Ireland has launched its first national anti-money laundering strategy, targeting crypto assets, corporate transparency, and inter-agency intelligence to combat financial crime and align with global and EU regulations.
Key Takeaways
On Aug. 13, Simon Harris launched Ireland’s 5-priority anti-money laundering plan.New rules target crypto assets and higher-risk firms across 5 key areas.Next, Ireland will align with new EU laws to prepare for its 2026 FATF evaluation.Launched by Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, the strategy underpins the most significant strengthening of Ireland’s financial crime framework in years. It aims to deliver a whole-of-government approach to prevent criminals, fraudsters and terrorist financiers from exploiting the state’s financial system.
“Criminal organisations are becoming increasingly sophisticated,” Harris said in a statement. “They are exploiting new technologies, crypto-assets and complex international financial networks to conceal criminal profits. Government must continue to stay ahead of those threats.”
Preparation of the strategy follows the recently published 2026 National Risk Assessment on Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing, alongside its associated Priority Action Implementation Plan. Built around five strategic priorities—strengthening national coordination, better understanding risks, delivering a stronger regulatory framework, building capability, and enhancing international cooperation—the initiative sets out several key reforms.
It also seeks to increase transparency around company ownership and introduce new disclosure requirements for limited partnerships and higher-risk corporate vehicles to stop criminals from hiding behind complex corporate structures. The government also wants to modernize financial intelligence capabilities and enhance the State’s ability to detect cyber-enabled fraud, sanctions evasion, and emerging financial crime threats.
Strengthening intelligence sharing between government departments and the supervision of financial institutions, and improving oversight of vulnerable sectors, including gambling.
“Today’s launch sends a clear message: Ireland will not be a safe place to launder criminal proceeds,” Harris said. “We will continue to pursue organised criminals, protect our financial system and safeguard Ireland’s reputation as one of the safest and most trusted places in Europe to live, work and do business.”
