Ireland has launched a National Risk Assessment and a 30-point action plan to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and sophisticated financial crime.
Key Takeaways:
On Thursday, Ireland’s Finance Minister, Simon Harris, launched a 30-point action plan to combat Irish money laundering and fraud.Crypto-assets and global financial networks face tougher regulations to halt digital illicit cash flows.An Garda Síochána and the Central Bank will continuously update enforcement policies through 2026.“Criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting technology, operating across borders and adapting rapidly to change,” Harris said during the announcement. “Government cannot stand still in the face of these threats.”
Harris emphasized that tech-driven financial crimes carry severe human costs. “Financial crime is not a victimless crime,” he said. “Behind every fraud, scam and money laundering operation, there are real victims — older people losing their savings, families being defrauded and communities harmed by criminal activity.”
O’Callaghan said the roadmap provides a practical blueprint to keep Ireland’s regulatory and enforcement responses agile enough to match the pace of technological change.
“This National Risk Assessment provides a comprehensive picture of the threats we face and the actions required to address them,” O’Callaghan said, noting that the strategy will unify efforts across regulators, industry, and law enforcement.
Enforcement of the new policies will involve joint operations between government ministries, the Central Bank, Ireland’s tax authority, and An Garda Síochána, the national police force. Officials noted that the regulatory framework for digital assets will be continually updated to ensure Ireland remains a secure jurisdiction for international business.
