EU AML Revolution: Crypto and DeFi Move Center Stage—How CAML Is Powering Next-Gen Compliance

Europe’s approach to anti-money laundering (AML) is undergoing its most profound transformation in decades. In November 2025, the European Parliament released a pivotal analysis revealing that crypto assets, DeFi protocols, and cross-border digital finance are now central to the AML strategy—not marginal topics. The launch of the new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) signals a tech-first, data-driven push to end the fractured oversight that allowed illicit money to exploit regulatory gaps across Member States. For Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs), fintechs, and payments firms, the message is clear:

the scope of AML obligations has expanded dramatically, and the expectations have gone up to “bank-level” overnight

From Side Topic to Risk Vector: Crypto Under the AML Spotlight

The report identifies crypto-assets as a primary global AML risk vector, with criminals now shifting from old-school cash techniques to digital laundering via blockchains, instant payments, and DeFi. Regulatory authorities are racing to address the sophistication and scale of these new risks—70% of EU criminal networks now depend on some form of laundering, and digital finance is amplifying operational complexity. AMLA is equipping itself with advanced blockchain analytics, artificial intelligence monitoring, and a new regime for real-time pattern detection in cross-border flows.​

CASPs are now “obliged entities” under the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR)

This means they must implement robust customer due diligence (CDD), register beneficial ownership, conduct ongoing transaction monitoring, and prepare regulatory reports—just like banks. The European Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR), effective since December 2024, enforces universal sender/recipient ID disclosure for all crypto transfers, ending the era of anonymous flows between CASPs. Yet, DeFi remains a critical blind spot: MiCA covers intermediated crypto services but does not fully regulate decentralized platforms lacking a central legal entity, leaving AMLA to develop new methods of blockchain tracing.​

AMLA, EBA, ESMA: Supervision Goes EU‑Wide

AMLA’s role is pivotal. Operating from Frankfurt, it coordinates with national authorities, European Banking Authority (EBA), and European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), unifying crypto/DeFi supervision and directly overseeing high‑risk, cross‑border institutions. With centralized databases, joint inspections, and binding regulatory decisions, AMLA aims to stamp out regulatory arbitrage and raise standards across the single market. Its investment in tech-driven compliance and real-time surveillance sets a new benchmark for AML globally.​

What Crypto Firms Must Do Now

Crypto firms, CASPs, and fintechs need to up their game—fast:​

1. Prepare for bank-level AML monitoring, CDD, and reporting under AMLR and TFR.

2. Invest in travel rule solutions, on-chain analytics, and KYT tooling as necessities—not optional extras.

3. Get ready for EU-level scrutiny, especially if you’re a cross-border/high-risk platform.

4. Understand that Europe's regime is shaping international AML standards—regulatory expectations are globalizing.

CAML: We can be Your Compliance Operations Desk for the New AML Era

This tectonic shift creates a perfect moment for CAML to step in as the essential “plug‑in AML operations desk” for regulated entities scrambling to meet these new demands. CAML stands out as a specialist provider of crypto‑savvy AML analysts who understand AMLR, MiCA, and TFR—and can slot directly into regulated firms’ daily compliance processes.​​

What CAML offers:

• Trained Analyst Teams: CAML delivers outsourced MLRO, KYC/KYB, EDD, and transaction monitoring personnel to crypto, payments, and e-money firms. Our analysts come prepped on CASP licensing, MiCA expectations, travel rule mechanics, and Lithuania/EU regulatory practice.​​

• Bank-Level Operations “Out of the Box”: CAML supplies ready-to-go capacity to build monitoring rules, review alerts, document risk assessments, and prepare FIU reports—so firms avoid the long ramp-up needed for internal hiring.​​

• Scalable, Adaptive Compliance: For high-risk or cross-border CASPs facing EU-level inspections, CAML provides hands-on support during thematic reviews, audits, and remediation projects. We enable firms to meet AMLA, EBA, and ESMA expectations without ballooning headcount.​​

• MiCA, AMLR, TFR Expertise: CAML’s analysts keep your firm aligned with the latest technical standards, travel rule requirements, and ongoing updates as the EU rulebook evolves.​​

Translate Regulation into Daily Operations—With CAML

As Europe enters a new era of unified AML regulation—where crypto and digital finance are squarely in scope—the operational burden on regulated firms has never been greater. CAML helps CASPs, EMIs, and fintechs operationalize these new expectations by supplying expert AML analysts, outsourced MLRO/KYC/TM teams, and on-demand compliance capacities. Instead of long hiring cycles, firms plug into CAML’s trained “crypto compliance desk” and get up to speed from day one.​

When AMLA’s technical standards arrive in 2026, let us keep your AML procedures ahead of the curve. Reach out to CAML to secure scalable compliance operations—and ensure your business thrives under Europe’s next-generation AML rulebook.

For more insights, compliance solutions, or to schedule a consultation - office@caml.lt