoid significant sanctions. We can help you.

Read the slide deck we've prepared on this topic.

 

AML package - what's changing?

On 31 May 2024, the EU adopted the Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive, the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation and the AML Authority Regulation. Along with the revised Transfer of Funds Regulation, these rules complete the adoption of the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism package (AML package). The AML package significantly changes the regime under Directive (EU) 2015/849 (the Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive). It expands the regime with strengthened and new obligations across key areas such as beneficial ownership transparency, due diligence obligations and supervision. And it further harmonises the regime through regulations that directly apply in EU member states. The AML package also introduces a new supervisor the AML Authority that will further strengthen harmonisation.

We can support you with mapping the impact and changes this will bring and help you implement the AML package. We’re experienced in reviewing compliance frameworks, drafting and reviewing policies, and we can provide regulatory support or strategic training or ongoing legal monitoring.

 

Regulatory inventories

Regulatory expectations on how banks track compliance with the laws and regulations that apply to them are developing. We've seen increased scrutiny from regulators on banks' compliance monitoring programmes and requests to disclose regulatory inventories. We have extensive experience in designing, drafting and maintaining regulatory inventories, including for some of the largest banks in the world. We can advise you on how it can support and complement your regulatory watch processes, having seen these practices up close both as external counsel and, for some of our team members, as part of an in-house legal team.

We'd be happy to provide a presentation on how inventory programmes work in practice (from a design, maintenance and governance perspective) and how DLA Piper can support you in these efforts.

 

New procedures: Data breach reporting

The Belgian Data Protection Authority (DPA) recently launched its new online portal for reporting data breaches. It's on the Belgian DPA website, with relevant guidance.

You can find the webpage we dedicated to this new procedure here.

 

Events and networking opportunities

M&A Tax & Funds Seminar

Following the success of our February session on the tax measures outlined in the new coalition agreement, we're pleased to invite you to a new edition of our M&A Tax & Funds Seminar on 23 September 2025 from 9:00-13:00 in the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp.

Some of the measures we previously discussed have since taken shape, most notably the proposed capital gains tax, which is set to have a significant impact on the M&A and investment landscape. During this seminar, we will take a closer look at the key tax and regulatory developments affecting corporate transactions and fund structuring.

Join us in the beautiful setting of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, for a morning of practical insights and high-level networking.

Register for the event here.