CJEU clarifies the term “Operator” Under Article 2f(1) of Regulation 833/2014 and departs from the European Commission’s FAQs
On 3 July 2026, the Court of Justice of the European Union delivered its preliminary ruling in Case C-67/25, R, N & K v Staatsanwaltschaft Saarbrücken, addressing the scope of the term “operator” in Article 2f(1) of Council Regulation (EU) 833/2014, which prohibits the broadcasting of content originating from entities listed in Annex XV of the Regulation. The […]
EU Expands Russia-Related Restrictive Measures Through New Designations and Expansion of Crimea Measures
The European Union has expanded its Russia sanctions regime through the adoption of additional restrictive measures and the designation of new individuals and entities. The latest measures, approved by the Council of the European Union, target individuals, entities and sectors considered to be supporting Russia’s military capabilities, facilitating sanctions evasion, engaging in foreign information manipulation […]
EU’s Anti Money Laundering Authority Publishes 2025 Roadshow Report
The European Union’s new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) has published the findings from its first EU-wide Roadshow, offering one of the clearest insights yet into how regulators, supervisors, Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), and financial institutions view the future of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) across Europe. Not only that, but the Report also highlights […]
EU Adopts 20th Sanctions Package Against Russia
The European Union has adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, introducing one of the most far-reaching and strategically targeted rounds of measures since the start of the war in Ukraine. Combining 120 new listings with expanded economic restrictions, the package reinforces the EU’s commitment to sustaining pressure on Russia while closing gaps that […]
EU Unveils 20th Package of Sanctions Against Russia
As the war in Ukraine approaches its fourth anniversary, the European Union has announced its 20th sanctions package, indicating a further escalation of economic, financial, and trade measures targeting Russia. The latest measures are designed to strike at Russia’s core vulnerabilities: energy revenues, financial channels, and access to critical goods and technologies, reinforcing the EU’s […]
How does FinTech pose higher AML risks and can anything be done to combat this?
Financial technology (“FinTech”) has had an unprecedented increase in this generation. However, with that, it has also introduced unique and significant anti-money laundering (“AML”) risks. This is mostly due to its rapid speed, digital nature and at times, unmonitored global reach. In the European Banking Authority (“EBA”) 2025 Opinion, it raised concerns over the above […]
EU Adopts 19th Sanctions Package Against Russia
On 23rd October 2025, the European Union adopted its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, introducing further economic and individual restrictive measures in response to Moscow’s escalating war of aggression against Ukraine. The 19th package targets key sectors such as energy, finance, trade, technology, and defence, and also strengthens controls over the movement of Russian […]
European Commission Announces 19th Sanctions Package Against Russia
The European Commission has unveiled its 19th package of proposed sanctions against Russia, marking a further escalation in the EU’s response to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. The measures, announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, follow a surge in Russian drone and missile strikes that have targeted civilian homes, government buildings, and even […]
Cyprus Establishes National Sanctions Implementation Unit: Key Implications for Businesses
Cyprus has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its financial integrity with the launch of the National Sanctions Implementation Unit (NSIU), known in Greek as the Εθνική Μονάδα Εφαρμογής Κυρώσεων (EMEK). The NSIU represents a fundamental restructuring of how sanctions are implemented and enforced in Cyprus. By centralizing oversight, closing enforcement gaps, and aligning with […]
EU Adopts 18th Sanctions Package Against Russia
On 18 July 2025, the European Union adopted its 18th package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia, in response to its ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. This new package of restrictive measures significantly expands the EU’s efforts to weaken Russia’s ability to sustain its military campaign by targeting key sectors such as energy, […]
FATF Report June 2025: Complex Proliferation Financing and Sanctions Evasion
In June 2025, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published a detailed report examining the evolving threat of complex proliferation financing (PF) and sanctions evasion schemes. These schemes, which often support the development and distribution of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), pose a growing risk to both international security and the global financial system. This […]
Understanding the UN Sanctions Regime and Its Impact on Professional Service Providers
The United Nations (UN) Sanctions Regime plays a critical role in maintaining international peace and security. It is a key instrument used by the UN Security Council (UNSC) to combat terrorism, prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and respond to human rights violations. Given its broad impact, professional service providers, including audit firms, […]